Class of 2028 Defensive Check-In

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're at the point of the 2025 season where around half of all '28 prospects have some tape on Hudl. That means we're finally able to get a decent look at how these sophomores have performed this season! Below are my quick impressions regarding five very high upside sophomores. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LB | [player_tooltip player_id='1384993' first='Dacari' last='Johnson'] | Muskegon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Honestly, there isn't too much public tape from [player_tooltip player_id='1384993' first='Dacari' last='Johnson'], but some publications have noted that he's been a standout on defense. According to <a href="https://localsportsjournal.com/2025/10/big-reds-have-monster-second-quarter-take-down-grand-rapids-union/">Local Sports Journal</a>, Dacari totaled 8 tackles in a breezy win against Grand Rapids Union. Against Garfield Heights, Dacari totaled 10 tackles. Additionally, Dacari does have one highlight against Grandville- a great read and TFL. <br>I know that stats don't matter a ton when evaluating players (especially LBs), but I at least know Dacari is getting to the football on a consistent basis. Plus, I got an amazing look at Dacari this past offseason, and I know he has the athletic traits to be a Division 1 prospect. Before I send my Class of 2028 prospect spreadsheet to colleges, I'll make sure I watch a Big Reds game in full. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DE | [player_tooltip player_id='1398371' first='Carter' last='Horton'] | AA Pioneer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I beleive Carter was previously at Brother Rice, but has since transferred to Ann Arbor Pioneer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A lot to be excited about for Carter. For one, Carter's size stands out. He lists himself as 6'3" 240, and it's obvious that he's at least 6'0 on tape. While I think there's still a ton of room for growth athletically, Carter does have a solid swim move and has great effort throughout his 3-minute tape. I see phenomenal upside as a run-stopping DE, and good upside as a pass rusher if he's able to upgrade his explosiveness. I don't currently view Carter as a Division 1 prospect, but the potential is there. This coming offseason is going to be critical. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DT/OT | [player_tooltip player_id='1688768' first='Owen' last='Campbell'] | Bay City John Glenn</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A two-way lineman for a much-improved BC John Glenn program. Last season, I came away impressed with Owen's anchor, but thought his technique needed quite a bit of work. This season, it seems like Owen is bigger, stronger, and fundamentally better. At defensive end, Owen has one great highlight, where he perfectly reads and blows up the counter run. Still not too much tape from Owen, but I am confident that he's on his way to being a college prospect by the 2027 offseason. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DT | [player_tooltip player_id='1398372' first='Elijah' last='Moore'] | North Farmington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's difficult to start on both sides of the ball at any school, but it's especially hard at North Farmington. A team that typically is great in the trenches, Elijah has stepped in and done well at both positions. Defensively, Elijah is an immovable object. Big, strong, and extremely high upside as an inside run stopper. While I'd like to see better explosiveness from Elijah, he does have good motor and plays through the whistle. Offensively, his anchor and power show, but I primarily view Elijah as a defensive tackle. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DB | [player_tooltip player_id='1400626' first='Elijah' last='Davis'] | SH Stevenson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An exceptional season for the sophomore DB. In weeks 1-5 alone, Elijah totaled 2 INTs, 3 PBUs, and 10 solo tackles. Expectedly, Elijah looks like a very fluid athlete, good ball skills, great physicality, and exceptional play speed. In terms of effort, athletic ability, and all-around skill, Elijah looks like a Division 1 prospect. I'll continue to rank Elijah highly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->