Regular Season Recruitment Winners: Defensive Stars To Watch

We're highlighting some defensive recruits today who had big years and may have helped their recruiting quite a bit as we head into playoffs and the offseason.    Muir showed potential in years 1 and 2 and then put it all together this year. He's been one of the more productive linebackers in the state. He's got a decent frame that can be in the trenches and drop back into coverage. He's good at creating pressure when he's near the LOS and can get off blocks. He's got 127 tackles, 14 TFLs, 5 sacks, an interception, a PBU, and a forced fumble this season.     Kincaide has had a big year for Noblesville and given them a steady piece in the middle of the defense. He's got a fantastic build and can be as physical as anyone. He's got good vision and can see things developing. He can find lanes to clog and shut down the run. He can run sideline to sideline and has the stamina to be up all game. You can really see his confidence has skyrocketed over the 2nd half of the year, which was big for the defense as a whole. He's got 119 tackles, 4 TFLs, 2 sacks, and a PBU to his name as a junior.     Jones has put together back-to-back seasons where he's dominated near the LOS and shuts down the run game as well as anyone in the state. He's got a quick first step near the line and has the core strength to fight interior and exterior linemen. I like the fact that he'll move around and keep them guessing. Over the past 2 seasons, he's put up 49 TFLs. This year altogether though, he's nearly doubled everything else. 94 total tackles, 22 TFLs, 3 sacks, 1 PBU, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He's highly productive, has the frame, and upside you're looking for.     Smith has broken out for Warren Central in a big way when they needed someone to step up the most. He's a good athlete with good vision. He can roam the entire field when needed and come flying up to play the run. He's confident and trusts what he sees. He has no issue tackling on the outside in 1 on 1 situations. He knows how to force guys back inside and set his teammates up for success. His 92 tackles, 6 TFLs, 1 sack, and 1 interception all showcase his potential. He's talented and someone I think who can really be successful long-term.     Hoog is a smart and talented LB who can see things developing and help shut them down. He got the start this year and never let the guys around him down. He's thick and can play in the trenches. He has no issue being deep in the meat grind when things are chaotic. He plays steadily and doesn't seem to panic. I also like how he's willing to get his teammates into position and lined up when the opposing offense is trying to go hurry-up. He put up 86 total tackles, 2 TFLs, and 1.5 sacks on the year. I like Hoog and feel like he's got more in the tank.     Waites has given the North Side defense a big boost this year and looks good doing it. He's got a big frame, he's strong, and he knows how to use the tools in his bag. He's incredibly effective near the LOS and getting pressure on the QB or slowing down the run. He can beat Tackles with speed or power. He's got long arms that can bring down the ball carrier as he tries to go by Waites. I just like how disruptive he can be and how he forces the opposing QB to panic at times. He put up 81 tackles, 13 TFLs, and 4 sacks on the year.

We're highlighting some defensive recruits today who had big years and may have helped their recruiting quite a bit as we head into playoffs and the offseason.