What Defensive Players Have Showed Out on Film?

Prospects around the state are balling out!  As we are getting closer and closer to the end of the regular season we continue to dive into the tape to see what defensive prospects are putting on shows!   DL [player_tooltip player_id='801717' first='Markius' last='Woods'] (Whitney Young – 2026)   This 6'4” 300 pound defensive lineman has a great frame and strength.  Powerful defensive end that blows up offensive tackles with his combination of quickness and power.  Hits the quarterback really hard!  Mostly plays defensive end, but can definitely see him sliding in as a three technique pass rusher with how well he gets in the backfield.   DL Kade Politsch (Byron – 2026)   This well built defensive end does a nice job of playing the run and getting though the line to make plays in the backfield.  On the offensive side he is a tough left tackle that blocks well in pass pro and seal off his side.   DL [player_tooltip player_id='1358237' first='Gabriel' last='Lisowiec'] (Wheaton St. Francis – 2028)   Sophomore 6'2” 220 pound defensive lineman has been productive recording 15 solo tackles, 5 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 pass deflection, and also blocked a punt in his first six games.   DL Lamari Hall (Thornwood – 2026)   Hall is a 6'2” 230 pound edge player who has some smooth and powerful pass rush moves.  Combination of power, speed, and technique.  Up and over along with spin moves help him get to the quarterback.  Major sack artist that shows burst and a quick first step.  Gets off blocks bringing down running backs down the line of scrimmage.  Insanely impressive senior tape here!   DL Vincent Skedel (Joliet Catholic – 2027)   This 6'1” 190 pound defensive tackle is a Nascar pass rusher.  Gets after the quarterback with his quickness and pass rush moves at the line of scrimmage.  Runs really well and is strong with his hands.  Will need to add more strength, but has the frame to do so.   LB [player_tooltip player_id='1598821' first='Roman' last='Igwebuike'] (Mt. Carmel – 2027)   The top linebacker in the 2027 class has had a big start to his junior campaign.  Racked up 61 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 5 TFLs, 2 forced fumbles, and 5 QB hurries through the first six games.  He is a long and rangy linebacker that runs extremely well.  Takes excellent angles and has instincts on the second level.  Flows well to the ball and explodes to be ball carrier.  Great footwork and is always in position to make a play.  Can backpedal in coverage and then explode to the ball.  Very good as a pass rusher when he is unleashed in that area of his game.  Complete linebacker that is one of the best in the country.   LB [player_tooltip player_id='1571517' first='Kamron' last='Norwood'] (Richards – 2027)   Norwood brings juice off the edge.  Can play in a stance or standing up.  Explodes up field.  Quickness off the ball getting up field.  Consistently makes plays in the backfield.  Nice job using his hands to get off blocks along with rushing the passer.   LB Mason Walker (Hoffman Estates – 2028)   The 5'10” 2025 outside linebacker has been making plays as an underclassmen.  Covered out in the flat for an interception that he took to the house.  He really covers well on short passes.  Instinctual linebacker that takes quality angles and gets to the ball carrier in the run game.  Technically sound tackler.   LB Caleb Viscogliosi (Yorkville – 2026)   The 6'1” 185 pound linebacker has been a huge part of Yorkville's 6-0 start to the season.  He has 47 tackles and 4 passes defended through six weeks.  Outside linebacker is effective in coverage and flows well to the ball.  Tackles and wraps up low.  Runs well sideline to sideline.  Does a nice job coming off primary assignment to make play.   LB Jace Schaack (Rockford Jefferson – 2028)   The sophomore goes 6'0” 180 pounds.  He has 44 tackles, 7 TFLs, 1 sack, and 1 interception in five games played.  Explodes to the ball.  The middle linebacker is a very good tackler that wraps up.  Contributes on special teams.   LB Harry Keenan (Nazareth – 2028)   Keenan is a sophomore linebacker that has been productive with 8 sacks, 7 TFLs, and 31 tackles.  Also has 2 fumble recoveries, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble at the JV level.   LB [player_tooltip player_id='1172240' first='Mason' last='Stewart'] (Plainfield North – 2027)   The junior linebacker is 6'0” and 215 pounds.  At middle linebacker he is shot out of a cannon slicing through the offensive line to consistently make tackles in the backfield.  Uses his hands to get off blocks.    LB Cameron Wilkerson (Homewood Flossmoor – 2027)   Wilkerson is an outside linebacker that goes 6'0” 185 pounds.  Good length and plays well in space.  He does a nice job attacking the ball carrier and wrapping up.    LB Tommy Rivers (Simeon – 2027)   This Simeon outside linebacker wraps up well and is very effective slicing through the offensive line to make tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage.  Solid speed and instincts.  Stuffs vs the run.   LB Jake Pepsnik (Prospect – 2026)   Physical linebacker that flies to the ball.  Runs well sideline to sideline.  Can cover a little over the middle and lays the hit as soon as they catch it.  Squares up and is a sound tackler.   LB Jackson Dybcio (Lemont – 2026)   In the first six weeks of the season Dybcio has 64 total tackles including 8 TFL.  This linebacker loves to hit!  Knocks own blockers in space with authority along with ball carriers.  Takes sound angles to get to the opponent.    LB/DB Keegan Germano (Tolono Unity – 2027)   Germano has racked up 49 tackles, 7 TFLs, 5 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery in the first six games of the season.   DB Kyle Keyser (St. Rita – 2027)   Keyser is a 5'11” safety in the Chicago Catholic League.  In the first four weeks he racked up 31 tackles along with 5 passes defended.  Runs with receiver downfield making it tough for them to make the catch.  Excels as a run defender coming up in support for tackles.  Makes impactful plays.   ATH Kye Weinzierl (Geneseo – 2026)   The 6'1” defender is a versatile player that can play at all three levels of the defense.  Shows some explosiveness and bend rushing the passer.  Fills the hole in the middle flying to the ball.  Hits really hard and is an impactful player taking great angles.  Also contributes offensively as a side back running and can catch the ball a little.  Through week 6 he is leading the state in tackles with 101 total tackles.  Also has 3 sacks, 5 TFL, and 1 interception.  Offensively he has 581 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns.   ATH [player_tooltip player_id='212321' first='Tanner' last='Glock'] (Wheaton St. Francis – 2026)   Glock is such a versatile and productive athlete!  Crisp route runner as a wide receiver that does a nice job of getting open and has run after catch.  Stops on a dime and creates space vs the defensive back.  Good athletically.  Like how you can line him up all over the field to create mismatches.  Tackles well in space and creates turnovers.  Super physical tackler who runs very well racking up stops as a LB/S.

Prospects around the state are balling out! As we are getting closer and closer to the end of the regular season we continue to dive into the tape to see what defensive prospects are putting on shows!