2028 Indiana 5A: Defensive Backs Starting to Shine

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're diving deeper into the 2028 class today as we head to the defensive side of the ball to highlight a group of DBs who flashed and showed potential this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1733915"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6908f5361e8ad"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Posavac is an explosive LB with good instincts that put him in position to make play after play. Whether it's blocking a kick on Special Teams or coming off the edge to rush the passer, he's going to explode to the line. He can run sideline to sideline with ease and plays with high energy. He'll come flying downhill and put his foot in the ground when the QB does the same, and he won't hesitate. He led all 6A sophomores with total tackles on the year with 79, 9 TFLs, 2 sacks, 1 blocked FG, and 1 pass deflected. I love what he brings to the field and think he's going to be a piece Portage builds around over the next 2 years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1893441"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6908f5361e947"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coellner is a smart DB who does a tremendous job in the backend. This season, he became as reliable as any safety in the state for Carmel and was a key reason their defense performed as well as it did. He's smart, knows how to read the field, and doesn't hesitate when he sees something. He has the range to make just about every play and can come up and play the run. I like how aggressive he is with the ball in the air, but he doesn't get handsy. He's got good technique in coverage. His 57 tackles, 7 PBUs, and 3 interceptions all have him trending in the right direction. He's talented, checks the boxes, and is someone I think we'll see a lot of over the next 2 years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2003941"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6908f5361e9c4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stockwell is a multi-sport athlete for Homestead with potential in both baseball and football. He's got good hand-eye coordination and good footwork, which both help translate to the football field. He rotated in for Homestead on the backend as the season went on and got more comfortable each week. He's capable in coverage in the backend and knows how to pick up a receiver on a trade-off. I also thought he looked good when he was near the LOS, but that wasn't often. He put up 26 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 interception, and 4 PBUs on the year. I think year 3 is where he puts it all together, but showing the potential as an underclassman is all we're looking for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2003950"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6908f5361ea38"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mokaya is a good upcoming corner with the right instincts and vision you need to have on the outside. He's not afraid to jump a route and does a really good job reading the QB and driving when he gets to the top of his drop. Short-area routes and quick screens are where Mokaya was best this year, because of his instincts to drive on the ball. He's got the speed and twitch you have to have to play outside. He strikes me as a guy who truly develops at Corner and enjoys it. He only put up 15 tackles, 1 TFL, and 3 interceptions on the year, but his tackles were so low because they didn't throw his way often. I really like Mokaya and think he's someone we should be excited for moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2003965"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6908f5361eaa9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wolf is an intriguing recruit because he's a DB who could move into the second level if he puts some more weight on, but has upside in both levels. He played in 7 Varsity games this season and made plays on JV at the same time. This season was about getting on the field, seeing what he could do, and where he was best. I liked him coming down near the slot and working against the slot and TE. He'll keep his eyes on the QB in zone and be ready to jump the ball when he can. His man coverage is okay, but I think once he gets a better feel for it down the field, he'll be just fine. He won't get beat over the top and can make the open field tackle. His 15 tackles and 1 JV interception were the start of his Varsity career, but I anticipate him being a full-time starter next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2003971"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6908f5361eb18"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gray is an upcoming versatile piece for Portage who can play both out wide on his own and then play the backend and be the last line of defense. He's got a good backpedal and can gain depth with ease. He can flip his hips and run when he needs to as well. He's then disciplined in the run game and will fill his gap. He can make the tackle when it's coming right to him, and he won't shy away from the contact. He's got long arms and good timing on when to bat the ball away or go for the pick. He made his first handful of plays this year, putting up 23 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 PBU, and an interception. Portage has some talented young defensive pieces, and Gray is one who I think they can rely on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->