Defensive Freshmen to Know in Illinois

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1549620' first='Blake' last='Pohlman'], Montini Catholic</strong><br>Pohlman is already built like an upperclassman at 6'4 and 225 pounds and his impact off the edge backs it up. He fires off the ball with real power and has the frame to become one of the more disruptive defensive ends in the state over the next few years. His motor and size make him a freshman who is going to get on radars fast.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2060312' first='Cameron' last='Casey'], Mascoutah</strong><br>Casey has college size as a ninth grader at 6'3 and 235 and he uses that strength to collapse pockets and set hard edges. Mascoutah has a long history of producing defensive talent and Casey looks like the next one. He brings physicality and toughness to the front and has only scratched the surface of what he can become.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1764862' first='Dylan' last='Souder'], Mater Dei</strong><br>Souder is the type of freshman linebacker who plays with confidence and urgency. He reads keys quickly and runs downhill without hesitation. He shows real range in space and carries a frame that will continue to fill out. Mater Dei trusts him because he finishes plays and brings energy to the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Donnel Sallis, Immaculate Conception Catholic Prep</strong><br>Sallis is a long defensive back at 6'3 and 180 with the movement skills to match his length. He covers ground in a hurry and his reach gives receivers problems at the catch point. For a freshman, his instincts are advanced and he is a natural fit in a secondary that expects to create takeaways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1855455' first='Cade' last='Albrecht'], Vernon Hills</strong><br>Albrecht brings strength and versatility to the Vernon Hills defensive front. At 6'2 and 220 he anchors well, controls blocks, and has enough quickness to win gaps. His physical style stands out for a freshman and his development trajectory points toward becoming a reliable multi position defensive lineman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->