Emerging Defensive Talent in the 2028 Class

The 2028 class wrapped up year 2 this past fall, and today, we're taking a look at a handful of defensive recruits who were productive and played well.    Renfro is a physical linebacker who got some work as a freshman and came out with a breakout season as a sophomore. He's times blitzes well and can get home and create pressure. He's got a high motor that helps him play through some slower players. He's fairly disciplined in his gaps and won't get greedy on the outside. He doubled his production as a freshman while adding the ability to dominate near the line. 55 tackles, 12 TFLs, 4 sacks, and 1 forced fumble as a sophomore have him primed going into his junior year.     Hickman is an intriguing athlete who plays all over the field. On top of being a defensive starter, he got some work in the running game on offense and returned a few kicks. He's got good speed, which helps him be a good cover backer. He can be a hybrid-type player if needed and sees through traffic well. He's also a willing run defender who comes downhill when he needs to. He put up 69 total tackles, 2 TFLs, and 1 sack on the year.     McAteer is an on-ball linebacker with good twitch near the line and comes downhill quickly. He can move laterally fairly well and can help string out stretch plays, trying to reach the edge. He's got fairly good arm length as well, which helps him all over the field. He's got strong hands and can wrap up with 1 hand. His 59 tackles, 5 TFLs, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble in year 2, he took a big step from his freshman year.     Nurrenbern is a productive linebacker who diagnoses quickly. He takes good angles and comes to balance well. He knows how to track the outside hip and can wrap up alone in space. He's fairly nimble for a linebacker and can turn and run in coverage. With 78 total tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 interception, and 1 pass deflected, he became a viable piece for the EC defense and should be a key piece moving forward for the next few years.     Bultemeier is a productive 2-way player with upside on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he's a physical TE who can lower his shoulder and convert some key 3rd downs. Defensively, he's a fairly productive linebacker who looked good this year. He can drop into coverage and come up to play the run. He fills gaps and maintains leverage near the line. In 10 games this past season, he had 46 tackles, 2 TFLs, and 1 pass deflection, helping the second level of the defense find some stability.

The 2028 class wrapped up year 2 this past fall, and today, we're taking a look at a handful of defensive recruits who were productive and played well.