Defensive Recruits Elevating Their Game To A New Level

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've got 4 defensive recruits having a stellar season to this point and taking their game to a new level, so we're taking a deeper look!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='712336' first='Jack' last='Lockhart'] - Cathedral - ATH - 6'0" 200lbs - 2025</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lockhart is a recruit we hit this spring as someone who was potentially going to take a step. I then saw him at a camp or 2 this summer where he looked really good. The frame and physical development were obvious and he was just a smooth athlete. Explosive, yet has the ability to be violent and tough through contact. So far this season, he's proven to have taken that step and looks even better than he did before. He's playing with a ton of confidence and seeing things before they happen. He's roaming the back end and sealing any leaks every chance he gets. He is a sure-handed tackler and does a good job attacking the inside hip. He's athletic enough to return punts and do it well if it gives you any idea of his athletic ability. Lockhart has 60 career tackles through 16 high school games and is still on the up and up. Lockhart's potential is obvious and with his size and athletic ability could be moved around at the next level helping his development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@JackLockhart09</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1018578' first='Jack' last='Osiecki'] - Hamilton Southeastern - LB - 6'0" 190lbs - 2024</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Osiecki has been a revelation for the Hamilton Southeastern defense to this point and seems to be leading the way after a few years of development in the wings waiting. He reads the play well and does a good job diagnosing what's in front of him. He does a good job trusting his eyes and doing his job without getting caught up in play-action. He's able to come downhill and make tackles in the running game as well as tackle in open space. He's been unbelievable when rushing the passer and attacking the LOS. He's creative and does a fantastic job affecting the play, even if he does get a sack or TFL. To this point through 6 games, he's put up 45 tackles, 5 TFLs, 5 sacks, and 3 hurries. Before this year he only had 11 tackles total, so to say he's breaking out is an understatement. The level of impact and amount of plays Osiecki is making is next level, and he's earned it. If Osiecki continues to play like this for the remainder of the season, he won't have any issue finding a home at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@JackOsiecki</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='541907' first='Aiden' last='Beadles'] - South Putnam - LB - 6'3" 210lbs - 2024</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beadles continues to lead the way putting up unbelievable numbers while helping shut down offenses. He's been one of the most prolific LBs in the state since he stepped on the field, but as a Senior is having his best year yet. Yes, the numbers are wild, but it's the way he looks. He looks like the best player on the field by a wide margin and looks like he does things sometimes just to see if it'll work. He knows he can make the play, so it seems like he finds new ways to try making those plays. He's incredibly strong, has great length, and does a great job using those 2 attributes to his advantage. In the running game, he's as good as anyone coming to fill a hole and make a tackle. He knows to force ball carriers back inside and doesn't bite on trick plays in front of him. Through 6 games he's put up an unearthly 95 tackles, 61 being solos, 22 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 9 hurries, 3 passes deflected, and 2 forced fumbles. Beadles is on his way to yet another All-State selection and could break the career tackle record when he's done.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@AidenBeadles</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1018577' first='Halbert' last='Aguirre'] - Decatur Central - LB - 6'1" 210lbs - 2024</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aguirre has taken a big step this season and continues to look better each week. He's a physical LB with good size and thrives in the box. He's got the size to handle his own in the interior, yet has enough athletic ability to move coast to coast and be a versatile LB. He was someone I got to see live a few weeks ago against Mooresville and had a solid game. While he didn't have any game-changing plays that night, he was still all over the field and had 12 tackles that night alone. He's had double-digit tackles each week this year. I'm not sure if he didn't play last year or had an injury, but I didn't see any numbers for him for the 22-23 season, but he had a solid 21-22 year. However, he's here this year and looks good. He's able to shed blockers and get off double teams to make a tackle when it comes his way. This season alone, he's already sitting at 83 tackles, 53 of which are solos, 4 TFLs, 2 sacks, and 2 hurries. Aguirre is peaking at the perfect time and should be putting himself in a great spot in the final recruitment push.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@HalbertAguirre1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->