Underrated Defensive Players Ready Breakout

[player_tooltip player_id='829418' first='Xavier' last='McBride'] from Millville, Standing at 5'11” and weighing 210 pounds, McBride plays linebacker, slot corner, and wide receiver. His aggressive playing style is immediately noticeable. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to make tackles both in the box and in open space. His skill in navigating through congestion to make tackles sets him apart as a defensive player. Moreover, his capability to tackle effectively from depth adds to his versatility. This dual ability makes him a valuable asset to any team.   McBride's potential as a safety at the next level seems promising. His physicality and muscular frame enable him to withstand contact effectively. Additionally, his prowess as an edge rusher and a linebacker showcases his multifaceted talent. Not limited to defensive roles, McBride also excels on special teams. His team-first mentality is evident as he consistently makes one-on-one tackles and fights through blocks. This tenacity and versatility mark him as one of the best-tackling players in New Jersey.   Due to his impressive skill set and versatility, McBride is likely to attract attention from Division I programs by the end of the 2024-25 season. His performance on the field makes it clear that he has the potential to excel at the next level. The continued development of his game will be crucial as he seeks to earn the recognition he deserves.       Ryder Kusch brings an impressive resume from Canada, having won the Defensive MVP of the Canadian Parochial League. Now, he has reclassified into the class of 2025 and will be playing at the Hun School in the 2024-2025 season. Ryder is a 6'4”, 230-pound athlete who excels at both tight end and edge rusher positions, offering significant contributions on both sides of the ball.   As an offensive player at tight end, Ryder stands out for his ability to find holes in zone defenses and create separation. His tape consistently shows him winning in one-on-one situations, particularly on deep routes and fade balls. His hands are exceptional, and he is not only an excellent but also a tenacious blocker. He blocks through the whistle and is a crucial component in the run game.   On the defensive side, Ryder is a polished edge rusher. His discipline and technique in the run game are noteworthy, as he effectively sets the edge and uses his hands and length to create leverage. This allows him to either penetrate inside to make tackles for loss or maintain outside containment. In pass-rushing scenarios, he has a repertoire of moves and uses his length to disrupt the quarterback.   Ryder's transition from Canada to New Jersey will be closely watched, particularly how he adjusts to this higher level of competition. The move to the Hun School has already proven beneficial, as he has earned his first Division I scholarship offer from Temple University. His versatility and skill set make him a player to watch in the upcoming season.      [player_tooltip player_id='829413' first='Kareem' last='Hector'] is a 5'11”, 165-pound athlete who makes an impact at both cornerback and wide receiver. As a wide receiver, he is a very aggressive and tenacious player. Running a variety of shallow routes, he excels at finding holes in zone defenses, catching the ball reliably, and gaining yards after the catch. His physicality stands out, particularly in his involvement in the run game, where he makes numerous blocks on the outside. This showcases his team-first attitude and willingness to contribute in multiple facets of the game.   Defensively, Kareem plays outside cornerback, primarily in off-coverage and zone schemes. His ability to locate the ball in the air and switch his hips fluidly to track the ball is his standout attribute. He is flexible and reliable in coverage, consistently making plays on the outside. Additionally, he is not afraid to come downhill and make tackles, demonstrating his physicality and tackling ability.   Kareem's skills and versatility are beginning to attract attention from colleges. He recently earned his first Division I scholarship from Stony Brook and followed that up with an offer from Akron. Despite his impressive abilities, he remains an underrated player who just needs more recognition. His performance on both sides of the ball indicates a bright future, and he is a player to watch in the upcoming season.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/__Kareem11/status/1729121561058373969 </div></figure>     [player_tooltip player_id='819157' first='Cameron' last='Bailey'] from Notre Dame High School, s a 6'3”, 225-pound linebacker who excels in the box and in coverage as an off-the-ball linebacker. His standout trait is his exceptional coverage ability, which is among the best you'll see from any linebacker in the 2025 class. He consistently affects passing lanes, gets pass deflections, and demonstrates excellent spot-dropping.   In addition to his coverage skills, Cameron is adept at taking on blocks and making tackles for loss. He does all the dirty work necessary to be a standout linebacker. His ability to engage blockers, shed them, and make impactful plays is noteworthy. Despite his impressive skill set, Cameron is still waiting to earn his first offer, but with his size and versatility, it's only a matter of time before colleges take notice.   [player_tooltip player_id='819157' first='Cameron' last='Bailey'] epitomizes what college and NFL coaches seek in a linebacker. His ability to cover, coupled with his physicality and tenacity in the run game, makes him a complete package. He deserves more recognition for his versatile skill set and is undoubtedly one of the best linebackers in New Jersey. It will be interesting to see which schools recognize his talent and extend offers to this promising player.        [player_tooltip player_id='1277799' first='Jaylen' last='Bishop'] is a 6-foot, 260-pound defensive tackle who primarily plays the 3-tech position. Jaylen's standout traits are his intelligence and instincts, which are evident in his ability to recognize assignments. One notable aspect of his tape is his keen awareness of the defensive scheme he operates within and his understanding of what is being asked of him. He knows when to rush and penetrate and when to play contain, showcasing a rare and invaluable football IQ.   Physically, Jaylen's 6-foot frame provides him with natural leverage, which he utilizes effectively. He fires off the ball quickly, proving to be a formidable presence in run defense. Jalen consistently makes plays at or behind the line of scrimmage, and his relentless motor ensures he barely takes plays off. His playmaking ability and relentless effort make him a defensive tackle who will undoubtedly garner significant attention this season.   However, there is room for growth. One area where Jaylen can improve is in becoming more of a finisher, particularly as a pass-rush specialist. Developing a more comprehensive pass-rush arsenal will enable him to close out games and become a dominant defensive tackle prospect. With these improvements, [player_tooltip player_id='1277799' first='Jaylen' last='Bishop'] has the potential to be a complete defensive tackle and attract even more attention from scouts and colleges.