5 Defenders Who Could Rise in the Next Rankings Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We try to have an eye on the long game when we create rankings at Prep Redzone. We don't want to be reactionary, only moving players long after their recruiting stock rises, but we don't want to get in the habit of moving players too early.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, when we update rankings, we keep one eye on the future. It's only June, but we have a few players in mind who could put themselves in position to move up in August. Here, I'm breaking down five defenders who could rise in the next rankings update and what they need to do to show me they're ready to take the next step.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Potential August Rankings Risers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/baganley-donzo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">[player_tooltip player_id='1687761' first='Baganley' last='Donzo']</a>, Edge, Trinity Christian</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Donzo is <em>freakishly</em> athletic, and that means he could fly up recruiting boards. We just need to see a bit more before we're ready to move him. Candidly, he had a solid football season, but a lot of the hype is coming from what he did on the basketball court. When that translates to a field via play this fall or an impressive 40 time and broad jump, we'll feel ready to push him closer to a spot on the rankings that is representative of his athletic ceiling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1152715' first='Charlie' last='Jones'], DB/LB, Lake Norman</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I like Jones' athletic profile and the fact that he's already playing varsity lacrosse helps his case as a guy who has the competitive nature and talent to contribute on varsity this season. What's holding Jones back right now is that he might be a future linebacker in a safety's body. There's plenty of time for Jones to continue to develop and we like both his vocal leadership and his junior varsity tape. He's a versatile player who could have a big summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1616116' first='Michael' last='Heard'], IDL, Mallard Creek</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heard is a massive defensive tackle who moves extremely well for his size, but he's just starting to tap into his athletic potential. He's one of those "looks great getting off the bus" guys who could really impress some teams at college camps this summer. He has plenty of time to develop and the athletic profile is exciting, a combination that colleges like, especially if he can perform well in camp settings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1687882' first='Malik' last='McKoy'], DB, St. Pauls</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McKoy has the type of athletic profile that works in camps and other settings so crucial to the recruiting process. He was a late add in this rankings update and I think he could move up after a strong summer. He seems to be getting around to plenty of schools, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him come out of the summer with an offer or two.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1687738' first='Tyrell' last='Barze'], DB, Rocky River</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We didn't know much about Barze prior to his impressive showing at the CFI Showcase, but his athletic profile looks to be one that can translate. He already has good size and he moves well. I heard he was aggressive in one-on-ones at the Showcase earlier this spring as well, something that I love to see from defensive backs. It may be a bit early to signal Barze as a potential mover, but he's a guy we really like for the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->