2024 Rankings Newcomers: Defense

<em>In-depth analysis of some of the top defensive newcomers to the 2024 state rankings. </em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="169411" first="Amare" last="Taase"], DL, Saguaro</strong> Taase is a dominant force on both sides of the ball. Possesses a massive frame at 6’3” 270 lbs. entering his sophomore year. He’s able to overpower opponents with his size and strength to control the LOS. Does a great job eating up space in the middle and taking on double teams, he can anchor down to neutralize a blocker. He’s tough, physical, and aggressive with a ton of raw potential to build on. <strong><img class=" wp-image-24527 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/06/Generic-Featured-Image-2.jpg" alt="" width="335" height="209" />[player_tooltip player_id="169420" first="Jordan" last="Howard"], DL, Eastmark</strong> A very athletic defensive lineman that started on varsity as a freshman. He’s a plus athlete that shows good natural movement skills and mobility to re-direct and pursue backside. Does a good job disengaging from a block and locating the ball carrier quickly. He’s a high effort player that chases hard and makes plays all over the field. High ceiling for a guy with D1 talent. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="169421" first="Deacon" last="Shea"], LB, Notre Dame</strong> Shea is an instinctual LB that is a ball hawk. He’s always in the right position showing great eye discipline to read and react quickly. He’s a good athlete with strong closing speed to chase and pursue sideline to sideline. He’s violent at the POA coming downhill full speed and bringing a thud to every tackle. He’s smart with his attack angles and is a reliable open field one on one tackler. He’s fun to watch fly around on defense. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="115497" first="Jack" last="Bleier"], LB, Basha</strong> Good size and a well-built frame for a young interior LB at 6’0” 210 lbs. He plays downhill and physical using his balance and leverage to be strong and powerful at the contact point. Love his quick trigger and ability to diagnose run/pass as the play is developing. Good ability to fight and shed blocks while in pursuit of the ball carrier. Has the speed, motor, and competitiveness to chase. Should contribute to a very strong LB core in the Basha defense. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="169424" first="Jaylen" last="Dawson"], LB, Desert Edge<img class=" wp-image-116873 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/03/PREP-REDZONE-PICTURE-NEW.jpg" alt="" width="252" height="142" /></strong> A versatile three down LB that makes plays in coverage and as a run stopper. He’s a very impressive athlete for his size at 6’1” 225 lbs. with good short area burst and lateral quickness. He brings vicious contact when he’s able to line up a ball carrier, he does a great job firing his hips and exploding through to deliver a blow. He checks a lot of boxes as a future college level LB. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="169435" first="Jamar" last="Trotter"], DE, Mesquite</strong> Strong frame at 6’2” 225 lbs. with good growth potential. Good nose for the football, he shows good instincts and anticipation to put himself in position to make plays. Shows he can be a run stopper with good range and lateral agility to work down the LOS or effectively rush the passer off the edge. Good strength and usage of his hands, he uses them well to separate from blockers and bench press them away from his body to free himself up. Love his tough and physical playing style. &nbsp; <strong>Other defensive newcomers to watch:</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="169441" first="Caleb" last="Smith"], DL, Hamilton</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="169429" first="Naji" last="Sherrod"], LB, Hamilton</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="169438" first="Kayden" last="Luke"], LB, Ironwood Ridge</strong>