Under The Radar Defensive Studs

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='107082' first='Devaon' last='Holman'] - Warren Central - ATH/DB - 6'2" 175lbs - 2023</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holman has been absolutely fantastic to this point of the season. He's a great athlete who sees the field well and is as versatile as you need him to. He's able to sit back and react and make plays all night long. He's got the explosiveness to close on WRs and prevent them from making the catch. He's got great closing speed and doesn't hesitate when he's reacting. Holman is also as dangerous as they come with the ball in the air. This past Friday, he picked one off took it to the house for 6. Holman also returned a punt for a TD after weaving through traffic and making the whole defense miss it felt like. He's also willing to come down and play the running game. He's got a big frame and is like fresh clay. You can mold Holman however you want because he's got the athleticism and upside. He's off to a smoking start and don't expect it slow down at all this year either.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Jason Pierre-Louis - Snider - DB - 6'0" 165lbs - 2023</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pierre-Louis is a fantastic athlete who flies around the backend for Snider making play after play. He's twitchy and is able to react as quickly as you'd want. He's light on his feet and won't get caught on his heels. While he's not the thickest guy, he's able to hold his own. Snider will move him around during the game and give him the guy who is either heating up or is their star. Pierre-Louis has decent length which allows him to get back in some plays. His arms are really long so it makes you think he's got a few more inches of height on the way. This past Friday, Pierre-Louis got to house a 90-yard pick 6. He read the play perfectly, a bad throw was made, and then Pierre-Louis did the rest. There's a lot to like with Pierre-Louis and what he can offer. Corners are a hot commodity at the collegiate level and here's a good one coming right down the pipe.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Landon Clements - Mooresville - LB/RB - 5'10" 200lbs - 2024</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clements is a play-making machine. When he's on the field, he's going to be making plays. He's got a good head on his shoulders and knows when to come downhill and when to stay patient. He's currently #2 in the state in tackles, and for good reason. He's able to see things develop and has the athletic ability to follow to make the play. Whether it's a physical tackle in the box or an open field tackle, Clements will make the play. He's able to breakdown the ball carrier and wrap them up. He's got incredibly strong hands and arms so once he's got the ball carrier they're going down. He doesn't miss many tackles either. I know height may be a concern for some schools but Clements is unaffected by it. He's got decent reach and is still developing. He's a fantastic player who is going to make some program very happy in a few years. Good things are on the way for Clements and there's no telling where he could end up next year if he keeps playing at this level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Fred Retic - Merrillville - FS - 5'10" 170lbs - 2023</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Retic is a fun player to watch. He's got the juice and is rather explosive and sees the field well. He's able to run with pretty much anyone who steps on the field. He's the last line of defense and won't get burned. Merrillville will put him as 1 high and let the other Safety come down to the box because of the trust they have in Retic. Retic is able to defend sideline to sideline and can tackle in the open field. While he's not the biggest player in terms of size, it doesn't impact him on the field at all. He's physical for his size and has good ball skills. He'll take his shot at the ball and come down with it. He's aggressive and has a high level of confidence. He doesn't wager when they give up a score. He's able to play in the running game and isn't afraid of contact. He likes to hit and make plays in the backend and that's when he's at his best. I do think there might be some development for Retic, but when he gets his chance at the next level, he could easily burst onto the scene.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Keith Murrell - North Central - FS/OLB - 6'0 180lbs - 2023</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Murrell is an incredible athlete who is having as good of a season as anyone in the state. He's got great range and can cover anyone. He's not afraid to be physical and lay out a big hit. Whether its in the run game or a receiver coming over the middle, Murrell can and will hit hard. He's also explosive and has really good closing speed. He'll hit a player and knock the ball loose. He's also smart when he decides to jump a route for a pick. He's already got a few pick 6's on his career stat line including 1 this year. He's able to come off blocks and make the tackle. He's able to blitz and blow his guy up as well. There's not much he can't do and is only going to get better, especially once he gets in a collegiate lifting program. The sky is the limit for Murrell and how far he goes is up to him. He's got the raw talents and is playing out of his mind. It's only a matter of time until he gets the love and offer he deserves. Murrell is fantastic and I'm glad I pulled his tape up. The future is bright for this young man and watch out for him the rest of the fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->