Next Up: 2025 Defensive Prospects To Know
Today, I’m looking at rising junior prospects on the defensive side of the football. Each prospect was a varsity contributor as a sophomore and flashed potential on film. Keep an eye on them over the next two seasons as they…
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Continue ReadingToday, I’m looking at rising junior prospects on the defensive side of the football. Each prospect was a varsity contributor as a sophomore and flashed potential on film. Keep an eye on them over the next two seasons as they continue to develop.
If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me at @hsfbscout on Twitter!
DB: Ahmad Grayer, Morgan Park
A four-year starter with instincts, route awareness, and excellent ball skills. Grayer can separate the ball from the receiver, has fiery footwork, and can come to balance & tackle in space.
LB: Ian Morris, Princeton
Has the speed & quickness to shoot open gaps, times up interior blitzes well, and has the body control to corral ball carriers when off-balance. He can navigate through traffic, has got the hands & lateral movement skills to slip blocks, and shows plenty of strength to take on blocks on the inside.
DL: Ke’Andre McClendon, East St. Louis
Shows a great first step, can get skinny on twists, and knows how to put speed to power as a pass rusher. He shows quick/compact hands, has a forceful punch at the point of attack, and will consistently chase the football. He’s got some scheme versatility too, a big sleeper in my eyes.
DB: Quince Shearer, Morgan Park
A playmaker working out of the slot that can get off-blocks, tackle in space, and shows terrific anticipation. Quince has soft hands, tight breaks that stay within his framework, and plays much bigger than his listed size.
Nickel: Gavin Wade, Naperville Central
Gavin is more than willing to throw his body around, he shows great route recognition in zone and has a motor that’s always running. He’s an underrated blitzer with exceptional timing and routinely speeds his feet on contact as a tackler. I think he’ll probably move to strong safety at the next level.
LB: James Kingsbury, St. Rita
A hard-nosed linebacker prospect that can stuff a back in his tracks, but is also fluid enough to open his hips & drop to his curl/flat responsibility. James takes quality angles to the tackle, has the grip strength to make tackles out of awkward body positions, and is always closing on ball carriers.
DL: Austin Franklin, East St. Louis
Franklin had steady production for a sophomore, totaling six sacks & ten tackles for loss. He’s quick off the ball, plays with violent hands, and knows how to catch opposing offensive linemen lunging. This is an explosive prospect that keeps his pads low and is constantly working as a pass rusher.