2023 Defensive Player To Watch For Next Season

These 5 defensive players from the class of 2023 should start seeing college coaches on their radars soon and should start seeing offers rolling in!   [player_tooltip player_id="58828" first="Mari" last="Lawton"] South Charleston High School 2023 DL Mari had a dominant sophomore season for South Charleston. He showed great quickness of the edge and showed the raw ability to rush the passer using his athleticism. His first step is insanely quick and once he fully grows into his frame he’ll be just as dominant as his older brother [player_tooltip player_id="58650" first="Zeiqui" last="Lawton"]. He shows great speed to be able to run down ball carriers and has the natural knack for getting to the quarterback.   [player_tooltip player_id="58827" first="Jaeden" last="Hammack"] University High School 2023 DB Jaeden has been dominant since his freshman year but took a really big jump with is progression and being a better player following his sophomore season for University. He’s already one of the best defensive backs in the state and proved it this past year with the multiple interceptions he had along with guarding the teams best receiver every week and not allowing many touchdowns or completions thrown on him. He’s patient in his drop back and waits to make a play on the ball when its in the air and knows he has the receiver out of range of making a play on the ball. Look for Jaeden to have a monster junior year.   [player_tooltip player_id="58838" first="Jayson" last="Barnett"] South Charleston High School 2023 DL Jayson had a good sophomore season at South Charleston. Playing on a stacked defensive line he made his presence and stepped up to contribute and make a solid name for himself so far. He has a great motor and shows his quick first step and agility by either getting a sack or stripping the quarterback before he can throw the football. With multiple defensive lineman leaving South Charleston Jayson should look to step up and have a huge role causing disruption in the backfield for South Charleston for his next 2 seasons.   [player_tooltip player_id="58842" first="Jeremiah" last="Riffle"] Hurricane High School 2023 LB Jeremiah had a great sophomore year for Hurricane. Playing line backer he really blossomed into an all around football player. He showed great quickness and agility when getting downhill to make a play on the football and showed his ability to run down any ball carrier sideline to sideline and make a play. Look for Jeremiah to continue to grow into an even better player and become one of the best players in the state for his class.   [player_tooltip player_id="58844" first="Murphy" last="Clement"] Martinsburg High School 2023 DB Murphy is the only freshman on this list but shows great potential. In the games he did play he showed that he should be getting a bigger load next year as a sophomore and will put the state on notice. He’s a great tackler and shows the willingness to get downhill and make a play on the ball carrier and lower his shoulder. He hasn’t seen much playing time but when he did he made some great plays and should be a great addition for Martinsburg to add into their loop of producing great players.