Class of ’22: Stock Risers on Defense

A lot can happen in one season. A player can go from being unheard of; to putting everyone on notice. These six defenders had that type of season in 2020. They raised their stocks going into their senior year, and recruiters should know who they are now if they didn’t before. Jaeden Hamilton Jaeden Hamilton 5'9" | 160 lbs | DB Wichita Heights | 2022 State KS – Wichita Heights, 5’9”, 160, DB At times Hamilton faces the challenge of guarding receivers that are taller than him. However, he doesn’t back down from these challenges. Hamilton uses his elite athleticism and coverage skills to make up for the height disadvantage. He picked off two passes and forced eight pass breakups this past season. Hamilton’s play and athleticism is starting to draw more interest from recruiters. Camden Barta Camden Barta 6'3" | 200 lbs | ATH Seaman | 2022 State KS – Seaman, 6’3”, 190, DB Barta plays his role well at being the last line of defense in the secondary. His long frame allows him to stay over the top when defending the pass, and he puts himself in a good position to make tackles in the run game. Barta ended his junior year with 43 total tackles, two interceptions and five pass breakups. His frame and abilities have gotten him some JUCO interest so far. Trevor Vinzant Trevor Vinzant 6'0" | 210 lbs | DL Olathe East | 2022 State KS – Olathe West, 6’0”, 210, DL Vinzant’s standout season earned him an Honorable Mention nod to the All-State Team. He made plays off the edge throughout the season; racking up 48 tackles, eight sacks and an interception. Vinzant is quick off the ball and he does a good job of engaging his hands on offensive-linemen first. He can shed blocks quickly and finds his way to the ball. Vinzant should earn multiple offers in 2021. Tai Newhouse Tai Newhouse 6'3" | 285 lbs | DL Lawrence Free State | 2022 State KS – Lawrence Free State, 6’3”, 285, DL Newhouse is a mountain on the defensive-line. His massive frame and strength disrupts an offense’s game plan. Newhouse finished the season with 57 total tackles, six being for a loss. He’s a versatile lineman that can play the 3 or 5 technique, and he has a knack for getting to the ball. Newhouse is already receiving interest from some schools, and I would expect more to come his senior year. Dylan Hynes Dylan Hynes 6'1" | 190 lbs | LB Solomon | 2022 State KS – Solomon, 6’1”, 180, LB Recruiters need to be looking at Hynes in 2021. He had a very impressive season, piling up 94 total tackles, 13 being for a loss, one sack, one pick and three forced fumbles. This performance helped Hynes make his way into the Top 50 of our latest player rankings. I believe Hynes will be primed for another strong season, which should lead to some offers. Jackson Davis Jackson Davis 5'10" | 200 lbs | LB Olathe North | 2022 State KS – Olathe North, 5’10”, 185, LB This hard-hitting linebacker made himself stick out on a talented Olathe North defense. Jackson is an impactful player on defense and on special teams. He shows good awareness in coverage, and he has the speed to run down ball carriers in the open field. Jackson blows blockers up on kick-off team, and he does the same to ball carriers at his linebacker position. He should have multiple offers come his way in 2021.