A physical backer in the middle of the Wilton defense, Jenner Hoekstra Jenner Hoekstra 6'0" | 200 lbs | LB Wilton | 2027 State IA plays the game of football with aggression and a desire to make his presence known to opposing defenses.

If and when the senior-to-be got in position to make a tackle, he was going to make the stop. Meeting ball-carriers in the gap, wrapping up and taking them to the ground, Hoekstra is a tone-setter for the Beavers in the way he plays the game. Whether it’s going around or through opposing blockers, Hoesktra is out there to make a play on the ball and make it difficult to get the run-game going.

Hoekstra helped Wilton reach the Class 3A state semifinals in 2025. The junior was credited with 16.5 tackles, 11 of which were solo stops. The first thing that comes to mind when watching Hoekstra’s 11th-grade highlight video is physicality. The first clip features him crashing through a gap, grabbing the ball carrier and lifting him into a tackle. Most of his stops on the tape finish with a packed punch that leaves the ball carrier feeling the hit, perhaps for awhile. Hoekstra disengages from blocks quickly with a combination of strength and active hands. He moves well laterally, straight ahead and when backpedaling. Hip actions are smooth, allowing for necessary changing of direction. Hoekstra’s reported testing numbers speak to the power and explosiveness we see on film. He lists a 33-inch standing vertical leap with 275 pounds on the bench, 465 squatting and 265 clean lift. He’s a three-sport athlete

Hoekstra stands out on his sophomore highlight video as a middle linebacker committed to assignment football and playing within his team’s scheme. He flows well to the ball, moving well laterally and in pursuing plays in front of him. His tackling form is technically sound, and Hoekstra embraces the game’s physicality. He can get home when blitzing and looks smooth dropping into coverage.