Michael Thacker
Michael Thacker
About Michael
Expert Analysis
Bryan Ault | Prep Redzone Scout
Thacker is a strong pass rusher and great defensive player. He shows remarkable athletic ability. His pursuit and instincts are top-shelf, but he can also drop back and defend in pass coverage, and even take interceptions to the house. The Dragons are a great team because of his efforts.
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Read EvaluationBryan Ault | Prep Redzone Scout
Thacker is a strong defensive line prospect. He intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown against Mount Vernon – and nearly did it again. Thacker is a force inside for the Dragons, displays a quick first step and is a strong run defender.
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Read EvaluationSam Erman | Prep Redzone Scout
Thacker has done nothing but play at a high level since he stepped on the field and that’s why he’s so highly regarded. He’s violent, tough, and has no issue in the trenches. He finished Friday night with an impressive pick-6 and 7 tackles as New Pal got the win in round 1.
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Read EvaluationBryan Ault | Prep Redzone Scout
Thacker has seven sacks on the season and is a force to be reckoned with for undefeated New Palestine. The defensive end for the Dragons, who holds a handful of MAC offers, is a strong run defender and upper-tier pass rusher. He has unmatched ability to set a vertical edge and force ballcarriers inside. New Palestine’s defense hasn’t given up more than 17 points all season.
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Read EvaluationSam Erman | Prep Redzone Scout
Thacker is one of the state’s best defensive linemen for a reason. He’s violent, plays angry, and checks all the boxes. He’s big and can eat up blocks and disrupt the run as much as he impacts the pass. He can fend off blocks and has had to deal with double teams. With 46 tackles, 14.5 TFLs, and 7 sacks on the year he’s leading the Dragons upfront. His potential is clear and he’s playing like he’s aiming for Sundays.
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Read EvaluationKyle Neaveill | Prep Redzone Scout
Michael Thacker Michael Thacker 6'1" | 275 lbs | DL New Palestine | 2025 State IN ‘s prowess as an interior defensive lineman from New Palestine is remarkable. Possessing a rare combination of strength, agility for his size, and exceptional block-shedding technique, Thacker stands out as a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line. His skill set has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the numerous Division 1 offers he has already received. As Thacker continues to showcase his abilities on the field, it’s foreseeable that the interest from D1 programs will only continue to grow. The future looks bright for this standout inside DL from New Palestine.
Twitter: @thacker52mike
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Read EvaluationOliver West | Prep Redzone Scout
Powerhouse New Palestine in Indiana has themselves another heavyweight recruit in 6’2, 260 lb. defensive lineman Michael Thacker Michael Thacker 6'1" | 275 lbs | DL New Palestine | 2025 State IN . After earning an offer from Ball State on June 24th during camp season, the sophomore was well into his second year of high school football when SEC big boy Tennessee offered a P5 scholarship late in August on the 30th. Notre Dame then got involved, sending a game day invite which he attended on the 17th of September. Capable of playing multiple spots along the DL, Thacker shows great body control and overall mobility for his size and age and can break down and change directions like a DB. He’s got the speed to run down ball carriers from the backside, uses good technique and strength to freeze and then shed blocks, and has a good first step as well. He’s also explosive at the point of contact and has laid some big hits so far this season. New Pal, as always, is a must-stop for college coaches and recruiters.
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