Rankings Jump: #126 to #70rnOne of my favorite defensive players in the Class is Hudson’s Sam Hickman. The 6’3″ 225 lbs edge rusher/DE is an explosive athlete off the ball. His first step and closing speed gave QBs little time to avoid him. His lateral agility allowed him to make one on one tackles in the backfield or off the edge against shifty, smaller athletes. His strong hands and ability to transition that first step burst into power allowed him to make an impactful bull rush. His balance of power, size, and burst/range will have him in position to be an impact at the next level.

Stats: 5 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 SackrnThis kid is a monster on the edge. He has great size, his frame is filled out and powerful. You that he has the strength to stand up OTs in their tracks against the run game. He is able to stack and shed to make the TFLs. Dickman is a well balanced DE propsect too. As a pass rusher he has an intriguing blend of speed and power. His get off instantly puts OTs in trouble, and when they try to catch up the senior DE has the agility and body control to counter inside, or the power to rip through. The senior plays with his hands consistently, and I believe his best football is still ahead of him. More teams need to get eyes on the Hudson edge defender. I believe D2 is his floor. Give the kid a look.

The top uncommitted senior in the game was Hudson’s DE/OLB Sam Dickman Sam Dickman 6'3" | 225 lbs | DL Hudson | 2024 State WI . He played like it too. Sam has a long, powerful frame at 6’3″ 225 lbs. He showed off the traits needed to win at the next level too. Sam has that quick twitch first step and repeatedly proved he could transition that burst into power. Power that gave him the ability to make destructive bull rushes. Many times I saw Sam run through OL or flatten RBs as he closed on the QB. The senior didn’t just try to run through opponents though. He also got his hands involved, using them to get separation and keep himself clean of the OL hands. Dickman demonstrated good range to chase down plays from behind or ones that tried to get outside contain. He looked like a next level athlete from start to finish. Don’t sleep on the big impact DE.

Hudson High School has been a factory when it comes to producing high level DE/OLBs. The next man up looks like Sam Dickman Sam Dickman 6'3" | 225 lbs | DL Hudson | 2024 State WI , our highest debuting LB in the rankings update. Sam has the frame you love to see off the edge at 6’3″ 220 lbs. He has experience lining up in a two point, and three point stance. We have also seen him line up all across the DL and find success. His initial burst off the line is very quick, and it makes him a nightmare for OL. On the edge against the run, Sam can take on blocks to force the run inside. That isn’t it, though. Dickman has shown he can also quickly shed the block, and then take down the ball carrier himself on many occasions. Overall, Sam has an impressive blend of power and speed to his game. He has solid bend when he rushes around the edge. Bonus on top is that Sam also has experience and success in coverage. He is a smooth mover out in space, and changes direction well.