In addition to there being several talented under the radar players on offense in the class of 2023, there are also several very talented under the radar on defense as well. Here are five very talented under the radar players on defense who are looking to have a great Senior season this fall.
DL, Gabe Verdon Gabe Verdon 6'2" | DL Hamilton | 2023 State OH , 6’2, 235, Hamilton
Gabe Verdon Gabe Verdon 6'2" | DL Hamilton | 2023 State OH is the 10th ranked DL and the 70th ranked player in the class of 2023 overall. In 2021, his very good play was a bright spot in the 2-7 season of the Hamilton Big Blue. He plays as an EDGE. Against the run, he displays great instincts while taking the correct angle in pursuit showing good range as he plays sideline to sideline. He displays very good closing speed before delivering a powerful hit forcing a fumble. Against the pass, he shows good quickness off the ball and displays a good motor in pursuit. He forces the QB to pass the ball earlier than anticipated leading to an incomplete pass.
DB, Emmanuel Teah Jr, 6’1, 195, Hilliard Bradley
Emmanuel Teah Jr is the 13th ranked DB and the 93rd ranked player overall in the class of 2023. In 2021, he helped the Hilliard Bradley Jaguars to a 6 win season and advance to the 2nd round of the playoffs. He plays as a SS. Against the run, he takes good angles in pursuit, plays with good leverage and shows good play strength as he delivers a nice form tackle. Against the pass, he uses his good play speed and athletic ability to stay in phase with TE in man coverage, reads the QB and shows good hands as he comes down with an interception on a 50/50 ball.
DB, Braiden Vargas Braiden Vargas 6'2" | DB Toledo Central Catholic | 2023 State OH , 6’2, 185, Toledo Central Catholic
Braiden Vargas Braiden Vargas 6'2" | DB Toledo Central Catholic | 2023 State OH is the 19th ranked DB and the 109th ranked player in the class of 2023 overall. In 2021, he helped the Toledo Central Catholic Fighting Irish to a 12 win season, held opposing offenses to 12.4 points per game and advance to the 5th round of the playoffs. He plays as a FS. Against the run, he quickly reads run/pass, shows good range and instincts in pursuit and does a good job of wrapping up and bringing down larger RB. Against the pass, he shows very good athletic ability and play speed to keep the TE or slot receiver in front of him in off coverage. He quickly locates the ball and times his hands well to come away with a PBU.
LB, Chase Hall Chase Hall 6'0" | LB Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant | 2023 OH , 6’0, 190, Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant
Chase Hall Chase Hall 6'0" | LB Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant | 2023 OH is the 13th ranked LB and is currently on the Prep Redzone watchlist for the class of 2023. In 2021, he great play was a bright spot in the 5-5 season of the Hornets of Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant. He plays as a MLB. Against the run, he displays very good quickness and play speed as he penetrates the LOS and shows great play strength as he brings down the RB behind the LOS for a TFL. Against the pass, he uses his outstanding athletic ability to quickly pressure the QB forcing him to quickly get rid of the ball early leading to an interception.
LB, Malik Ray Malik Ray 6'0" | LB Pickerington North | 2023 State OH , 6’0, 200, Pickerington North
Malik Ray Malik Ray 6'0" | LB Pickerington North | 2023 State OH is the 17th ranked LB and is currently on the Prep Redzone watchlist for the class of 2023. In 2021, he helped the Pickerington North Panthers to a 10 win season, held opposing offenses to 12.9 points per game and advance to the 3rd round of the playoffs. He plays predominantly as an ILB. Against the pass, he uses his good athletic ability as he covers RB coming out of the backfield. He shows good closing speed and delivers a powerful hit preventing a gain of significant yardage. Against the run, he shows great football intelligence as he quickly keys and diagnoses the play, takes good angles in pursuit and delivers a big hit negating the progress of the RB.
