Great Lakes region 2021 top 250 high school football players: Defense

With North Coast communities and high school football programs continuing to push forward during the Coronavirus pandemic, when kickoff does comes, all eyes on will be on these guys. So far, Illinois and Minnesota are the only two of the eight Great Lakes states to move football to 2021.

Jack Sawyer, Pickerington North (Ohio)
6-foot-5 | 220 | SDE | Ohio State
No. 3 overall prospect regardless of position nationally. Had 17 sacks and 15 tackles-for-loss last season. Doubles as a quarterback (passed for 977 yards and nine touchdowns and rushed for 361 yards and six touchdowns). First team OPSWA (Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association) D-I All-Ohio.

Damon Payne, Belleville (Mich.)
6-3.5 | 297 | DT | Alabama
Nation's No. 1 defensive tackle and No. 18 overall prospect. Holds 27 offers including Ohio State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma, Penn State, Oregon and USC. Also throws shot put (state meet qualifier) and discus.

Elliot Donald, Central Catholic (Pittsburgh)
6-3 | 230 | DT | Pittsburgh
Nephew of NFL defensive end Aaron Donald is considered the No. 9 defensive tackle prospect nationally and a Top 125 player regardless of position. Has 25 tackles-for-loss, 15.5 sacks and four forced fumbles the past two years. Holds 18 offers including LSU, Penn State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Wisconsin. Committed to Pitt on July 24. Pennsylvania Football Writers Class 6A All-State. Says 247sports recruiting analyst Brian Dohn: "Frame and length ideal for edge rusher. … High level player for a top-20 program. Third-day NFL draft pick."

Michael Hall Jr, Streetsboro (Ohio)
6-3 | 290 | DT | Ohio State
No. 5 defensive tackle prospect nationally. First team OPSWA D-III All-Ohio. Had 68 tackles, 17 tackles-for-loss, five sacks, four caused fumbles and two fumble recoveries last year. Owns 17 offers including Alabama, Arizona State, Minnesota, Michigan State, Tennessee and Penn state.

Justice Sullivan, Eden Prairie (Minn.)
6-1 | 220 | WDE | Iowa
The 4-star recruit is the country's No. 21 weakside defensive end prospect nationally. Also has offers from Minnesota and Nebraska. Says 247sports recruiting analyst Allen Trieu: "Not a particularly tall prospect, but has decent length and is stocky and looks the part of a college prospect. Explosive athlete who shows twitch and quickness . … Athleticism should allow him to be a productive college player at the high-major level and have a chance to play beyond that.

Elijah Jeudy, Northeast (Philadelphia)
6-3 | 246 | WDE | Georgia
No. 10 weakside defensive end prospect nationally and a Top 175 player regardless of position. Two-sport athlete also excels in track (60 meters, high jump and long jump). Vertical is 35.8-inches. Pennsylvania Football Writers Class 6A All-State. Says Dohn: "Jeudy has length and ideal size for rush end who can drop into coverage. ... Impact player at Top 15 school. Day 2 NFL Draft potential."

Ayo Adebogun, Homestead (Mequon, Wis.)
6-3 | 205 | WDE | Wisconsin
Top 40 weakside defensive end prospect nationally committed to the Badgers in December. Michigan State also offered. Says Trieu: "Good athlete who gets off the ball well and makes a ton of plays in the backfield. Can change directions and is effective in chase mode. … Has upside based on how productive he has been despite just picking up the game. Power 5 starter."

Najee Story, Solon (Ohio)
6-4 | 235 | SDE | Northwestern
Nation's 17th ranked strong side defensive end prospect. Picked Northwestern over Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Penn State, Michigan and Tennessee among others.

Ryan Keeler, Nazareth Academy (LaGrange Park, Ill.)
6-4.5 | 250 | SDE | Undecided
Holds 32 offers, but has listed his final five as: Rutgers, Michigan, Mississippi, Texas Tech and Virginia. The Scarlett Knights are considered favorites. Other suitors include Arizona, Illinois, Wisconsin, West Virginia, SMU, Nebraska, Michigan State, Minnesota and Louisville. A Top 40 strongside defensive end prospect nationally.

Cooper Jones, Valparaiso (Ind.)
6-6 | 245 | SDE | Indiana
Top 30 strongside defensive end prospect nationally. Had 49 tackles, 10.5 tackles-for-loss and seven sacks last season. Father Eric played at Notre Dame. Picked the Hoosiers over Ohio State, Michigan, Iowa, Purdue and Central Michigan. Says Trieu: "Not necessarily a twitchy edge rusher but projects to strongside end. High floor prospect due to size, way he plays and base athleticism."

Darryl Peterson, Archbishop Hoban (Akron)
6-3 | 235 | SDE | Wisconsin
Holds offers from Alabama, Michigan and West Virginia among others. Wisconsin commit named First team OPSWA D-II All-Ohio after setting a school record for sacks in a season (21). Had 45 tackles, 24 tackles-for-loss and three-forced fumbles. Two-year starter.

Rodney McGraw, Elkhart Central (Ind.)
6-5 | 223 | WDE | Penn State
Ranked among the Top 30 weakside defensive end prospect nationally. Over the past two seasons has registered 118 tackles, 39.5 tackles-for-loss, 13 sacks and seven forced fumbles. His 14 offers include Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State and Cincinnati. Also plays basketball.

Jeremiah Pittman, Saint Viator (Arlington Heights, Ill.)
6-2 | 255 | DT | Iowa
Top 40 defensive tackle prospect nationally. Holds 14 offers, including Illinois, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Northwestern, Syracuse, Texas Tech and Wisconsin. Committed to Iowa in May.

Kyran Montgomery, Pike (Indianapolis)
6-4 | 215 | WDE | Undecided
Top 30 weakside defensive end prospect nationally. Has tallied 150 tackles, 25 tackles-for-loss and six sacks the past two seasons. Among his 22 offers, Arizona State, Boston College, Minnesota, Missouri, Penn State and Purdue are listed as favorites.

Nahki Johnson, West Mifflin (Pa.)
6-3 | 225 | WDE | Pittsburgh
A Top 20 prospect nationally at weakside defensive end. Committed to the Panthers on June 25. Penn State, Michigan and Virginia Tech among 11 offers. Says Dohn: "Good frame with length. Can easily add 25 pounds and carry 250…Multi-year starter at Top 15 program. Day 2 NFL draft potential."

Davon Townley, North Community (Minneapolis)
6-6 | 220 | SDE | Undecided
Top 30 strongside defensive end prospect nationally. Holds 15 offers, including Oregon, Penn State, Nebraska, Arizona State and Missouri. Minnesota is listed as the favorite. Says Trieu: "Very good, fluid athlete. Runs well, can pursue and shows explosiveness as a basketball dunker. ... ceiling is that of a Power Five starter and potential Sunday player."

Deven Eastern, Shakopee (Minn.)
6-5 | 270 | SDE | Minnesota
Top 30 strongside defensive end prospect nationally. Nebraska and Missouri have also offered. Says Trieu: "Big bodied prospect. Has length and height, but also has good bulk to him and can still carry 30-40 more pounds and be effective. ... Projects as a multi-year starter at the Power 5 level.

6-3 | 300 | DT | Undecided
Top 50 defensive tackle prospect nationally. Had 40 tackles, six tackles-for-loss and three sacks last year. Owns 34 offers, including Georgia, Auburn, Michigan, Washington, Minnesota, South Carolina and Virginia tech.. Texas A&M is listed as the favorite.

Eric Gentry, Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia)
6-6 | 205 | WDE | Arizona State
Country's No. 45 weakside defensive end prospect. Holds 19 offers, including Oregon, Texas A&M, Washington, Tennessee, Cincinnati, Virginia and West Virginia. Committed to the Sun Devils on July 23.

Hayden Nelson, Brookfield Central (Wis.)
6-4 | 248 | WDE | Syracuse
Top 75 weakside defensive end prospect nationally. Vertical is an impressive 30.4 inches. Holds 16 offers, including Indiana, Iowa State, Navy, North Dakota State, Wyoming and Harvard.

Jamarius Dinkins, Walnut Ridge (Columbus)
6-6 | 255 | SDE | Undecided
Top 40 SDE prospect nationally holds 12 offers, including Cincinnati, Kentucky, West Virginia, Michigan State and Iowa State. Third team OPSWA D-II All-Ohio.

Dorien Ford, Baldwin (Pittsburgh)
6-4 | 290 | DT | Undecided
Top 25 defensive tackle prospect nationally. Holds 17 offers, including Penn State, Michigan, Nebraska, Virginia Tech, Syracuse, Arizona, Arkansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota and Michigan state. Pitt is considered the favorite.

Robert Jackson, Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.)
6-6 | 245 | SDE | Undecided
Considered the nation's No. 36 strongside defensive end prospect. Holds 17 offers, including Boston College, Indiana, West Virginia, Toledo, Pitt, Nebraska, Virginia Tech and Virginia. Arizona State, Cincinnati and Rutgers are the slight favorites.

Hammond Russell, Dublin Coffman (Ohio)
6-3 | 245 | SDE | West Virginia
Picked the Mountaineers over Georgia Tech, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan State, Purdue, Pitt and Kentucky among others. Considered a top 50 SDE prospect nationally. Honorable mention OPSWA D-I All-Ohio.

Cam'Ron Stewart, Governor Mifflin (Shillington, Pa.)
6-4 | 225 | SDE | Rutgers
Country's No. 60 strongside defensive end prospect. Syracuse, Temple, Toledo among eight offers.

Reid Carrico, Ironton (Ohio)
6-3 | 225 | ILB | Ohio State
No. 2 inside linebacker prospect in the country. Holds 30 offers including Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, LSU and Oklahoma. Reigning OPSWA D-V defensive player of the year.

Mac Uihlein, Lake Forest (Lake Forest, Ill.)
6-1 | 215 | IL | Northwestern
No. 13 inside linebacker prospect in the country and the Wildcats second highest rated recruit in their current class. Committed to Northwestern in April. Also holds offers from Nebraska, Iowa, Louisville, Minnesota, Purdue, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Jamari Buddin, Belleville (Mich.)
6-2 | 210 | OLB | Penn State
Nation's 20th ranked outside linebacker prospect. Had 61 tackles, 29 tackles for loss and nine sacks last season. Holds 17 offers, including Michigan, Minnesota, Purdue, Kentucky and Arkansas.

Yanni Karlaftis, West Lafayette (Ind.)
6-2 | 203 | OLB | Undecided
Country's No. 15 outside linebacker prospect and 4-star recruit has been a contributor since his freshman season. Has 233 tackles, 23 tackles-for-loss, seven fumble recoveries and seven interceptions heading into senior season. Holds 12 offers, with Purdue, Wisconsin, Oregon and California listed as favorites. Brother George plays at Purdue. Owns an impressive 30.6-inch vertical. Says Trieu: "His size and tools allow him to project to multiple roles and schemes. If he can improve on testing numbers, he would have a chance to hear his named called fairly early in the NFL draft when that time comes."

Bryan Sanborn, Lake Zurich (Ill.)
ILB | 6-2 | 210 | Wisconsin
A Top 20 inside linebacker prospect nationally. Committed to the Badgers two weeks before Christmas 2019. Also has offers from Iowa, Cincinnati, Michigan, Minnesota, Vanderbilt, Nebraska, Iowa State and Eastern Illinois. Says Trieu: "Will be a productive college linebacker with the potential for playing early in his career because of his intangibles. Will have an opportunity to play beyond college as well."

Jake Ratzlaff, Rosemount (Minn.)
6-3 | 220 | OLB | Undecided
Top 40 outside linebacker prospect nationally holds offers from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Iowa State.

Jeremiah Trotter Jr., St. Joseph's Prep (Philadelphia)
6-1 | 210 | ILB | Clemson
Son of former NFL linebacker and four-time Pro Bowler Jeremiah Trotter is ranked the No. 1 inside linebacker prospect in the country. Also the 33rd ranked recruit regardless of position nationwide. Runs a 4.81 40-yard dash and owns a 30.1-inch vertical. Will play in the Under Armour All-American game. Says Barton: "He's a no-risk prospect and one of the most instinctive LBs in the class. We see him as an impact starter at a top tier program with early round NFL Draft upside."

Damon Ollison ll, Archbishop Hoban (Akron)
6-0 | 215 | OLB | Undecided
Holds offer from Michigan, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Arizona State and Rutgers. Considered a top 40 OLB prospect nationally. First team OPSWA D-II All-Ohio.

Caleb Schmitz, Warwick (Lititz, Pa.)
6-4 | 200 | OLB | Cincinnati
Top 65 outside linebacker prospect nationally committed to the Bearcats on May 22. Also owns offers from Air Force, Army and Temple.

Bam Booker, Winton Woods (Cincinnati)
6-3 | 220 | OLB | Maryland
Holds 16 offers, including California, Cincinnati, Kansas, Minnesota, Pitt, Purdue and Rutgers. A top 40 OLB prospect nationally. Second team OPSWA D-II All-Ohio. Committed to the Terrapins on July 29.

6-1 | 225 | ILB | Miami (Ohio)
One of the country's Top 65 inside linebacker prospects. Holds 20 offers.

Hunter Wohler, Muskego (Wis.)
6-1 | 190 | S | Wisconsin
Four-star prospect is the country's No. 10 safety recruit and a Top 200 player overall. Picked the Badgers in December. Owns a 4.63 40-yard dash and 32.5-inch vertical. His 10 offers include Michigan, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Minnesota, Iowa, Stanford, Iowa State, Michigan State and Georgia Tech. Says Trieu: "Nice-sized safety prospect. Has above average height and solid length. Makes plays all over the field. … His intangibles, athleticism and his high school production all make him a safe bet to be an impact college player and has the skill set to play beyond that. If he continues to grow, he may move closer to the line of scrimmage."

Derrick Davis Jr., Gateway (Monroeville, Pa.)
6-1 | 194 | S | Undecided
The country's No. 2 overall safety prospect and the country's 52nd ranked recruit regardless of division. Holds 25 offers, including Clemson, Ohio State, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, Alabama, USC, Wisconsin and Michigan. Penn State considered the favorite. Pennsylvania Football Writers Class 5A All-State selection will play in the Under Armour All-American Game. Runs a 4.64 40-yard dash and owns a 35.1-inch vertical. Says Dohn: "Ability to play for elite program as true freshman. Second day NFL draft pick potential."

Jaylon Reed, King (Detroit)
6-0 | 190 | CB | Penn State
Country's No. 13 safety prospect had 119 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, eight forced fumbles and six sacks last season. Holds 33 offers, including Florida, Oregon, Georgia, Nebraska, Tennessee and USC. AP All-Michigan. Runs track (110 hurdles).

Kalen King, Cass Tech (Detroit)
5-11 | 170 | CB | Penn State
Top 25 cornerback prospect nationally. Holds 33 offers, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Michigan State, West Virginia, Nebraska and Iowa. Owns a 34.4-inch vertical.

Benjamin Perry, Chicago Mt. Carmel (Ill.)
6-3 | 190 | S | Louisville
Nation's No. 21 safety prospect and the Cardinals second-highest ranked recruit in current class. Had 75 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, two forced fumbles, a sack and an interception return for a touchdown last season. Holds 27 offers, including Syracuse, West Virginia, Missouri, Nebraska, Northwestern, Purdue, Minnesota, Michigan State, Colorado and Georgia Tech. Says Trieu: "Can be a ROVER or a true safety at the next level, a lot of that will depend on growth but combination of size and skill set is that of a Power 5 starter."

Jaylen Johnson, La Salle (Cincinnati)
6-1 | 200 | S | Ohio State
A top 25 safety prospect nationally. Had 61 tackles and 10 tackles-for-loss last year. Holds 15 offers, including Penn State, Pitt, Michigan State, Purdue and Indiana.

Devonta Smith, LaSalle (Cincinnati)
6-0 | 185 | CB | Alabama
A top 30 cornerback prospect nationally. Crimson Tide commit had 38 tackles and three interceptions last season.

5-10 | 190 | S | Undecided
Country's 17th ranked safety prospect. Holds 36 offers, including Ohio state, Michigan, Penn State, Pitt, LSU, Florida, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Stanford. Mississippi considered the favorite. Pennsylvania Football Writers Class 3A All-State. Says Dohn: "Multi-year starter at Top 20 program. Day 3 NFL draft pick."

6-2 | 193 | S | Florida
Top 25 safety prospect nationally. Holds a staggering 54 offers, including Penn State, Michigan, LSU, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, Oregon and Oklahoma. Committed to the Gators on July 18. Also wrestles (101-18 career rcord). Pennsylvania Football Writers Class 5A All-State. Says 247sports Direcotor of Scouting Barton Simmons: "Big safety that appears to have the frame to land at linebacker or rover depending on development. Has a can't-miss presence on the field…Instincts, size and developmental trajectory point to a Power Five impact starter with some positional versatility who we view as a future mid-round NFL Draft pick.

Javon McIntyre, Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia)
6-1 | 187 | S | Pitt
Ranked the nation's No. 50 safety prospect. Vertical is 32.8-inches. Arizona State, Tennessee, Michigan state, Penn State, Virginia Tech, and Maryland among 15 offers.

Top 40 safety prospect nationally. Holds 23 offers, including Wisconsin, Colorado, Nebraska, Michigan, Minnesota, Northwestern, Missouri, Iowa, Georgia Tech and Duke. Says Treiu: "With his frame, growing into a backer or hybrid is not out of the question but right now he projects as a big strong safety who will start at the Power 5 level."

Rod Moore, Northmont (Clayton, Ohio)
5-11 | 180 | S | Michigan
A top 30 safety prospect nationally. Had 66 tackles and four interceptions last season. Owns 25 offers, including Cincinnati, Indiana, Kentucky, Pitt, Iowa, Notre Dame and Wisconsin.

Shafeek Smith, Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia)
5-9 | 165 | CB | Undecided
Top 85 cornerback prospect nationally holds 12 offers, including Penn State, Pitt, Oregon State, Rutgers, Maryland, Baylor and Temple.

Tyreek Chappell, Northeast (Philadelphia)
5-11 | 177 | CB | Texas A&M
Country's No. 54 cornerback prospect. Holds 28 offers, including Tennessee, Michigan, Pitt, Penn State, Michigan State and Miami (Fla.).

Daylan Carnell, Ben Davis (Indianapolis)
6-1.5 | 195 | CB | Missouri
Ranked the nation's No. 32 cornerback prospect committed to the Tigers on June 1. Had 33 tackles and five interceptions last season. Vertical is an impressive 31 inches. Picked Missouri over Notre dame, Iowa, Nebraska, Purdue, Washington state, West Virginia, Indiana, Louisville, Duke, Cincinnati and Michigan State.

Theran Johnson, North Central (Indianapolis)
6-0 | 170 | CB | Northwestern
Country's No. 79 cornerback prospect committed to the Wildcats on May 3. Had 62 tackles and four interceptions a year ago. Also holds offers from Ball State, Miami (OH), Cincinnati and Central Michigan.

A.J. Kirk, Dublin Coffman (Ohio)
6-0 | 200 | S | Undecided
The younger brother of former Ohio State and NFL star Mike Doss holds 16 offers including Ohio State, Florida, Arizona State, Penn State, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Michigan and Minnesota. The Buckeyes are listed as his favorite. Top 70 safety prospect nationally.

Shawn Gates, East (Akron)
6-0 | 175 | CB | Boston College
Top 60 cornerback prospect picked BC over Michigan State, Iowa State and several Mid-American Conference schools.

Iesa Jarmon, LaSalle (Cincinnati)
6-1 | 180 | CB | Cincinnati
Holds 20 offers. Selected the Bearcats over Indiana, Iowa State, Kansas, Northwestern and Pitt among others. Had 31 tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries last season. A top 70 cornerback prospect nationally.

Michael Gravely Jr., Glenville (Cleveland)
6-1 | 193 | S | Michigan State
Nation's No. 76 safety prospect nationally. Holds 12 offers including Colorado, Cincinnati, Pitt, Temple, Wake Forest and West Virginia.

Tamarion Crumpley, Winton Woods (Cincinnati)
6-0 | 175 | CB | Minnesota
Top 100 cornerback prospect nationally. Holds 16 offers including Boston College, Cincinnati, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan State, Pitt and Toledo.

Leroy Bowers, Princeton (Cincinnati)
6-2 | 200 | S | Cincinnati
Top 100 safety prospect nationally. Holds 10 offers, including Kentucky, Maryland, Pitt, Toledo and Bowling Green.

Garner Wallace, Pickerington Central (Ohio)
6-5 | 185 | S | Northwestern
Top 65 safety prospect nationally. Louisville, Cincinnati, Akron, Toledo and Miami (OH) have also offered.

Malik Rainey, Bolingbrook (Ill.)
6-1 | 175 | CB | Cincinnati
Committed to the Bearcats on May 15. Considered a Top 125 cornerback prospect nationally. Holds 14 offers, including Virginia, Wyoming, Colorado State and Ohio.

6-2 | 171 | S | Toledo
Top 125 safety prospect nationally. Also has offers from Ball State, Central Michigan, Kent State, Miami (OH) and Western Michigan.

6-3 | 170 | P | Michigan
Country's No. 1 punting prospect. Holds 10 offers, including Boston College, Washington State and Colorado State.

6-3 | 180 | P | Undecided
First team OPSWA D-I All-Ohio selection last year after averaging 47 yards per punt (46 for 2,161) with a long of 77. Dropped 16 inside the 20. Also passed for 1,415 yards and nine touchdowns as quarterback.

Former soccer player has rapidly picked up the art of kicking. Considered one of country's top prospects. Illinois, Iowa, Northern Illinois, Toledo, Central Michigan, Miami (Ohio), Illinois State, Indiana State and Drake among the schools showing interest.