Keep an Eye on These Defenders During the ’21 Season

This upcoming senior class has some notable names on defense. People know about players like McCullough, Crawford, Dean, Meyers, and Marshall. But these are six defenders to familiarize yourself with heading into the ’21 season. They each had strong junior campaigns in 2020, and their names should start heating up as we get closer to this fall. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="109992" first="Richie" last="Patrick"]</strong> – Lansing, 6’0”, 180, DB Patrick should be one of the better cover safeties this fall. This past season he chipped in 15 total tackles, three pass break ups and two interceptions. He has a rangy frame that allows him to contest jump balls and deflect passes, and he does a great job of high pointing the football. Don’t let his frame fool you either; he doesn’t shy away from sticking his nose into the run game. I’d expect for him to continue to draw interest throughout the ’21 season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="113320" first="Kade" last="Wilson"]</strong> – Valley Center, 5’10”, 160, DB Wilson is a safety that causes a lot of disruption in pass coverage. The Valley Center product picked off four passes and forced 13 pass breakups in 2020. He’s smooth with flipping his hips when defending deep passes, and he is explosive when he makes his brake on shorter throws. Wilson is a playmaker, and quarterbacks should think twice about throwing his way this fall. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="35618" first="Ted" last="Skalsky"] </strong>– Olpe, 6’1”, 200, LB Skalsky and the Olpe Eagles don’t get the recognition they truly deserve. It was a huge year for the program and the standout linebacker. Skalsky played a major role in helping lead Olpe to an undefeated season; capped off by winning the 1A State Championship. He was the anchor to a defense that only allowed 35 points all season. It seemed like Skalsky was in on every tackle, as he piled up over 120 total on the year. The Co-1A Defensive Player of the Year should be in line for another great season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="89230" first="Chandler" last="Goodnight"]</strong> – Andover, 5’11”, 200, LB This backer has the perfect last name for when he makes a big hit. Goodnight put together a solid junior year. He was named 1^st Team Linebacker in his league, and he also picked up a 5A All-State Honorable Mention nod. The talented linebacker can quickly read and react, and he is a good form tackler. He’s already receiving interest, but I believe he will have several recruiters reaching out after the ’21 season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="89188" first="Kayson" last="Dietz"] </strong>– Salina South, 6’0”, 310, DL Dietz is an absolute unit in the middle of the defensive line. The defensive tackle racked up 55 total tackles and two sacks in 2020. His performance earned him a spot on the AVCTL DI 2^nd Team Defensive Line. The big Cougar defender can shed blocks with multiple moves, and his strength mixed with his wrestling background helps him overpower offensive lineman. He shows good pursuit for his size as well. Look for Dietz to dominate the trenches his senior year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="113315" first="Matthew" last="Etzel"] </strong>– Shawnee Heights, 6’2”, 215, DL Etzel will look to be one of the top edge defenders this coming season. He made a living off being a solid run stopper during his junior year. Etzel shows good discipline when reading option plays, and he makes a point to initiate contact first against offensive lineman. He’ll have this off-season to continue developing his pass rushing skills, and refining his run stopping skills. I expect Etzel to make some noise this season.