Northern California’s Top Tacklers in the 2022 Class

Photo: Josh Tremain Twitter

Paul Gregorian April 22, 2021 @ 12:29 AM

This Spring season has had many new players come up and solidify themselves as some of the regions top defenders and physical players. The 2022 class through out the state is loaded with top tier talent and Northern California is no different. Here, we will break down the Junior film of some of the top returning tacklers going into next Fall season from the 2022 class.   Jake Ripp, Los Gatos HS Converting from his defensive end position last Fall, Ripp is one of the most physical linebackers in all of Norcal and can play multiple positions on the defensive side of the ball at the next level. Having ideal size for the inside linebacker position and projected as a defensive end or Mike at the next level, the '22 defender displays good change of direction abilities especially for his size and is a strong tackler in the box while playing with terrific physicality and heavy hands. Able to take on blockers and win with overall strength, he can also blitz from multiple angles and displays a quick use of hands and high IQ as plays develop. He is a FCS+ caliber player that will look to haul in some college interest as we move into the summer.   Josh Tremain, Folsom HS One of the leading tacklers in the Golden State and the top defender on a loaded Folsom team, Tremain is coming off a stellar Junior season and will look to once again be one of the top defenders in Norcal in the Fall of 2021. On tape, he is a downhill player with good closing speed and lateral movement abilities in space. Playing with a relentless motor, he shows quick play diagnosis and does a good job at tracking ball carriers and triggering through tight windows with a low pad level and active hands. Tremain has division I level abilities at the next level and will make an impact for a FCS+ team.   Dante Antonini, St. Vincent de Paul HS Antonini is one of the most versatile players in all of Norcal and projects as a linebacker at the next level and has elite cover abilities while possessing a high ceiling due to untapped potential and continued growth. Only playing football for 2.5 years, he is a natural athlete that plays with good physicality and a high football IQ/quick play diagnosis. Possessing plus length and range, he shows fluid hips in space while flashing good long speed and tracks ball carriers well in space. Athletic enough to play man coverage and physical enough to drop in the box and take on bigger blockers while having strong tackling abilities, he has a rare combination of physical traits that will translate well to being a new age hybrid linebacker at the college level.   Brandon Wong, Whitney HS Wong is an athletic second level defender that can play in the box while athletic enough to cover in space and trigger effectively outside the tackles. A sure tackler, he closes quickly on ball carriers and is explosive enough to apply pressure off the edge and take on bigger blockers. He is a balanced defender that has the abilities to make an impact at the next level.   Logan Bowers, Garces Memorial HS Bowers can play both inside and outside linebacker at the next level and is a violent second level player. Having good overall speed and the natural ability to make big plays, he is a FCS+ caliber player and is a bit under-recruited. An active blitzer who understands how to pass rush and the appropriate angles, he finishes with a good thump upon contact and is a downhill in the box player that flashes good change of direction/movement abilities. He will be one of the top returning defenders in Norcal next Fall.   Sam Ross, Miramonte HS Ross is a talented edge defender that can be a DPR guy at the next level or play on the second level. Having ideal size and length for the FCS level, he shows an active use of hands at the point of attack while a natural bender off the edge and brings a good initial thump upon contact while flashing strong closing speed and taking good angles to ball carriers sideline to sideline. Ross has an extremely high motor and possesses good downhill speed while athletic enough to flip his hips and cover the flats if needed.   Other Top Returning Tacklers..... Tanaki Tonga, Monterey Trail HS Damien Escarsega, Windsor HS Janari Boone, Benicia HS Jack Ryan, Leland HS Logan Ketcham, Acalanes HS Antonio Bernardini, Casa Grande HS Luke Armstrong, Oak Ridge HS Zach Annis, Granite Bay HS Josiah Flores, Will C. Wood HS