3A All-State Team: Defense Edition

Continuing the All-State defensive series we’re taking a look at 3A Football throughout the state of Illinois. I have gone through over 200 players to determine the first team, second team, and honorable mention. Without further ado, let’s dive into the 3A All-State Team – Defensive Edition. <hr /> 1st Team DL [player_tooltip player_id="65475" first="Jack" last="Marth"] 21’ Quincy Notre Dame <a href="https://twitter.com/jackmarth31">Twitter</a> Mr. Marth is from Quincy Notre Dame, he fills gaps in run support and gets off blocks to make the tackle. He gets pressure on the QB, has good use of hands at the point of attack, and has the ability to strip the ball. Mr. Marth doesn't give up on plays by taking pursuit angles to make the tackle downfield and gets after it. DL Hunter Stitely 22’ Frankfort <a href="https://twitter.com/HunterStitely">Twitter</a> Mr. Stitely is from Frankfort, he gets in the backfield quickly and fills gaps in run support. He gets off blocks to make the tackle, has good use of hands at the point of attack, and gets pressure on the QB. Mr. Stitely doesn't give up on plays by taking pursuit angles to make the tackle downfield and has closing speed. DL [player_tooltip player_id="65775" first="Tyler" last="Hendricker"] 22’ Peotone <a href="https://twitter.com/TylerHendricker">Twitter</a> Mr. Hendricker is from Peotone, he's quick off the ball and gets his hands up resulting in passes being deflected as well as getting interceptions. He gets in the backfield quickly, gets pressure on the QB, and fills gaps in run support. Mr. Hendricker gets off blocks to make the tackle, holds contain, and takes pursuit angles to make the tackle downfield. LB George Spaniol 21’ Williamsville <a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgeSpaniol">Twitter</a> Mr. Spaniol is from Williamsville, he gets off blocks to make the tackle and reads/reacts quickly resulting in getting interceptions. He fills holes in run support, makes open-field tackles, and isn't afraid to lower his shoulder. Mr. Spaniol has the closing speed to cover sideline to sideline and takes pursuit angles to make the tackle downfield. LB Allan Richards 22’ Wilmington <a href="https://twitter.com/allanri53154517">Twitter</a> Mr. Richards is from Wilmington, he gets pressure on the QB and fills holes in run support. He gets in the backfield quickly, gets off blocks to make the tackle, and meets the running back at the line of scrimmage. Mr. Richards attacks downhill with his closing speed, can re-route receivers well, and attacks. CB Trey Gerdes 22’ Mater Dei <a href="https://twitter.com/gerdes_trey">Twitter</a> Mr. Gerdes is from Mater Dei, he stays with his man in coverage resulting in passes being deflected and jumps routes for interceptions. He has the closing speed to attack downhill, makes open-field tackles, and gets off blocks to make the tackle. Mr. Gerdes fills holes in run support, takes pursuit angles to make the tackle downfield, and is used in the return game. CB D’Andre Ward 22’ Harlan Mr. Ward is from Harlan, he isn't afraid to lower his shoulder and gets off blocks to make the tackle. He stays with his man in coverage resulting in passes being deflected as well as interceptions, makes open-field tackles, and gets hands-on when pressing. Mr. Ward is also a deadly return man where he showcases his quick acceleration. S [player_tooltip player_id="118710" first="Camden" last="Robbins"] 22’ Fairfield <a href="https://twitter.com/camdenw03">Twitter</a> Mr. Robbins is from Fairfield, he reads/reacts quickly resulting in interceptions and makes open-field tackles. He has the closing speed to cover sideline to sideline, gets off blocks to make the tackle, and attacks downhill. Mr. Robbins also doesn't give up on plays by taking pursuit angles to make the tackle downfield. 2nd Team DL Sam Hea 21’ Quincy Notre Dame <a href="https://twitter.com/sam_hea">Twitter</a> Mr. Hea is from Quincy Notre Dame, he fills gaps in run support and gets off blocks to make the tackle. He gets pressure on the QB, doesn't give up on plays by taking pursuit angles to make the tackle downfield, and does the dirty work in the trenches. DL Pierce Miller 22’ Princeton <a href="https://twitter.com/PierceMiller7">Twitter</a> Mr. Miller is from Princeton, he gets off blocks to make the tackle and gets pressure on the QB. He fills gaps in run support, makes open-field tackles, and has good use of hands at the point of attack. Mr. Miller also doesn't give up on plays by taking pursuit angles to make the tackle downfield. LB Drew Harp 22’ Princeton <a href="https://twitter.com/DrewHarp8">Twitter</a> Mr. Harp is from Princeton, he fills holes in run support and meets the running back at the line of scrimmage. He gets in the backfield quickly, gets off blocks to make the tackle, and uses his closing speed when taking pursuit angles to make the tackle downfield. LB Caleb Norrick 21’ Mt Carmel <a href="https://twitter.com/norrick_caleb">Twitter</a> Mr. Norrick is from Mt Carmel, he gets pressure on the QB and gets off blocks to make the tackle. He fills holes in run support, makes open-field tackles, and uses his closing speed when taking pursuit angles to make the tackle downfield. CB Gerold Nave 21’ Marquette Catholic <a href="https://twitter.com/GeroldNave">Twitter</a> Mr. Nave is from Marquette Catholic, he stays with his man in coverage resulting in passes being deflected and interceptions. He makes open-field tackles, attacks downhill with his closing speed, and takes pursuit angles to make the tackle downfield. S Aydin Coffey 21’ Byron <a href="https://twitter.com/AydinRain">Twitter</a> Mr. Coffey is from Byron, he reads/reacts quickly resulting in interceptions and has quick acceleration. He has the closing speed to cover sideline to sideline, stays with his man in coverage resulting in passes being deflected, and makes open-field tackles. Honorable Mention LB Jack Patting 21’ Alleman <a href="https://twitter.com/jack_patting">Twitter</a> <hr /> There is an abundance of talented athletes in 3A Football throughout the state of Illinois. That being said, this is your 3A Football All-State Team Defensive Edition. I wish all of the seniors the best on their journey after they graduate high school. There’s still work left to do for the juniors and sophomores, and I’m excited to watch you all compete. 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