Midseason Defensive Players of the Year
In my last article, I highlighted the state’s top performing offensive players through the first half of the season. While there were a myriad of great offensive performances and players so far this year, there have been just as many…
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Continue ReadingIn my last article, I highlighted the state’s top performing offensive players through the first half of the season. While there were a myriad of great offensive performances and players so far this year, there have been just as many great defensive players. Through the first five weeks of the season, here’s a look at the top three defensive players and what’s made them great so far this season.
Midseason Players of the Year
Nathan Hallmark, Fossil Ridge Sabercats (DE/LB)(Sr.)(20) – Hallmark has been a steady, dominant force for the Sabercats all season and is, arguably, the state’s most dominant pass rusher right now. At this point in the season, Hallmark has been responsible for 39 tackles, 18 tackles for a loss, a state leading 10 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and a blocked punt for good measure. It’s fairly obvious why Hallmark is so productive when you turn on the film, as he displays elite first step explosiveness, often using that alone to overwhelm opposing linemen. Outstanding acceleration out of his stance allows him to easily convert speed-to-power when bull rushing. Excellent bend when turning the corner, forcing the opposing tackle to overextend when trying to maintain edge protection. Long armed, technically sound pass rusher that has a good understanding of hand technique, placement, and timing that gives him an edge when athleticism alone won’t win. Tenacious, high motor defender that will relentlessly pursue the ball carrier downfield. Versatile pass rusher that can play both a standard 4-3, hand-in-the-dirt end position or a 3-4 standup LB/rush end position. Hallmark isn’t a well-known name but has garnered a good amount of D-1 interest and will be a name to follow through the rest of this season.
Isacc Gomez Isacc Gomez WR Thornton | 2023 State CO , Thornton Trojans (DB)(Jr.)(11) – Gomez has been, arguably, the biggest ball hawk in the state so far this season. His versatility has been the biggest asset to the Trojans’ defense as he has played almost every position in the defensive backfield so far this season. His versatility and athleticism has allowed him to account for 23 tackles, a state leading 6 interceptions, 5 pass deflections, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and two defensive touchdowns. On film, the first thing that jumps out about Gomez is his outstanding athleticism and versatility. Outstanding athleticism, agility, and speed allow him to excel at both the boundary corner role, in either man or zone coverage, as well as the ability to play a deep middle safety role in cover 3. Despite his smaller build (6’0, 155 lbs), he can also play in the box to support the run. Excellent lateral agility allows him to cover hash-to-hash or run with even the fastest receivers on the outside. The prototypical fast, explosive, and long-armed ball hawk that can shut down entire thirds of the field. Gomez is currently ranked as one of the top WRs in the state for the 2023 class, but is gifted enough athletically that he could easily play DB at the collegiate level as well. He’ll be a fun name to watch the next two years.
Ian Loomis Ian Loomis 6'3" | 215 lbs | LB Loveland | 2022 State CO , Loveland Red Wolves (LB)(Sr.)(22) – Loomis might be having the best all around season of any defensive player so far this season. He has been the heartbeat of the Red Wolves’ defense and has the production to match. Loomis has currently accounted for a jaw-dropping 71 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, 7 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and a pass deflection. When you put on the tape, it’s easy to see why Loomis has been such an overwhelming force this season as he shows good foot speed and explosiveness that allows him to attack downhill and drive back the ball carrier. Foot speed plus his outstanding lateral agility allow him to play the prototypical sideline-to-sideline role of modern Mike backers. Displays good use of hands at the point-of-contact to shed blockers and close on the ball carrier. Savvy LB in run support with a good understanding of how to attack the blocker’s outside shoulder and set the edge. Disciplined backside defender that doesn’t over-pursue the ball carrier, maintaining backside contain and gap responsibility. Excellent form tackling with a consistent ability to wrap up the ball carrier and drive his legs through contact. Displays requisite ability to drop into zone coverage. Tough, very physical, highly aggressive defender that looks for contact and finishes tackles well. While Loomis isn’t a big name in the recruiting world, he certainly deserves more recognition and will be a gem for whatever collegiate program takes a chance on him.