Norcal Impressive Defensive Players: Week 4

Photo: Steven Duran III Twitter

Paul Gregorian September 22, 2021 @ 01:01 PM

Week 4 had some big time defensive performances from across the region from players across all three levels of the defense. Below, we will breakdown and list some of these performances and check the tape from each prospect through their first four weeks of play. As a whole, the Northern California region has a very talented defensive side of the ball and is loaded with speed and especially impressive defensive backs and linebackers. <hr />   DB Steven Duran III, Cosumnes Oaks HS Duran has had a very solid season thus far, and did not disappoint this week which included an 8 tackle performance along with adding a 100 yard INT return for a touchdown against a gritty Davis team. Duran has ideal length and range for the position and can play both safety and corner due to hip fluidity, range and transition skills. He also shows impressive ball skills while able to high point when needed and is physical at the LOS while understanding zone coverages and seeing the entire field.   LB Derek Houston, Rocklin HS Houston is one of the top linebackers in the 2023 class across the entire region, and has put up some impressive numbers through the first four weeks of play. Playing a key piece on one of the best teams in the state, Houston has showed that he has a extremely high football IQ and triggers quickly while a strong tackler in space and driving through contact as well as playing tough against bigger lineman and blockers. A true inside linebacker, Houston flashes quick reads and play diagnosis while able to also rush the passer from various different angles and performs well timed pressures and has quick hand usage at the POA.   DL Akio Martinson, Del Oro HS Martinson is a true plug inside for the Del Oro defense and plays with great leverage, heavy hands and creates immediate knock-back off the LOS. Showing a quick first step, he can violently get off blocks without losing ground and is athletic enough to pursue backside and two-gap when needed. Although not holding any offers yet, that should soon change as he continues through his prep career and continues to dominate the trenches in one of the toughest leagues in the state.   LB Aidan Zuniga, Exeter Union HS Zuniga packs a punch from his inside linebacker position and is one of the best defenders across the entire Central Section. Very effective in the run game, he shows outstanding closing speed and is a strong tackler in the box, while able to trigger through tight lanes while flashing under-rated speed and forcing ball carriers into tight windows. Athletic enough to scrape over the top and fill, he explodes through contact and displays impressive closing speed while always around the ball and playing with a relentless motor.   Other Top Players To Note... Noah Luginbill, Clovis HS [player_tooltip player_id="145235" first="Jerry" last="Mixon"], Sacred Heart Cathedral HS Carson Phillips, Whitney HS Gabe Baker, Nevada Union HS [player_tooltip player_id="190436" first="Khai" last="Taylor"], Pittsburg HS Gino Mencarini, Rancho Cotate HS [player_tooltip player_id="25353" first="Nick" last="Afato"], Yuba City HS [player_tooltip player_id="186981" first="Dante" last="Antonini"], St. Vincent de Paul HS Brady Lederer, Amador Valley HS [player_tooltip player_id="25381" first="Riley" last="Gann"], San Ramon Valley HS [player_tooltip player_id="201365" first="Collin" last="Mennie"], Aptos HS Mason Rivera, Kimball HS <div></div>