This Week: Northern California Defensive Stars
Across the region, there were some tight games and several defensive players that showed up and performed over the weekend. There was a strong mix of solid defensive performances from the usual top athletes in the area, along with some…
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Continue ReadingAcross the region, there were some tight games and several defensive players that showed up and performed over the weekend. There was a strong mix of solid defensive performances from the usual top athletes in the area, along with some new emerging stars that made some noise in week 3. Below, we will list and breakdown the film of some of the top defensive performances put on my Northern California athletes this weekend.
DE Tovie Martin Tovie Martin 6'4" | 235 lbs | DL Clovis | 2023 CA , Clovis HS
Martin is a dominating presence on the edge and had a good outing against a tough Whitney squad on Friday night. He is a high motor player with FCS+ caliber abilities at the next level. Explosive off the ball, he has a quick first step and active hands while able to track down ball carriers in space and close quickly. Although a talented pass rusher, he can also play the run well while able to quickly get off blocks and anchor down at the POA. With two more years left in his high school career, he should start to see college interest come his way.
LB Garrett McCray, East Nicolaus HS
The top defender in the Northern Section did not disappoint against Bradshaw Christian this weekend and showed he will continue to be a dominating presence. Racking up 15 tackles and 2 for loss while adding a forced fumble, he was unblockable while scraping over the top and filling tough inside and also making a big impact on special teams. Going through his final season, McCray will anchor a tough and stingy defense that will be among the sections best.
LB Diego Davis, Vintage HS
Davis is a two-way bruiser that is having a terrific start to this season and is a physical presence on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he had 12 tackles while adding a rushing touchdown and forced fumble against Cardinal Newman. He is a downhill second level defender that takes on blockers with violence and explodes through contact while taking good angles to ball carriers in the open field and showing impressive closing speed. Through out this season, he will be one of the top linebackers across the Bay Area and has next level abilities.
LB/DL Jimmy Brear, Del Oro HS
Brear is a top defender in the section and had a huge week against River Valley, scoring two defensive touchdowns for the 3-0 Del Oro squad. He is very athletic off the edge and a natural bender that shows good explosion through his hips upon contact and using his length to keep blockers away from his chest and while rushing the passer. Able to play multiple positions along the defensive front, he scored by interception and recovering a fumble in the end zone.
Other Top Defensive Performances…
DB Andrew Adkinson, St. Francis HS
ATH Tanner Salisbury Tanner Salisbury 6'2" | 205 lbs | LB Mater Dei | 2022 State CA , San Ramon Valley HS
LB Romeo Eteaki Romeo Eteaki 6'0" | 225 lbs | LB Central Catholic | 2022 CA , Central Catholic HS
LB Broc Perry, Hilmar HS
LB Anthony Fernandez, Firebaugh HS