Week 1’s Top Defensive Performances
In my previous article, I highlighted the three players that had the best week one performances on the offensive end. However, there were just as many great defensive performances this past week as well. While there are many, many talented…
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Continue ReadingIn my previous article, I highlighted the three players that had the best week one performances on the offensive end. However, there were just as many great defensive performances this past week as well. While there are many, many talented players that had great nights defensively last Friday, here were the three players from across the state in week one that stood out the most.
Players of the Week
Cole Carlucci Cole Carlucci 6'0" | 190 lbs | LB Monarch | 2022 CO , Monarch Coyotes (LB)(Sr.)(30) – Carlucci was an absolute tackling machine last Friday night in the Coyotes matchup with the Green Mountain Rams. Although the Coyotes lost 35-14, Carlucci easily had the best night of any defensive player on either team, registering a mind-boggling 21 tackles against the Rams. Going to the tape, Carlucci displays excellent athleticism/foot speed that allows him to cover sideline-to-sideline and buzz underneath receivers in the flat. Heady LB with good instincts that can read and diagnose different blocking schemes (gap, zone, etc.) and react accordingly. Rarely out of position and consistently maintains his gap responsibilities, almost never over-pursuing the edge or getting caught in traffic inside. Down-hill runner that brings significant force to the point-of-contact and drives through the ball carrier to finish the tackle. While Carlucci doesn’t have the name recognition of other recruits, he is undoubtedly a tough and productive player that will be fun to watch through his senior season.
Tre’ Tabor, Vista PEAK Prep Bison (DE/LB)(Sr.)(6) – Last Friday in the 32-14 Vista PEAK win over the Rangeview Raiders, Tre’ Tabor was a force to be reckoned with. The senior standout registered 6 tackles and an incredible 5 sacks on the night. Putting on the film, you can see Tabor’s arm length immediately jump off the tape. Because of his long arms, he’s often able to initiate contact with his hands on the offensive tackle before they contact him, giving him an advantage with leverage. Deceptive athlete that can convert speed-to-power to bull rush and overpower blockers. Versatile chess piece that has experience playing stand-up outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme (primarily in pass rushing situations) but can also put his hand in the dirt and play the role of a traditional 4-3 defensive end. Knows how to set the edge and not over-pursue to the inside, making it difficult for the ball carrier to bounce outside. Aggressive tackler that brings strength and force to the point-of-contact. Similar to Carlucci, Tabor doesn’t have much attention being given to him in terms of recruiting. However, if he routinely produces like he did last Friday, that will certainly change.
Angelo St. James, Arvada West Wildcats (DB)(Sr.)(7) – St. James had quite the night in the Wildcats 43-7 win over the Wheat Ridge Farmers. Individually, St. James contributed an impressive 4 tackles and 2 interceptions to the winning effort. Turning on the tape, St. James displays a tenacious nature to attack and high point the ball in the air despite his size. Smart DB that always seem to be in a position to make a play on the ball. Even when being matched up against larger receivers, St. James doesn’t shy away from physicality at the line or down the field with the receiver. Exceptional athleticism and foot speed prevents him from getting beat on deep balls by fast receivers. Rangy defender with great lateral agility to move with quicker receivers on sharper breaking routes. While St. James is another player that doesn’t have much notoriety in the recruiting world, his ball hawking nature should draw the interest of at least a few programs. He will probably be asked to move to nickel corner because of his size at the next level, but he is somebody who can easily excel if utilized correctly.
Carlucci, Tabor, and St. James are guys who are relatively flying under the radar in terms of recruiting. However, they are talented players that have the on-field production and numbers to back it up. All three will definitely be names to keep an eye on this season.