Week 5 – Defensive Players of the Week
It looks like we’ve reached the middle of the 2021 football season and there have been some incredible defensive efforts in the last five weeks. Taking a look at week 5 specifically, here were the top defensive performances. Players of…
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Continue ReadingIt looks like we’ve reached the middle of the 2021 football season and there have been some incredible defensive efforts in the last five weeks. Taking a look at week 5 specifically, here were the top defensive performances.
Players of the Week
Zak Cobb, Peyton Panthers (LB)(Sr.)(56) – The Peyton Panthers lost a tight 12-6 contest to the Colorado Springs Christian Lions, but Cobb might have been the biggest reason the score wasn’t more lopsided. On the night, Cobb recorded an eye-pooping 27 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, a sack, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble. When you turn on the film, you can see that Cobb displays a high motor as he is always in pursuit of the ball carrier even when he’s working backside and the play is moving away from him. Displays a good pad level and strong power/force at the point-of-contact because of good lower body strength and flexibility. Good finish at the point-of-contact as well, often driving the ball carrier back several yards. Adequate understanding of how to attack the outside shoulder of the blocker to set the edge against the ball carrier. While Cobb might not be on anybody’s recruiting radar, he is certainly a talented and productive player that will look to finish his senior season strong.
Rhett McCarthy, Coronado Cougars (LB)(Sr.)(31) – McCarthy had himself a dominant night in the Cougars 42-14 demolishing of the Liberty Lancers. McCarthy ran through the Lancers’ pass protection like a hot knife through butter, accounting for 8 tackles and an impressive 5 sacks. Going to the film, you can see that McCarthy has outstanding awareness and discipline with his gap responsibilities. High motor player that doesn’t over-pursue the ball carrier and has the presence of mind to maintain backside integrity. Adequate ability in pass coverage to drop into a hook/curl or curl/flat underneath coverage. Good hand placement, timing, and technique when attacking edge protectors and shedding blocks. Displays requisite bend when attacking the edge and pursuing the QB. While McCarthy’s name isn’t one that you’ll find on many recruiting boards, he is absolutely a talented player that played the biggest role in the Cougars’ victory last Friday.
Isacc Gomez Isacc Gomez WR Thornton | 2023 State CO , Thornton Trojans (DB)(Jr.)(11) – Gomez might’ve had the most dominant performance of any defensive player from week 5. In the Trojans 26-21 victory over the Mountain Range Mustangs, Gomez posted a mind-boggling stat line of 5 tackles, 3 interceptions, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. To say that Gomez was the most dominant player for either team would be an understatement. 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. While Gomez is currently ranked as the number 8 WR for the 2023 class, he has more than enough athleticism to play DB at the collegiate level and will be a player to watch throughout these next two seasons.