Deep Dive: Northern California Defenders To Note

<strong>There has been no shortage of elite level defenders across the region this Fall on all three level of the defense and across all respective sections. Below, we will breakdown some of the top defenders from last weeks games, their performances and what their tape looks like at this point in the season. </strong> <hr /> &nbsp; <strong><em>OLB/SS [player_tooltip player_id="186981" first="Dante" last="Antonini"], St. Vincent de Paul HS</em></strong> Antonini only holds one offer from Western Oregon, but could be very close to zeroing in on others as several Big Sky schools are showing significant interest. He would make an impact at any of those programs and offers nice upside at the next level. Able to play all over the field and in the box, he is a terrific natural athlete with length, elite ball skills, high point and cover abilities along with being versatile enough to play every position across defense. Consistently able to laser a high 4.6 40-YD at 200 Ibs, he projects as a OLB/SS at the next level but could also bump to inside linebacker as he has the frame to pack on more weight. Extremely physical and an excellent open field tackler with natural instincts and trigger abilities, he is one of the best uncommitted defenders Norcal has to offer and it should not be long until he starts to reel in other offers. &nbsp; <strong><em>DL Jack Hemmert, Jesuit HS</em></strong> Hemmert has recently picked up his first offers from USD and Valparaiso and is by far one of the most dominant lineman in the region, regardless of section. Very athletic for his size, he is explosive and shoots his quickly while winning with initial strike, pad level and strength at the point of attack. Strong and athletic enough to two gap effectively and be a plug in the run game, Hemmert can also rush the passer from the inside and flip his hips whole displaying a few pass rush moves that he has at his disposal. &nbsp; <strong><em>DL Conner Dasmann, Oak Ridge HS</em></strong> Only a Junior, Dasmann is a natural bender and a relentless pass rusher that is coming off a monster game where he was living in the backfield and creating havoc off the edge. Although a bit undersized, he more than makes up for it with his physicality upon contact, motor and toughness in the box. Very smart while also showing he can diagnose plays quickly, he flashes nice closing speed and pursuit backside, while a strong tackler in the box and brings a nice thump upon contact. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><em><strong>Other Top Players...</strong></em></span> <em><strong>Ryan Kane, Rancho Cotate HS</strong></em> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="25427" first="Mateo" last="Poso"], Branham HS</strong></em> <em><strong>Noah Siaosi, Vacaville Christian HS</strong></em> <em><strong>Pita Folaumotui Vi, Elk Grove HS</strong></em> <em><strong>Jose Davila, Firebaugh HS</strong></em> <em><strong>Soni Finau, Elk Grove HS</strong></em> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="25353" first="Nick" last="Afato"], Yuba City HS</strong></em> <em><strong>Jordan Wagner, Lincoln HS</strong></em> <em><strong>Gavin Zuniga, Exeter HS</strong></em> <em><strong>Omari Gayles, Saint Marys HS</strong></em> <em><strong>Jayden Bendure, East Nicolaus HS</strong></em> <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="141938" first="Logan" last="Bowers"], Garces Memorial HS</strong></em> <em><strong>Rossi Oteri, Christopher HS</strong></em> <em><strong>Shawn Graves, Etna HS</strong></em> <em><strong>Mason Rivera, Kimball HS</strong></em> <em><strong>Mason Hallin, Montgomery HS</strong></em> <em><strong>Michael Whaley, Hercules HS</strong></em> <em><strong>Kenneth Lorenzo, Encinal HS</strong></em>