Deep Dive: Northern California Defenders To Note
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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…
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Continue ReadingThere 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.
OLB/SS Dante Antonini Dante Antonini 6'1" | 190 lbs | ATH St. Vincent De Paul | 2022 State CA , St. Vincent de Paul HS
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.
DL Jack Hemmert, Jesuit HS
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.
DL Conner Dasmann, Oak Ridge HS
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.
Other Top Players…
Ryan Kane, Rancho Cotate HS
Mateo Poso Mateo Poso 6'1" | 225 lbs | DL Branham | 2023 State CA , Branham HS
Noah Siaosi, Vacaville Christian HS
Pita Folaumotui Vi, Elk Grove HS
Jose Davila, Firebaugh HS
Soni Finau, Elk Grove HS
Nick Afato Nick Afato 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB Yuba City | 2023 State CA , Yuba City HS
Jordan Wagner, Lincoln HS
Gavin Zuniga, Exeter HS
Omari Gayles, Saint Marys HS
Jayden Bendure, East Nicolaus HS
Logan Bowers Logan Bowers 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB Garces Memorial | 2022 State CA , Garces Memorial HS
Rossi Oteri, Christopher HS
Shawn Graves, Etna HS
Mason Rivera, Kimball HS
Mason Hallin, Montgomery HS
Michael Whaley, Hercules HS
Kenneth Lorenzo, Encinal HS