Defensive Playmakers of the Week

Nick Rock October 27, 2021 @ 05:22 PM

There were numerous players around the state that played lights out on the defensive side of the ball this week. Take a look at 5 players who put up big performances:   [player_tooltip player_id="115492" first="Cayden" last="Gibson"], DL, Arizona College Prep '24<img class="size-medium wp-image-136303 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/04/PRZ-Generic-Gray-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /> Gibson had himself a night, as he was able to rack up a sack, 8 tackles, force a fumble, and recover a fumble for a scoop and score. At 6'2" 190lbs, Gibson impressed me with his explosiveness off the ball to win with quickness immediately off the snap. He still has room to put on mass, and could potentially grow into a big time threat along that ACP defensive line within the next few years.   Nick Sheiha, DB, Tolleson '22 Sheiha had a big performance on the 60-6 win over Westview, as he was able to record 2 pick sixes on the night. He did a terrific job reading the QB's eyes all night, and showcased a quick break on the ball. On one of his pick sixes, he got an excellent break on the ball with outstanding timing to snatch it out of the air and not break stride to take it untouched to the house.   Nathan Bilski, LB, Verrado '23 In a close win over Estrella Foothills, Bilski was able to rack up 20 tackles and recover a fumble, making a major impact on that Verrado defense. Bilski flashed solid play rec and did a great job reading and reacting to the ball in a timely manner. He showed strength at the POC to take on blocks with physicality and still find ways to stick his nose in the play and involve himself in the tackle. He looked like a fly around player on Friday night and did a terrific job for that Verrado defense against a promising Millennium offense.   [player_tooltip player_id="210164" first="Jacob" last="Steward"], LB, Cactus Shadows '22<img class="size-medium wp-image-218886 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/a-300x198.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="198" /> Steward has been having a solid season, this week accumulating 21 total tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble to help Cactus Shadows hold Goldwater to just 7 points. Steward is a big time player for that Cactus Shadows defense and continues to produce and provide stability in the run game. Impressive performance as he should be a sleeper '22 LB to remember.   [player_tooltip player_id="115496" first="Ryan" last="Willey"], DL, Verrado '24 Another Verrado kid making the list, as Willey was able to record a sack, 2 TFL’s, and 14 tackles. Colleges will love his frame and length at 6'3" 200lbs, as well as his raw ability. Excellent functional strength but also possesses good quickness and bend to serve as a huge threat along that DL. Willey holds loads of potential+intangibles and will continue to be a very disruptive player for the next couple of years.