Week 8 – Defensive Players of the Week

Week 8 of the 2021 season was chalk full of some incredible offensive showings. However, there were just as many impressive defensive performances. Here’s a look at the top defensive players from week 8 and the traits that made their performances possible. <strong>Players of the Week</strong> Dalton Summers, Golden Demons (S/RB)(Sr.)(24) - Summers wasn’t the only impressive player in last Friday’s matchup with the Chatfield Chargers that resulted in the Chargers pulling off the upset 50-49. For the night, Summers accounted for 18 tackles and a pass deflection, as well as rushing for 85 yards on 7 carries (12.1 YPC) and a touchdown. When you turn on the tape, you can see Summers displays outstanding physicality at the point-of-contact, showing a good, low pad level and bringing plenty of force when driving through the ball carrier. Savvy run defender that has a good understanding of how to attack the outside shoulder of a blocker when working play-side to set the edge and prevent the ball carrier from getting outside. Great athlete with excellent first-step acceleration out of his stance when crashing downhill. Displays a good awareness of run fits and maintaing his gap responsibility. Good overall athleticism and a nose for the ball allow him to play multiple roles on defense, whether as an in the box safety or as a deep middle DB. Summers had quite the showing despite the loss and I’m sure he would trade the production for the win ten times out of ten, but he’ll be a fun player to follow through the regular season and into the playoffs. [player_tooltip player_id="153750" first="Ryan" last="Dirksen"], Eaton Reds (DE/LB/RB)(Sr.)(45) -  Dirksen was an absolute force on defense and a solid contributor on offense in the Reds 27-20 win over the University Bulldogs, as he accounted for 9 tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, and 3 sacks, as well as 34 yards rushing and a touchdown. When you look at the film, you can see he shows outstanding hand technique when attacking the opposing tackle, consistently neutralizing the blockers hands with counter-moves, placement, and overall strength. Long arms add to his already impressive hand technique by allowing him to make first-contact with the opposing blocker. Good first step explosiveness will consistently put the opposing blocker on his heels, leaving him vulnerable to bull rushes and speed-to-power rushes. High motor displayed when pursuing the ball carrier as Dirksen rarely gives up on a play, even when working back-side. Deceptive foot speed and lateral agility allow him close the distance between blockers/ball carriers quicker than most defenders. Versatile athlete that can play both a traditional 4-3, hand in the dirt DE role as well as a stand-up, 3-4 LB role. Dirksen isn’t garnering much interest from bigger collegiate programs, but is more than talented enough to play at a smaller program. Jerry Torrez, Bear Creek Bears (DB)(Jr.)(9) - To say Torrez was a ball hawk in the Bears’ 27-21 win over the Standley Lake Gators would be an understatement. For the night, Torrez posted an impressive stat line of 3 tackles, 3 interceptions, and a pass deflection. When you put on the film, you can see Torrez displays a tenacious nature despite his smaller size (5’7, 130 lbs). Brings good physicality to the point-of-contact when asked to come down and make a tackle on a ball carrier. Doesn’t shy away from taking on bigger blockers and ball carriers, often holding his own when forced into those situations. Excellent top end speed allows him to run with even the fastest receivers. Shows great first step explosiveness when crashing downhill in run support or when asked to turn and run on the boundary with a receiver going deep. Good lateral agility allows him to move hash-to-hash if asked to play deep middle. Displays a good understanding of the opposing offenses route concepts, routinely being in position to make a play on the ball. While Torrez will need to bulk up significantly if he hopes to play collegiately,he will undoubtedly be an exciting player to follow into next season.