Week 9 – Defensive Players of the Week
Week 9 of Colorado prep football was packed with several big match-ups and incredible performances. There were several players that had truly dominant showings, especially on the defensive side of things. Here’s a look at the top defensive performances from…
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Continue ReadingWeek 9 of Colorado prep football was packed with several big match-ups and incredible performances. There were several players that had truly dominant showings, especially on the defensive side of things. Here’s a look at the top defensive performances from across the state in week 9.
Players of the Week
Jack Johnson, Evergreen Cougars (LB/RB)(Jr.)(46) – In the Cougars 53-12 shellacking of the Lewis-Palmer Rangers, Johnson stood out as easily the best player in the game that night. Against the Rangers, Johnson accounted for an incredible 19 tackles, a fumble recovery, and added 11 yards rushing on offense as well. When you put on the film, you can see Johnson displays great foot speed and lateral agility for the LB position, allowing him to play the prototypical role of a sideline-to-sideline LB. Excellent downhill runner when filling his run fits, allowing him to create plenty of force/power at the point-of-contact with the ball carrier/blocker. Displays excellent use of his hands at the point-of-contact with an opposing blocker, showing great placement and following through with good power after the initial contact. While Johnson isn’t on many recruiting boards, he’s certainly having a great junior season and will look to finish it strong in the coming week.
Caleb Polk, Highland Huskies (DE/RB)(Sr.)(5) – Polk was a one-man wrecking crew in the Huskies’ 47-6 blowout of the Prospect Ridge Academy Miners. For the night, Polk posted an incredible 8 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks, and a fumble recovery, while also adding 30 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns on offense. When you watch tape of Polk, you can see that he shows an extremely explosive first step coming out of his stance that consistently overwhelms the opposing tackle. High motor player that shows excellent pursuit to the ball carrier. Adding to this, Polk also shows great closing speed while in pursuit, routinely chasing down ball carriers from behind. Great speed rusher with good bend that can push the edge of the pocket when being pushed up field. Polk isn’t a well-known prospect in recruiting circles but regardless will look to finish his last year of prep football strong.
Andrew Harper, Woodland Park Panthers (FS/RB)(Sr.)(21) – Harper might’ve had the best night of any player, offense or defense, in the entire state in the Panthers’ 46-20 win over the Manitou Springs Mustangs last Friday night. When it was all said and done, Harper accounted for 7 tackles, 2 interceptions with one being returned for a touchdown, 2 fumble recoveries with one also being returned for a touchdown, and a pass deflection on defense while also posting 164 yards rushing on 10 carries (16.4 YPC) for 2 touchdowns on offense. Just watching Harper’s defensive performance, you can see he displays an uncanny ability to find the football. This being the result of a combination of great foot speed, lateral agility, and tracking ability while the ball is in the air. Outstanding athlete with excellent first step explosiveness that allows him to hit top gear quickly. Shows adequate ability to play in the box for run support. Displays requisite ability to generate force at the point-of-contact when meeting the ball carrier. Much like Johnson and Polk, Harper hasn’t garnered much buzz in the recruiting world but is absolutely a terrific athlete that will look to repeat this performance next week.