Week 10 – Defensive Players of the Week
Week 10 marked the end of the regular season for Colorado prep football. With the last week of the season now in the rear-view mirror, here’s a look at the top defensive performances from week 10 and the traits that…
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Continue ReadingWeek 10 marked the end of the regular season for Colorado prep football. With the last week of the season now in the rear-view mirror, here’s a look at the top defensive performances from week 10 and the traits that made those performances possible.
Players of the Week
Cody Connor, Faith Christian Eagles (LB)(Sr.)(41) – To say Connor was dominant in the Eagles’ 48-31 win over the Arvada Bulldogs would be an understatement. When it was all said and done, Connor accounted for an incredible 27 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, and a forced fumble while also adding 95 yards rushing on 7 carries (13.6 YPC) for 2 touchdowns on the ground. Oh, and he also had 4 receptions for 27 yards receiving. Talk about insane. When you look at the film from Connor’s night, you can see that he always seems to be around the ball because of his extremely high motor. Smart, savvy LB that shows relentless effort whether working to shed a block, pursuing the ball carrier, or coming downhill to fill his run fits. Displays adequate explosiveness out of his stance allowing him to maintain power and pop at the point-of-contact. Very consistent tackler with good form that shows with very few missed tackles in the open field or in between the tackles. Requisite hand strength allows him to shed contact with smaller blockers consistently. While Connor isn’t a huge name on the recruiting trail, he’s a very talented player that is more than capable of playing at the collegiate level.
Isaac Engle, Highlands Ranch Falcons (LB)(Jr.)(9) – While this isn’t Engle’s first time on the weekly list, this performance might’ve superseded his last two stellar showings. In a tough 42-0 blowout loss to the Mountain Vista Golden Eagles, Engle posted an eye-popping 25 tackles, a sack, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 pass deflections. When you watch Engle’s remarkable performance, you can see his relentless motor is the first thing that stands out. High energy LB that never gives up his pursuit on a ball carrier, even when working backside and chasing ball carriers that are well down field. Great physicality at the point-of contact with would be blockers, using a combination of a low pad level, good hand placement, and strength to shed blockers and make the tackle or continue his pursuit. Rarely takes bad angles, often chasing down faster ball carriers because of this trait alone. Good understanding of gap responsibilities to fill would-be running lanes and take away space for the ball carrier. While Engle isn’t ranked on any recruiting boards, he absolutely should be. Being one of the state’s top defensive performers in three different weeks is not something to shake a stick at.
Dominic Butts, Severance Silver Knights (DL)(Jr.)(55) – Butts had himself quite a night in the Silver Knights’ 49-19 win over The Academy Wildcats, becoming the state’s top pass rusher in week 10 and landing on this weekly list for the second time this season. Against the Wildcats, Butts accounted for 6 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, and 4 sacks. When you watch Butts’ performance, the first thing that jumps out about Butts on tape is his incredible power at the point-of-contact on his bull rush, often driving would be blockers back several yards, effectively collapsing the pocket for the QB. Long, strong arms allow him to easily make contact with his hands on the opposing blocker well before they have a chance to neutralize his hand placement. Deceptive athleticism and lateral agility despite his larger size allows him to add a speed element to his pass rush that doesn’t limit him to being one-dimensional and relying solely on his ability to bull rush the opposing blocker. Butts isn’t a well-known name in recruiting circles but if he continues to perform like this through next season, there’s no way he won’t start making his presence felt.