Week 12 – Defensive Players of the Week
As we enter the quarterfinals in the state playoffs, there were several notable defensive performances from the second round. However, these were the three best defensive performances from the second round of the state playoffs in Colorado. Players of the…
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Continue ReadingAs we enter the quarterfinals in the state playoffs, there were several notable defensive performances from the second round. However, these were the three best defensive performances from the second round of the state playoffs in Colorado.
Players of the Week
Jacob Simpson, Arvada West Wildcats (LB)(Sr.)(22) – In Simpson’s last game as a Wildcat, he did everything he could to help pull out the win but Arvada West came up just short in their 38-21 loss to the Columbine Rebels. Against the Rebels offense, Simpson accounted for an incredible 22 tackles. When you watch film of Simpson, you can see that he is a high motor player that relentlessly pursues the ball carrier. Smart LB that understands his role and doesn’t stretch beyond his responsibilities. and displays a good understanding of his run fits and gap responsibilities. Shows consistently sound form at the point-of-contact when attacking the ball carrier, getting his head across the core, wrapping up, and driving through contact. Shows good first step explosiveness when coming out of his stance and coming downhill towards the line of scrimmage. Simpson might not play at the collegiate level, but he left everything on the field in his last game as a Wildcat.
Tell Wade, Wray Eagles (DE)(Jr.)(62) – Wade might’ve had the best defensive performance of any player in the state in the Eagles’ 36-7 win over the Florence Huskies. For his night against the Huskies’ offense, Wade posted an outstanding 10 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, and 3.5 sacks. When you break down the tape of Wade, you can see his a very powerful defender that can win against most opposing blockers with strength alone. Excellent size, low pad level, lower body strength, and core strength allow him to create a lethal bull rush that quickly collapses the pocket whether rushing from the edge or from the interior. Shows good strength and hand placement at the point-of-contact with the opposing blocker. High motor player that doesn’t quit on a play. Shows good discipline when working backside by not over-pursuing the ball carrier and giving up backside contain. While Wade currently doesn’t have a large recruiting profile, he certainly fits the mold of a collegiate DE and has the production to match. He’ll be an interesting player to watch through the rest of the playoffs and into next season.
Jayden Botterill, Roosevelt Roughriders (DB)(Sr.)(16) – Botterill had himself quite a night in the Roughriders’ 56-15 shellacking of the Thomas Jefferson Spartans. Against the Spartans offense, Botterill accounted for 3 tackles and 2 interceptions with one of them being returned for a touchdown. When you look at the film, you can see that Botterill displays a knack for making a play on the ball. A combination of outstanding awareness, lateral agility, and good foot speed allow him to cover ground quickly when playing as a deep defender, consistently putting him in position to make a play on the ball. Versatile athlete that can rotate as both a deep safety, in the box, or as a boundary corner. Shows adequate ability to come up and defend the run with enough pop/drive at the point-of-contact to win against smaller ball carriers. While Botterill is another player that probably won’t play collegiately, he is certainly a talented player that will look to finish his prep career with a state championship.