Defensive Standouts From The 2021 New Jersey Playoffs
The 2021 New Jersey Playoffs were full of exciting players and performances. Here are some of the notable defensive performances. Tafari Thompson Edge, Irvington If you watched Irvington’s championship game against Northern Highlands it didn’t take long to see Tafari…
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Continue ReadingThe 2021 New Jersey Playoffs were full of exciting players and performances. Here are some of the notable defensive performances.
Tafari Thompson Edge, Irvington
If you watched Irvington’s championship game against Northern Highlands it didn’t take long to see Tafari Thompson’s impact on this game. Causing much disruption through the whole game recording four quarterback pressures in the first half alone. In addition to being a menace in run defense.
He is an explosive edge rusher with great size coupled with a relentless motor. Shows the ability to rush the passer effectively due to solid use of hands, upfield burst, and an explosive first step.
Tafari Thompson’s dominant performance on defense had a huge impact on Irvington’s state championship win.
Tafari Thompson caused havoc in the State Championship Pass Rushing and Run Defense @TafariThompson4 @IrvingtonHS_FB pic.twitter.com/6jr5XPBJDA
— EJ Daniels (@edaniels77) December 8, 2021
Tafari Thompson stayed disciplined and not fooled by the fake for the TFL@TafariThompson4 @IrvingtonHS_FB @CoachSmokeNJ pic.twitter.com/TYRxEY02Xx
— EJ Daniels (@edaniels77) December 8, 2021
Chuck Sparago LB, Northern Highlands
Northern Highlands fell short against Irvington for the state title but Sparago made plays as one of the bright spots on their defense. Sparago is one of those players who seems to always be around the ball, making plays.
Utilized as a blitzing linebacker he caused some crucial mishaps for Irvington. One play resulted in a sack the other resulted in a tackle for loss that put the Irvington offense in some unfavorable down and distances.
Sparago was unaccounted for in the blocking by Irvington on some key plays and he made plays when the opportunities presented themselves.
@charlie_sparago was a disruptive force for the @NHFB_LIVE defense pic.twitter.com/rTbuOy4euk
— EJ Daniels (@edaniels77) December 9, 2021
Brandon Harrison Edge, North Brunswick
One the most physically gifted player I’ve seen this year. He is athletically gifted and able to make spectacular plays on defense.
He has the burst, size, speed, and athletic ability to be a really good edge rusher at the next level. As with many edge rushers at this level, his hand usage needs to improve, but all the tools are there.
His performance in these playoffs should garner much interest from college coaches especially with two interceptions on his tape along with solid pass rushing play.
@BrandonHarriso with a helluva Int @NBTHSRaiders pic.twitter.com/AUphJj4sZS
— EJ Daniels (@edaniels77) November 13, 2021
Lensley Therlonge LB, Irvington
The senior linebacker was a key cog in Irvington’s state championship win. He was very effective on blitzes. Destroying plays in the backfield and causing much disruption for opposing offenses in the way of sacks and tackles for losses.
Watching his key plays he really excels at using his leverage to take advantage interior lineman while blitzing and as a block neutralizer in the run game. He made a number of plays in this manner leaving the Northern Highlands offense in disarray, providing a spark for the Irvington defense all game.
A wise person once explained to me that they want the players that come up big in the biggest moments and in the biggest games. Therlonge played one of his best games in the state championship and provided Irvington with many big plays that put Northern Highlands in bad situations.
This is how you neutralize a pulling guard. Very unselfish play by @Lenzo2beatz to assist in the tackle for a short gain
@IrvingtonHS_FB @CoachSmokeNJ pic.twitter.com/HTk5JfizUV
— EJ Daniels (@edaniels77) December 9, 2021
@Lenzo2beatz made sooo many plays like this in the championship game
@IrvingtonHS_FB @CoachSmokeNJ pic.twitter.com/LJrEDGfgrQ
— EJ Daniels (@edaniels77) December 9, 2021