Breakout Ball Hawks

Numerous players locked it down on defense, proving they have sure ball hawk ability. Take a look at the top 5 leading INT leaders from the 2021 season: &nbsp; <strong>Ben Hunter</strong>, <em>DB, Emerald Ridge ’22</em> Hunter led the state in INT’s, picking off 8 passes in just 9 games played. Hunter displays a solid understanding of responsibilities in zone coverage to not get baited, and does a terrific job reading the QB's eyes and body language which helps him get a nice break on the ball. Flashes closing speed to undercut routes while reading the receivers hips when manned up, and possesses nice range in the back half as a FS to play that center field position and help eliminate the deep ball with good ball skills all-around. &nbsp; <strong>Nick Strecker</strong>, <em>DB, Manson ’22</em> Strecker did his thing in the Manson secondary, snagging 7 INT’s on the year. Strecker holds a raw skillset with natural ability, as he is also a standout basketball player for Manson. He translates his athleticism and body control to the gridiron well, and possesses nice speed and ball skills. He sizes up with a 6'1" 175lb frame with room to add mass, and possesses loose hips with solid flexibility all around. https://twitter.com/nick5trecker/status/1441688519118708743?s=20 <strong>Dalton Kilmer</strong>,<em> DB, Forks ’21</em> Kilmer picked off 7 passes in 10 games played. Another two-way standout as Kilmer does a bit of everything for Forks. Scrappy kid that plays with a chip on his shoulder, as Kilmer displays good closing speed to jump routes or eat up ground and fill alleys. He shows a nice burst to the ball and can make something happen on an INT return. Overall a major asset to that Forks squad. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="151863" first="Colton" last="Bower"], <em>ATH, North Kitsap ’22</em> Bower was a game changer on that North Kitsap squad, by not only picking off 7 passes, but also holding the QB1 reigns while putting up some big numbers on both sides of the ball. Sturdy frame and build at 6'0" 195lbs with good functional strength. High football IQ to read and react to plays in a timely manner with plus athleticism. Bower is committed to Washington State for baseball, and had himself a very productive senior season on the gridiron. &nbsp; <strong>Jason Grant</strong>, <em>ATH, Toppenish ’22</em> [caption id="attachment_260847" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-260847" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/PRZ-Generic-Helmets-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /> Photo: Prep Redzone[/caption] Grant was one of, if not the best all-around athlete on the field almost every week. Two-way standout that was also a top receiver in the state. He picked off 7 passes this season and added 89 tackles to the mix. He sizes up with a good frame and build at 6'1" 205lbs and possesses both instinctual speed and play strength. He does a great job reading the QB's eyes when in zone to break on the ball with efficiency, making him a dangerous ball hawk in the back half. Strong tackler in run support as he closes ground well and is strong at the POA, driving through contact.