All-Class of 2023 Team Defense (Off-Season)
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To continue our look at the class of 2023, here is the All-2023 team defense. For this team, I elected to use a 3-4 format with an additional ATH that I felt could fill multiple roles. Similar to the All-2023…
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Continue ReadingTo continue our look at the class of 2023, here is the All-2023 team defense. For this team, I elected to use a 3-4 format with an additional ATH that I felt could fill multiple roles. Similar to the All-2023 offense, this is something that I would like to revisit and make necessary changes once we get to summer camp with a “Pre-season” version.
Here you have it folks, your All-2023 team defense:
Defensive Line:
Ends:
Maverick Noonan Maverick Noonan 6'4" | 230 lbs | DL Elkhorn South | 2023 State NE | Elkhorn South | 6’4″ 235 lbs
Maverick is currently the top-ranked 2023 DL prospect and his junior season further solidified that. He is a freak athlete that can be lined up anywhere on the DL and be disruptive. Even with extra attention, Maverick was able to tally 30 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks as he continued to terrorize backfields in year 3. Noonan does an excellent job as both a finesse/speed rusher and a power rusher. When he’s lined up wide, he uses his speed, incredible bend, and angles to take advantage of slow linemen and apply pressure to the backfield. In formations where he is head up on the lineman, Maverick uses his strength to bully his way into the backfield, showing he can win his matchups in various ways. Noonan has already picked up several P5 scholarships, including Stanford, Iowa, Minnesota, and the Huskers, to name a few; this list should only see itself explode as the recruiting cycle continues.
Victor Isele Victor Isele 6'3" | 220 lbs | DL Northwest | 2023 State NE | Grand Island Northwest | 6’2″ 220 lbs
Victor is a beast! I had the chance to watch him at the Stock Up Showcase, and he was easily one of the top overall prospects at the showcase. The GI Northwest big man is incredibly explosive off the snap and has one of the quickest first steps I’ve seen. Isele was able to total 64 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and recovered one fumble, despite seeing quite the double teams. He is a relentless edge rusher that plays with a non-stop motor. One thing people should know about Isele is just how fast and athletic he is, especially his short-area quickness in the backfield. He has back-to-back seasons with 7+ sacks and 14+ tackles for loss, solidifying him as one of the top playmakers along the defensive line. Victor is receiving P5, Group of 5, and FCS attention and should see his stock improve tremendously with a strong spring and summer.
Tackle:
Sam Cappos Sam Cappos 6'1" | 240 lbs | DL Lincoln East | 2023 State NE | Lincoln East | 6’1″ 240 lbs
Speaking of athletic big men, I’d be hard-pressed to find a more athletic big guy than Lincoln East’s Sam Cappos Sam Cappos 6'1" | 240 lbs | DL Lincoln East | 2023 State NE . This shot-put tossing, discus throwing, high-diving, QB chasing defensive tackle is leaving quite the footprint in whichever sport he’s participating. On the gridiron, he is a tireless run stuffer that eats running lanes in the middle of the line. He finished the season 2nd amongst all DT with 68 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble/recovery. Cappos is pretty vicious when he is working his way into the backfield, using his strength and strong hands to brush away blocks. His contribution went further than the stat sheet as he drew attention away from other playmakers on the Spartan defense. Cappos is receiving looks for his talents in track & field and football, with the talent to do both at a high level.
Linebackers:
Outside:
Ethan Stuhr Ethan Stuhr 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Gretna | 2023 State NE | Gretna | 6’2″ 200 lbs
Ethan will continue to be electric for the Gretna Dragons and will have the 2nd most tackles out of the returning defenders. Stuhr erupted for 67 tackles during his junior year and emerged as a solid edge defender with 4 tackles for loss and a sack. He has a serious motor on him and can be seen flying around the field on every single play. When Stuhr lines up with his hand in the ground, you can expect a quick get-off that helps him explode off the edge. As a standing linebacker, he disguises what he is doing very well by lining up close to the line only to drop back into coverage or lining up like he’s in coverage only to bring the house on a blitz. Ethan is equally as impressive against the run, as he can get plant his heels on the edge and set contain on the RB. I’m very excited to see how Stuhr comes out firing after an impressive spring/summer cycle.
Jackson Bos Jackson Bos 6'3" | 225 lbs | DL Norfolk | 2023 State NE | Norfolk | 6’3″ 210 lbs
Jackson is a player that may not be very well-known yet, but I believe he will blow up before the start of his senior year. Jackson is a versatile defender that can play defensive end and linebacker for Norfolk. Overall, Bos recorded 60 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, a defended pass, and a fumble recovery while playing a hybrid role for the Panthers. When he is in a 3-point stance, he makes sure to come off the snap quickly and shoot through his gap. When he is in a standing ’backer role, he has the athleticism to be used as an edge rusher or an extra man in coverage. Jackson is currently ranked as a defensive lineman, but his versatility and size could translate well to playing outside linebacker/edge player. Regardless, Bos is bound to continue making a name for himself.
Inside:
Tristan Kuehler | Pierce | 5’10″ 160 lbs
Kuehler is a throwback middle linebacker that guns it to the football on every play. When you watch Tristan’s effort, it’s no surprise that he was the state’s leader in total tackles. Kuehler totaled 157 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, a sack, and snagged an interception during a spectacular junior season. Tristan was at the heart of the Blue Jays defense that helped them make it to the state championship game. Tristan is a high-motor, high-energy, intense linebacker prospect that can flat-out fly all over the field. Kuehler does a great job patrolling the center of the defense and does an excellent job executing his assignment, whether it’s to stay put in coverage or move up to add pressure to the backfield. He can attack the play side or come from the backside to bring down the ball-carrier, working his way through his blocks and into position to make a play. Watch out for Tristan in 2022, he’s going to be everywhere!
Liam Blaser | Columbus | 6’1″ 205 lbs
Columbus had quite the linebacker duo in 2021 with Ernest Hausmann Ernest Hausmann 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB Columbus | 2022 State NE and junior LB/RB Liam Blaser. With Hausmann off to play for the Huskers, it’s Liam’s time to shine as the leader of the defense. Blaser is a bruising, big-bodied linebacker that loves to bring the pain with every tackle, all 94 of his total tackles, to be exact. On top of his 94 tackles, he added 8 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 4 interceptions, 3 defended passes, and forced 2 fumbles, along with 700+ rushing yards on offense. Blaser is a very athletic linebacker that moves quickly in space and has great anticipation for where the play is headed. He’s got a strong upper body that helps him bring down opposing backs and the lower body strength to dig his heels and set the edge against the run. Blaser plays with a ton of heart and will line up wherever needed. I saw some plays where he deep like a high safety and came up with an interception. Absolute gamer!
Defensive Backs:
Corners:
TJ Fitzpatrick | Plattsmouth | 6’0″ 165 lbs
TJ is a ballhawk that had a tremendous breakout season during his junior year. The Plattsmouth DB was an island in coverage and showed that he has a nose for takeaways, as Fitzpatrick racked up 27 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and snagged an insane 9 interceptions. He is an instinctual player who diagnoses and reacts to the ball without missing a step. TJ was especially impressive in man coverage, where he showed all the traits of being a lockdown corner. He has the speed and athleticism to match his opponent step for step and has good use of his hands at the catch point. TJ is super aggressive when making plays on the ball and is one of the few DBs that make 50/50 balls look like 70/30 balls in favor of the corner. It’ll be interesting to see how TJ follows up such a great season.
Adonis Hutchinson Adonis Hutchinson 6'1" | 170 lbs | ATH Lincoln | 2023 State NE | Lincoln | 6’1″ 170 lbs
Adonis is one of the most exciting players to watch, regardless of class. It was hard to determine where exactly to put Adonis on this 2023 team because of his abilities as a two-way player; eventually, he landed at corner. Hutchinson’s athleticism has made him one of the most dangerous players on the field, whether he is locked onto a receiver, lined up at wideout, or getting ready to return kicks/punts. Hutchinson was able to rack up 30 tackles, 4 pass break ups, and a fumble recovery for the Links defense. Adonis’s ability to stick with his receiver and length make him a tough corner to get a reception on. He is a very fluid athlete who can change direction very cleanly and close gaps between himself and the receiver with elite speed. Another great trait about Hutchinson is that he does a good job breaking down for tackles, going low, and wrapping up to make the secure tackle. Adonis is already making a pretty good name in the recruiting trail but will undoubtedly pick up more looks as the offseason progresses.
Safeties:
Blayke Moore | Gretna | 6’2″ 200 lbs
Blayke is a player who will jump up several teams’ radar before the start of his senior year. Right off the bat, he has the size and build to play the safety position; strong, fast, physical, and very agile. On top of the physical traits, Blayke is just a natural playmaker with great instincts in coverage, even undercutting routes to come away with a pick or huge pass breakup. Blayke is the returning tackler for the Dragons after racking up 74 tackles, and he also picked off 5 passes, 2 pass break ups, a pick-six, and a fumble recovered for a touchdown. Moore has a keen nose for the football and knows how to attack the ball when it’s in the air. He does a good job getting his hands in the play and being physical to throw off the receiver’s concentration. Mechanically, Moore is very polished on the details like footwork, hip fluidity, and is an excellent tackler. After a tumultuous offseason, I expect Blayke and the boys to come out looking like an absolute unit.
Brock Murtaugh Brock Murtaugh 6'2" | 200 lbs | DB Millard South | 2023 State NE | Millard South | 6’2″ 200 lbs
Hudl | Twitter
Brock is a player that I’m excited to watch throughout the offseason because he will be a star for the Patriots! Murtaugh had his breakout season in 2021, playing safety primarily, but he has the versatility to play all over, given the personnel. Murtaugh finished his junior year with 55 total tackles, 7 pass breakups, 3 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 interceptions, along with 18 receptions for 341 yards and 5 receiving touchdowns at WR. Brock is a rangy safety that can drop into pass coverage or move up into the box to help in run support. He reacts to the play very well and can close on his target quickly. Brock takes great pursuit angles and is super physical at the point of contact, making sure he finishes through tackles. Murtaugh also showed that hauling in receptions on him is no easy task, as he does a good job utilizing his hands and size to break up passes or out-gun his receiver for a pick.
Side note: DO NOT let him get open in the red zone!
Punter:
Simon McClannan Simon McClannan 6'0" | 150 lbs | K Millard South | 2023 State NE | Millard South | 6’1″ 165 lbs
Simon is an all-around elite specialist that could be here as a kicker or punter. He is not just one of the best specialists in the state of Nebraska, but in the entire country with a 5-star rating as a kicker and 4.5-star rating as a punter, which places him as the #13 kicker and #18 punter. Simon’s 41 yards per punt was one amongst punters, and overall he covered 910 yards on his 22 punts and pinned four of them inside the 20. What makes McClannan such a special punter is his ability to get big air under his punts and allow the punt coverage team to set contain. On top of his punting duties, Simon added 47 of 49 extra points and recorded 30 touchbacks on 63 kickoffs. Top-notch leg on Millard South’s Simon McClannan Simon McClannan 6'0" | 150 lbs | K Millard South | 2023 State NE .
ATH:
John Pargo Jr John Pargo Jr 5'10" | 175 lbs | DB Creighton Prep | 2023 State NE . | Creighton Prep | 5’10″ 175 lbs
John Pargo is a flat-out playmaker on the gridiron for Creighton Prep. He primarily operates from the safety position, but he can do it all for the Junior Jays secondary. Pargo Jr. racked up 50 tackles, 9 PBUs, snagged 4 interceptions and blocked 4 punts in a very impressive junior campaign. Watching John’s tape, it looks like the game is so simple for him, as he was constantly in a great position, or put himself in position, to make a play on the ball. He is excellent against the pass and provides top-tier shell coverage with great ball skills when the ball is in the air. John has physical and athletic skills to dominate, like fluid hips, great closing speed, and solid tackling. Still, he also has the intangible/mental aspects like confidence, play recognition, and football IQ to be elite. He wasn’t just a terror in the secondary, but he proved to be a punter’s worst nightmare with his ridiculous 4 blocked punts. Personally, I think Pargo Jr. is very underrated, and not enough people are talking about how talented this young man is. Expect a huge year from this playmaking DB.