Top Returning Defensive Stat Monsters

There are some special, freaky, productive athletes that will be returning to WI HS football fields this fall. The competition for #1 in the defensive statistical categories of tackles, sacks, and INTs is going to be fun to watch. There are special athletes, players with a ton of experience, and athletes stepping into new roles and big voids this season. It should give us big numbers, impressive tape, and a great season! Let’s check out some of these dudes! <h3>Top Returning Sack Artists</h3> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="250561" first="Brent" last="Hoppe"], DL- Turner</strong><em><strong>:</strong> 87 Tackles, 42 TFLs, 14 Sacks, 4 Forced Fumbles, 3 Fumble Recoveries, 1 Blocked Kick</em> The top returning sack artist is also the top returning defensive talent in the state. Brent is a special talent off the edge. He lived in the backfield in 2021, and it is only going to get more impressive next season. Brent has an outrageous first step that has allowed him to set up shop in the backfield on a weekly basis. His season was highlighted by a 7 sack week. Every way you look at it, Brent is the top returning defender. He already holds next level offers from the highest level. Huge season on the way! I hope to watch the stud live this season. <strong>Peter Stapleton, LB- Kenosha St. Joseph: </strong><em>50 Tackles, 14 TFLs, 13 Sacks, 1 Fumble Recovery, 2 Forced Fumbles, 1 Safety, 2 Passes Defensed</em> The second most sacks returning in 2022 is the 6’2" 185 lbs OLB from Kenosha. Peter is a rangy athlete who lives out in space, and flying off the edge. He looks just as comfortable rushing the QB as he does dropping into coverage. That is saying a lot for a dude that has piled up stats in the offensive backfield. Peter finished in 9th in sacks, and second most of anyone returning in 2022. keep an eye on this kid! <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="267046" first="Sam" last="Pilof"], LB- Middleton: </strong><em>98 Tackles, 18 TFLs, 12.5 Sacks, 1 Fumble Recovery, 6 Forced Fumbles, 2 Passes Defensed</em> One of my favorite defenders is the underclassman who finished with the 11th most sacks, and third most of any returning defender. Sam is one of the top versatile defenders in the state. Pass rushing, run stuffing, coverage, it is all there. He makes this list for his pass rushing where he highlights his blitz timing and burst. This dude is a tenacious, relentless defender who is going to continue to put up crazy numbers. He is going to be a popular name going forward. <h3>Top Returning Tacklers</h3> <strong>Riley Fischer, LB- Mukwonago</strong><em><strong>:</strong> 164 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 Sack, 3 Forced Fumbles, 2 Passes Defensed</em> The first team All Conference LB had a super productive junior season. He finished with the second most tackles in the state, and the most tackles of any returning defenders. You can expect even bigger numbers as Mukwonago lost a couple LB pieces. Riley will continue chasing down ball carriers from sideline to sideline. The 5’10" 205 lbs LB was All State last season. I expect to see him back on the list after another dominant season. <strong>Aidan Schaefer, LB- Waterford: </strong><em>145 Tackles, 17 TFLs, 2 Sacks</em> Aidan enters the 2022 season as the second leading tackler in the state from the 2021 season. The ILB for Waterford is a downhill, compact thumper. He is quick to diagnose plays and fill his gap. It isn’t just tackles either. He is making plays in the backfield against the run and pass. I expect to see him continuing his sideline to sideline, downhill play in 2022. Big numbers should be on the way. Numbers that should beat 2021! <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31388" first="Drew" last="Wilson"], LB- Homestead:</strong><em> 138 Tackles, 19 TFLs, 6 Sacks, 1 INT, 2 Passes Defensed</em> Drew is one of the top prospects at the LB position, and he has proven it down after down. He has the third most  tackles of any defender returning in 2022. Drew flies around the field. He is a new age LB who excels in space. He can play downhill or dropping backwards. He moves with ease and can make plays as consistently in the backfield as he does in coverage. The well- rounded athlete is going to put up numbers that rival 2021’s. Look for his game to take another step forward too as he earns big time, next level interest and offers. <h3>Top Returning Ball Hawks</h3> <strong>Boston Brindley- La Crosse Central</strong><em><strong>:</strong> 28 Tackles, 7 INTs, 1 Pick Six, 1 Blocked Kick 1 pass Defensed</em> I was in attendance for one of Boston’s picks in his matchup with Onalaska. Boston returns as the leader in INTs from the 2021 season. He clearly has a knack for jumping passing lanes and being in the right place at the right time. The pick I saw was off a tip drill where he again found himself in the right place at the right time. He is a name to know as he looks to take first place in the category. <strong>Caden Wold- Boyceville:</strong><em> 33 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Fumble Recovery, 6 INTs, 1 Pick Six, 4 Passes Defensed</em> One behind Boston was Caden out of Boyceville. He clearly knows how to get his hands on the ball. It isn’t just the picks. He has 10 combined INTs and PBUs. He even housed one of the picks. Caden is a playmaker in the defensive backfield. Caden is only a sophomore currently, so the ability is clearly natural as he earned a spot on the field as an underclassman on an 8-3 team. Big things coming for the lock down DB. <strong>Will Bieber- Coleman:</strong><em> 77 Tackles, 7 TFLs, 6 INTs, 1 Pick Six, 3 Passes Defensed</em> Bieber is actually a really fun player on both sides of the ball,. On defense, Will makes the list for his defensive prowess where he had 9 combined INTs and PBUs. He also gets involved as a very good tackler. The playmaker never leaves the field. He is a good athlete, and he uses his play speed as an RB as well. You can expect big things from the 2021 State Runner Up!