Impressive live – and coming back for more – part III

Brian Jerzak

May 23, 2022 @ 10:03 PM

Finishing up my deeper dive into some of the returning players I saw live last season; I highlight four more guys who stood out when I had a chance to check out their games in person. The final story of Impressive live and returning for more focuses on three teams and two games deep into the regular season. [player_tooltip player_id="112101" first="Chuck" last="Gilbert"] WR Holy Angels Gilbert tended to play two roles on the Stars’ offense – both designed to take advantage of his speed. He is a threat to take the top off a defense on any play in which he is involved. His speed, length, and ball skills make him a home run threat on every snap. The other role he effectively plays is getting the edge on jet sweeps. Again, along with his speed, he has good one-cut ability to get around the corner and up the field. To say Gilbert was his quarterback’s favorite target during the game I watched would be an understatement. Every completion went to Gilbert. He beat one-on-one coverage for a 40-yard gain. Then, he caught another one-on-one ball for 35 yards. He hauled in an out route on the sidelines for a first down. He showed his vertical getting up to grab a fade for a touchdown. Dominic Castagnetto DL Chanhassen Castagnetto was a problem all opposing offenses had to deal with last season. Just a sophomore, he was a stout interior run stopper playing either a zero or three tech who often demanded double teams. With his strong lower body and low hips, he could often hold his ground even when double teamed. His quickness and hands allow him to get off blocks and shut down the inside running game when not doubled. Watching him live, he was a handful inside, totaling ten tackles in the game. Ten tackles is a good total for a linebacker and great for an interior defensive lineman. He made a pair of tackles on the inside for short gains within those ten. [player_tooltip player_id="312915" first="Jacob" last="Pung"] LB Holy Angels Pung does a great job of setting the edge. Once he establishes contain, he can get off blocks and attack ball-carriers. When asked to attack, he has good speed off the edge and can provide a solid outside pass rush. During the Providence Academy game, he stuffed a run near the goal line. Then, he read a misdirection play and made the tackle for a big loss. Later, he stuffed a run on the outside for a short gain. Bennett Hilberg OL Providence Academy By no means did he dominate, but he was assigned to handle Michigan State commit [player_tooltip player_id="18423" first="Chase" last="Carter"]. Carter had his moments - but Hilberg had the most demanding assignment on the field and more than held his own. He used good hips to help negate Carter’s size, and his footwork and hands often kept the DI commit on the outside and away from the quarterback.