Lansing Area Dream Team: Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I recently did an article where I put together the top offensive players in the Lansing area. I thought it would be fun to do one for the defensive side. These are just a few of the many great defensive players in the Lansing area who return for this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive End: [player_tooltip player_id=’249812’ first=’Carson’ last=’Berkompas’] Charlotte | <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GFmWt">Hudl</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berkompas is quick off the line of scrimmage. Charlotte likes to run stunts with him to utilize his ability to run by blockers and get to the quarterback. He shows the ability to diagnose screen plays quickly. This is key since it can prevent opposing teams from getting running backs in space and creating big plays. Berkompas is an aggressive tackler and will drive defenders to the ground. He is an outstanding athlete who plays tight end on offense as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Linebacker: [player_tooltip player_id=’300735’ first=’Wesley’ last=’Davis’] | Holt | <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2FiWv8">Hudl</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id=’300735’ first=’Wesley’ last=’Davis’] is listed as a defensive back by us but has mostly lines in the box as a true middle linebacker. He is quick to read run plays and fly in the backfield to make tackles. He does not hesitate when it comes to meeting running backs in the hole. He has a good muscular build and has the speed to run from sideline to sideline.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Linebacker: Alex Fernandez | Lansing Catholic | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16475781/6178b26c176c58047c1cc9f3">Hudl</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fernandez is a very aggressive linebacker who does not shy away from contact. Fernandez works through traffic very well and has the strength and agility to quickly get off blocks. Fernandez also plays quarterback back on offense. I like his game a lot and look forward to seeing him continue to get better as he only enters his sophomore season in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Back: [player_tooltip player_id=’249742’ first=’Donovan’ last=’Patterson’] | East Lansing | <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GKvpb">Hudl</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Patterson is a terrific athlete who plays has the ability to play nickel corner and in-the-box strong safety. He has very good lateral movements and can open and change directions with ease. East Lansing coaching staff will be excited to have him back. He will be a key piece to a very talented East Lansing football team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Back: [player_tooltip player_id=’299936’ first=’Alex’ last=’Petersburg’] | Williamston | <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2G9Tab">Hudl</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Petersburg plays outside cornerback for Williamston. He has a very quick backpedal and can track the ball very well when it’s in the air. He is a great athlete who plays quarterback for Williamston as well. I look forward to watching him play great football for Williamston next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Back: Blake Haller | DeWitt | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13141813/61780ed602b218047cbed33e">Hudl</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Haller has the ability to break quickly on the football. He has a good change of direction and can accelerate downhill to make tackles. I love how he breaks down and gets into an athletic position to make good solid form tackles. Haller is great at covering receivers in the slot. He has the ability to mirror wide receivers and not let them create separation. I love that Haller has no fear when it comes to taking on blockers. Haller is a key returner to the DeWitt football team. I loved watching him play this past season and look forward to seeing him perform well this upcoming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->