Stock Risers: Week 2 Defense
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Defenders across the state had strong week two performances, but a few players truly took their game to the next level. Isaac Terrell Isaac Terrell 6'2" | 240 lbs | DL Lehi | 2023 State UT || DL || 6’2…
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Continue ReadingDefenders across the state had strong week two performances, but a few players truly took their game to the next level.
Isaac Terrell
Isaac
Terrell
6'2" | 240 lbs | DL
Lehi | 2023
State
UT
|| DL || 6’2 || 240 || Lehi High School || 2023
The defending 5A state champions have looked even more potent in 2022, and Terrell is a key reason why. After having 21 sacks in 2021, the 6’2 defensive linemen is well on his way to surpassing that mark, notching two sacks against Salem Hills. Terell is one of the state’s best pass rushers, and it’s easy to see why. He possesses an elite get-off as well as an elite bend around the edge, allowing him to break into pockets all game long. Terell also has excellent hands and a bevy of pass rush moves he can throw at linemen. In addition, Terell can do more than just go-around blockers, as he also does a great job gaining leverage on offensive linemen before overpowering them.
Sesi Vailahi
Sesi
Vailahi
5'11" | 190 lbs | DB
West | 2023
State
UT
|| DB || 5’11 || 190 || West High School || 2023
West had the challenge of going against the 2021 high school football national champions, the Meter Dei Monarchs. The Panthers struggled to keep pace, but one player who shined in the loss was Vailahi. The 5’11 safety led West in touchdowns in 2021, and in 2022, may lead his team in tackles. He patrols the field exceptionally well and has a nose for the football. In addition, Vailahi has elite speed that allows him to fly all over the field and make tackles. He saved multiple touchdowns in the Panthers game vs. the Monarchs both through the air and on the ground. Vailahi is also a phenomenal leader who gives maximum effort every time he takes the field. As one of the state’s most skilled and physical players, Vailahi continues to be a force for the Panthers no matter where he lines up from.
Luke Hansen || LB || 6’2 || 190 || Farmington High School || 2024
Farmington had a fantastic outing against Bountiful, holding the Redhawks to just three points. Multiple players contributed to the victory, but few made their presence felt for the Phoenix in the manner Hansen did. The 6’2 linebacker is one of the best at tracking the ball in the state. He is able to sift through offensive linemen with ease before laying the wood on ball carries. In addition, Hansen moves incredibly well in space and uses his long reach to deflect passes. As one of the most physical linebackers in 5A, Hansen lays the wood on every tackle, and he had 17 vs. the Redhawks. With his sideline-to-sideline quickness and physicality, Hansen is a crucial cog in one of the best defenses in Utah.
Christian Blanch
Christian
Blanch
6'1" | 200 lbs | LB
Fremont | 2023
State
UT
|| LB || 6’1 || 215 || Fremont High School || 2023
Fremont may be 0-2 out the gate, but Blanch has been incredible to start the season. The 6’1 linebacker has the sixth most tackles in the state and the most of any player in 6A. He had 16 in the Silverwolves game vs. Roy and affected the game in even more ways than the stats show. Blanch excels at filling holes and dropping running backs. He does a great job beating ball carries to the edge and can track down pass catchers from behind like few players in the state. Blanch has no problem getting offensive linemen off him and tracks the ball exceptionally well. When spying quarterbacks, he knows just when to fly upfield to make plays.