Top Defensive Performances: Week One

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defense wins championships, and Week One showed us that several teams have pieces in place to build shut down defenses. Those pieces wasted no time breaking onto the scene with big numbers, and strong tape on top of it. Today, we are going to dive into that tape and break down eight of my favorite defensive efforts form across WI. The film will be included, so make sure to take a look for yourselves. Let's get it started!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6305353576d15","name":"acf/evaluation-block","align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6305356ba6d18","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["414689"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: N/Au003c/emu003ernrnI usually don't include athletes from the game I attended live in these sections because they get their own article. However, there were so many athletes to cover that I decided to save Kussow for this article. Despite the loss I was very impressed by the OLB/slot defender. His clutch play making was on repeat. He had a knack for making pass break ups on third downs. Somehow he was always around the ball, and always being very disruptive at the catch point. He also proved he can get home off the edge when he blitzes the QB. Using a sack to end another drive in the game. Kyle is a gamer who needs a look from the next level.rnrn[embed]https://twitter.com/Kylekussow_10/status/1561379289496539138[/embed]","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["154514"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 8 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 3 TFLsu003c/emu003ernrnThe two way athlete had a strong two way performance, but this week I want to focus on his defensive play. That is where he projects best when it comes to college play. The 6'2u0022 210 lbs edge setter lived in the backfield in Week One where he wrecked havoc against the run and pass game. Caymen sets the edge well, sheds the block, and corrals the ball carriers quickly. His strength proved superior on multiple highlights. Lastly, I'm impressed with how well Gebheim is able to keep his eyes on the ball while fighting through blocks, and maintaining his outside leverage when needed. A great start to the season.rnrn[embed]https://twitter.com/CaymenGeb/status/1561754895157542912[/embed]","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["304450"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 8 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 INTsu003c/emu003ernrnWe are seeing the long, lean edge defender playing out o fa two point stance a lot. Not only lining up that way, but proving that he can also accomplish the duties of a 3-4 OLB. What was most impressive is how quickly he was able to be effective in coverage. We didn't see him used that way much in 2021, but the natural athlete looks smooth, and under control in coverage. He easily reads the QB's eyes and jumps throwing lanes. His natural hands also created turnovers. Bradley made a lot of heads up plays in week one. Bushke is going to be a steal. He is no doubt an athlete that should play at the D2 level, minimum.rnrn[embed]https://twitter.com/BBushke/status/1561741239153745921[/embed]","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["414679"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 1 Pick Sixu003c/emu003ernrnThe long-limbed CB needed all his length to pull off his INT, along with some quick twitch reflexes. Shea also proved to have the speed to turn that pick into 6 points. He also proved that that speed allowed him to play off coverage, and then close quickly when the ball was in front of him. It is short film, but we get to see him make plays in the slot and at safety. Shea is going to be a key piece to Waunakee's defense as they defend their state title.rnrn[embed]https://twitter.com/sheaducharme/status/1561771691440836609[/embed]","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["104585"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 4 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 Sacks in First Halfu003c/emu003ernrnWe are one week in, but it is clear that Nolan is on the path to rising the rankings, and seeing a lot more recruiting attention. His week one highlights show an impressive blend of size, speed, and power. It was highlighted in different plays throughout the clips. His get off was able to get him to the heels of the OL. He demonstrated good hand fighting with a swim move. Lastly, we got to see him power as he collapsed the pocket with a bull rush from the 3-4 DE spot. With a whole season to go, we are in for a breakout year for Nolan. Get familiar with this athlete.rnrn[embed]https://twitter.com/NolanOlson11/status/1560756148801773569[/embed]","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["104432"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 6.5 Tackles, 3 Sacksu003c/emu003ernrnComing into the season we saw Jack used primarily as a TE. The big man looks like he is going to be making a big impact as a DE this season to go along with his TE duties. Either way he has a great frame for the position. Jack has the athleticism to get up field quickly, but then hit the breaks and cut back if needed to get to the QB. His change of direction at his size is impressive, and it was key to some of his big plays. He also has the strength to walk linemen into the backfield, press them away from his frame, shed, and make the tackle. This is an early look at his defensive potential, but there is a lot to like. The production doesn't hurt either.rnrn[embed]https://twitter.com/jack_opperman/status/1561783521944952834[/embed]","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["262065"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 2 INTsu003c/emu003ernrnIn a massive Week One matchup Neenah put on a show.  A key piece to a dominant effort was the sophomore safety. one of the state's best sophomores. The young playmaker already is displaying impressive awareness and recognition. It was though two traits that put him in position for his firs t INT. The second INT came from him perfectly trailing the receiver in single coverage and then going and getting  the ball at it's highest point. The rangy safety is going to only get better going forward. I can't wait to continue to follow his career. Plenty of big plays are in his future.rnrn[embed]https://twitter.com/_TheGrantDean/status/1560692231623036929[/embed]","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["274309"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 4 Tackles, 2 INTsu003c/emu003ernrnThe junior is one to know. Both his INTs came in zone coverage. The first was him playing tighter coverage as he had the only WR on his side of the field. The second came from his ability to read the QB and get in the right position. Elijah has natural hands that easily pluck the ball out of the air. He also has the speed to be able to run with receivers throughout the route. Mead is also a playmaker on offense. He is a rising junior who I believe will be able to play on either side of the ball at the next level.u003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14657968/6300e694066b620738f6018fu0022u003eElijah's Week One Highlightsu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":8,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /-->