Midwest Interception & Sack Leaders through 9/23

One of the more unique aspects of high school compared to its counterparts is how outrageous some player's production can get, and as a defensive-first guy, I always love checking season totals and stat lines from states all around the Midwest just to see who is at the top of the leaderboards for rushing, passing, receiving, and especially defense. In the spirit of this idea, I wanted to begin another Midwest series highlighting multiple states leaders in two of my favorite categories: sacks and interceptions. The rest of the week I'll be getting to the offensive side of the ball, but I wanted to kick things off where my heart is and start on the defensive side of the ball. I took a look at 11 states stat sites, from Maxpreps to Bound to MNFootballHub, and found the state leader in INTs and sacks so our readers who is balling out this season in every state in the Midwest. I also did a quick film evaluation if they had updated Hudl, and also got into the prospect's recruitment and how things are faring on the trail. Get to know the Midwest's INT and Sack Leaders through today's date right here with PrepRedzone, and thank you so much for reading.   Dakotas   Interception Leader: Blayson Dolney (Oakes, ND) Junior. DB. 5'11, 170 lbs. 4 INTs!   The North Dakota product is through five games and is sitting at 21 tackles, 6 PBUs, 3 FFs, and 4 INTs. He recorded two picks on August 26th vs. Central Cass. Recorded an INT the next week vs. Oak Grove Lutheran, and followed it up the following week with a pick versus Park River. He's also rushed for a TD, caught a TD, and took a punt back to the house. Dolney doesn't have a Twitter so I'm not sure where he's at with recruiting!   Film Eval: Unfortunately, the junior doesn't have updated film. Make sure you update your Hudl profile and tapes, prospects!   --   Sack Leader: [player_tooltip player_id='273694' first='Caleb' last='Loehr'] (Brookings, SD) Senior. DE. 6'1, 215 lbs. 12 sacks! @Caleb16352033   Has had a monster four game season so far and is sitting at 35 total tackles, 18 TFLs, and 12 sacks. This was highlighted by a great performance against Spearfish where he totaled 14 tackles, 9 TFLs, and 7 sacks. The senior hasn't reported any interest or offers so college coaches make sure to shoot him a DM!   Film Eval: In his Week 1-4 highlights from this season Loehr has shown a nice ability to run down QBs from the backside of a play and has good pursuit speed for a defensive lineman. He's quick and fast at the position, and if he doesn't beat an OT off the snap I like how he uses his strength to pull blockers side-to-side and get them out of position and off-balance enough to shuck them aside and out of his way. His hand placement and stop/start ability are notable as well, and additionally he's got a solid get-off to boot. Loehr is by far the most productive pass rusher in the Dakotas thus far through 2022.   Illinois   Interception Leader: Two-way tie with five interceptions.   Juan Lucas (Addison Trail) Senior. Safety. Recorded an interception vs. Maine East, an INT vs. Lyons Township, and three INTs vs. Proviso East.   Ayden Ingram (Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin) Junior. DB/WR. Picked off a pass vs. Clifton Central, recorded an INT vs. Dwight/Gardner-South Wilmington, two INTs vs. Watseka, and that fifth INT vs. Momence. Also has caught three TDs as a WR.   Film Eval: N/A   --   Sack Leader: Sean Brown (Chicago Military Academy-Bronzeville/Air Force Academy) Junior. LB. 6'2, 200 lbs. 16 sacks!   Through three games the co-op LB is going off to the tune of 26 tackles, 17 TFLs, and a terrifying 16 sacks. This was aided by his 9 sack effort on September 8th against Fenger High School. Mr. Brown doesn't have a twitter and the schools don't have a Hudl account so unfortunately I can't give y'all much on his recruitment or what his game looks like.   Film Eval: N/A   Indiana   Interception Leader: Three-way tie with 5 interceptions.   Chase Miller (John Glenn) Junior. Safety. Through four games Miller has posted 10 tackles, five picks, 13 catches for 304 yards and 3 TDs. He's picked off at least one pass in every game this season, including two interceptions against South Bend St. Joseph. Can't find a Twitter so I'm not sure where he stands with recruiting.   Jaelan Whitt (Bowman Academy) Senior. DB. Has posted 15 tackles to go along with his five interceptions and three PBUs. He's posted two, two INT games coming against Calumet New Tech and Calumet Christian, as well as his fifth INT against East Chicago Central. No Twitter or active Hudl page.   Seth Pirtle (Sullivan) Junior. Free Safety. Has recorded 19 tackles, a TFL, 2 FRs, and the five INTs. Posted an interception against both South Vermillion and Linton-Stockton and added a three INT game versus Greencastle. No active Twitter or film.   Film Eval:   Miller: His highlights are more geared towards WR, where he excels as a deep threat, and as a DB his ball skills and balance are solid, and I like how he operates and jumps routes in zone coverage.   --   Sack Leader: Evan Gerber (Culver Academies) Senior. DE. 6'5, 220 lbs. 10 sacks! @EvanGerber5   The well-built senior DE is off to a hot start in 2022 and in four games of action has posted 24 tackles, 13 TFLs, and 10 sacks with a FF and PBU. Gerber had an incredibly productive first game against Indianapolis Arsenal Technical to the tune of 12 tackles, 9 TFLs, and 5 sacks. He's been steadily producing every since and has also totaled 10 catches for 184 yards as a TE. He's received offers from Valparaiso and the University of St. Francis. He's also visited some DIIIs.   Film Eval: In his 2022 film, Gerber can really run well for being a big prep DE and ran down more than a few QBs in the first four weeks with scary ease. If you leave him unblocked - even from the backside - he can really mess up an offensive call, especially when he times his get-off well, and he also possesses some lateral agility that helps him beat tackles to either gap. I also really enjoy watching him break tackles after the catch as a TE. He's under-recruited given the production, size, and film, in my opinion.   Iowa   Interception Leader: Five-way tie for first with 5 interceptions.   Traci Allen (OABCIG) Senior. Intercepted two passes versus Ridge View and three vs. Storm Lake.   Logan Godfrey (Melcher-Dallas) Senior. In addition to the five INTs, Godfrey has returned five punts for 52 yards, six kicks for 86 yards, recovered two fumbles, 17 tackles, four receptions for 58 yards and a TD, and 61 rushes for 384 yards and 5 TDs.   [player_tooltip player_id='320703' first='Mason' last='Miller'] (WACO) Senior. Miller has also caught 10 passes for 147 yards and a TD, 11.5 tackles, forced a fumble, and caught a 2pt conversion. Plus the 5 INTs!   [player_tooltip player_id='104718' first='Keaten' last='Bonderson'] (Gehlen Catholic) Senior. Free Safety. @KeatenBonderson - In addition to the five INTs, Bonderson has added 21 catches for 297 yards and 4 TDs, 15.5 tackles, two kick returns for 84 yards and a TD, and a punt return for 64 yards and a TD. Also has added 10 punts for 392 yards. @KeatenBonderson   [player_tooltip player_id='252220' first='Gavin' last='Kramer'] (Northeast) Sophomore. DB. @GavinKr23271605 - A two-way standout, Kramer has gone 62/116 for 989 yards and 10 TDs, rushed 55 times for 175 yards and 3 TDs, 8 tackles, a TFL, one kick return, and one punt return. He also took one of those five INTs back to the house for six.   Film Eval:   Godfrey: N/A   Miller: In his updated 2022 film I really liked and wasn't expecting the 6', 175 lber. to be such a physical tackler through contact. He explodes through contact and does a good job of crumpling and freezing ball carriers when he sticks them.   Bonderson: Has done a great job of keeping his Hudl updated game to game and shows off his three-phase contribution ability and overall athleticism very well. He is elusive with the ball in his hands and had an impressive punt return last week vs. Hinton that showed off some balance, and overall I love how he tracks and plays the ball while it's in the air. As a DB he reads the eyes of the QB well, especially when they are locked onto their target, and uses his above average speed to trigger and undercut the football. Bonderson holds offers from Grand View, Wayne State, Upper Iowa, Bemidji State, MSU-Mankato, Peru State, SMSU, UMary, and Northwestern College. He's visited Iowa State and South Dakota State so far this fall.   Kramer: His week 1 highlights show off an underclassman who does not play like his age would suggest. He's got a ton of juice with the ball in his hands and is a natural and playmaking football player, which aides him in the defensive secondary when he takes advantage of opponents' mistakes.   --   Sack Leader: Nolan Birdsall (West Harrison) Sophomore. DE. 6'2, 200 lbs. 12 sacks! @nolanbirdsall   The still-growing sophomore has been all over the place this season and has posted 20 carries for 72 yards and 2 TD, five catches for 78 yards and a TD, 26.5 tackles, 17 TFLs, and 12 sacks, as well as a forced fumble. No reported interest or offers from college programs as of yet!   Film Eval: His three games of updated 2022 film the young buck has a good get-off coming from the 8man ranks and can finish plays/sacks when given the opportunity and in space. I also like his strength at 200 pounds that allows him to back down bigger tackles. He's a good athlete too, which allows him to help out on offense in many different capacities. Birdsall is only getting better too!   Kansas   Interception Leader: Stetson Schafer (Cherryvale) Junior. DB/WR. 6'3, 185 lbs. 6 INTs! @schafer_stetson   The standout basketball and football player has caught 20 passes for 438 yards and 8 TDs to go along with his 8 tackles and 6 interceptions. The 6'3 athlete picked off a whopping four passes against Erie and the other two vs. Bluestem. I was also impressed with two of his receiving games, with a 6 for 124 and 2 TD performance against Eureka and a 10 for 262 and 5 TD game against Erie. Sadly, no film, and his Twitter indicates he hasn't heard from any coaches or recruiters at this point in time. Get at him!   Film Eval: N/A   Sack Leader: Lorenzo Johnson (Schlagle) Junior. DE. 6'3, 200 lbs. 9 sacks!   The Kansas City product is off to the races in the pass rush department and in his overall production, sitting at 38 tackles, 12 TFLs, 9 sacks, and two fumble recoveries. Five of those nine sacks came on September 2nd against Harmon, and he followed it up with three sacks the next week against Highland Park and a sack last Friday against Wyandotte. No Twitter so I'm not sure if any college programs are taking notice.   Film Eval: Johnson has a game of film from the Highland Park matchup and brings a ton of speed to the position as well as a good motor.   Michigan   Interception Leader: Mason Sierpien (Escanaba) Sophomore. 5'10, 150 lbs. 5 INTs!   Had a massive four interception performance two weeks ago in a 33-30 win versus Petoskey, and added that fifth pick the week before in a loss to Cadillac. Also forced a fumble this season.   Film Eval: N/A   Sack Leader: Devon Eaton (Charlotte) Senior. 5'9, 200 lbs. 7 sacks! @devoneatonn   The three-year varsity contributor has been a sack specialist this season and has added 13 tackles and a TFL to his impressive sack numbers. He also has a TD on offense. The scrappy senior posted three sacks in a 16-13 win against Lansing Catholic and four sacks vs. Eaton Rapids.   Film Eval: In his two available games of 2022 film I like his presence as an edge defender, where his short, thick frame can absorb blocks and take advantage of bigger, slower OTs, as his quickness and pass rush moves do a great job of freezing their feet. Also shows some solid strength when he's locked up and engaged with blockers. Eaton holds offers from Olivet College and Manchester University so far.   Minnesota   Interception Leader: [player_tooltip player_id='295963' first='Stefano' last='Giovannelli'] (St. Louis Park) Senior. 6'2, 180 lbs. Committed to St. Thomas. 5 INTs! @fanogiovannelli   The University of St. Thomas football commit and three-sport standout at St. Louis Park High School has made a splash over his prep career at both DB and WR and is sitting at 16 catches for 214 yards and a TD to add to his seven tackles, one TFL, and five interceptions, two of which he returned for TDs. He had three picks with two returned for TDs against Bloomington Jefferson and an INT vs. Two Rivers and another vs. Simley.   Film Eval: In his one game of 2022 tape I was quite impressed with how easily he jumped 5-8 yard slants, sticking his foot in the ground and looking like he's the one running the route. He can diagnose and break on the ball easily and smoothly. St. Thomas got a good one!   Sack Leader: [player_tooltip player_id='105385' first='Azrie' last='Yeager'] (Minneapolis North) Junior. DL. 6'2, 290 lbs. 7 sacks! @AzrieYeager   The two-way lineman from the 612 has 16 tackles, 7 TFLs, and 7 sacks to his name so far this season with a 7 tackle, 4 TFL, and 3.5 sack game last weekend in a 56-0 win against North St. Paul. He also had 2 sacks against Fridley and 1.5 sacks vs. St. Paul Johnson. No offers yet! Yeager also holds a 4.0 GPA for any interested college coaches.   Film Eval: 2022 highlights show off a big, thickly built interior lineman who can dominate at the point of attack and redirect opponents to whichever way he sees fit. His hand placement and want to finish blocks from the OL both stand out on film, and I also like his get-off and shake for a bigger DT. He's been dominant against Twin Cities competition so far this season.   Missouri   Interception Leader: Evan Miller (Branson) Freshman. 5 INTs!   The freshman (!) has limited detail available in his stats and no film, but that's mostly due to his age. Fans of Missouri prep football should keep their eyes out for his name popping up more in the future.   Film Eval: N/A   Sack Leader: Owen Totten (PMFWA) Senior. 6', 205 lbs. 9 sacks! @totten_owen   A member of the Paris/Madison/Faith Walk Academy co-op, Totten has recorded 30 tackles, 9 TFLs, and 9 sacks in four games of action and was especially productive on the 16th vs. Harrisburg, where he posted 10 tackles, 3 TFLs, and 3 sacks. He also popped off during Week 1 of the season against Grandview, posting 5 sacks and 8 tackles in the loss. Totten also recorded 5 TFLs versus Missouri Military Academy. No reported interest or offers for the senior!   Film Eval: N/A   Nebraska   Interception Leader: Nolan Van Slyke (Bishop Neumann) Junior. 4 INTs.   28 tackles, a TFL and those four interceptions highlight the junior's 2020 campaign thus far, with two coming two weeks ago in a win at Lincoln Lutheran, an INT vs. Grand Island Central Catholic, and the fourth last week in a loss to St. Cecilla. No Twitter so I don't know where he stands with recruiting!   Film Eval: N/A   Sack Leader: Austin Lutkemeier (Minden) Junior. 6', 215 lbs. 5 sacks! @a_lutkemeier24   Has posted 23 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 5 TFLs in his first season as an upperclassman. He recorded 2 sacks vs. both St. Paul and Fairbury and the last sacks vs. Kearney Catholic. Twitter is not active, unfortunately.   Film Eval: Only basketball film.   Ohio   Interception Leader: Four-way tie with 5 INTs.   Carter Bugara (Alliance) Senior. 5'10, 170 lbs. Fourth year as a varsity contributor. Defensively, he's at 25 tackles, 2 TFLs, a sack, and a FF. Had a big three INT game vs. McKinley. @BugaraCarter   Logan Ullery (Troy) Junior. 5'10, 160 lbs. Also is sitting at 16 tackles, a TFL, a FF, and a blocked punt. Picked off three balls in a win against Stebbins and one in each the Xenia and Dunbar games. @LoganUllery16   AJ Stroud (Keystone) Senior. Also has recorded 33 tackles and an offensive touchdown. Picked off two passes vs. both Oberlin and Wellington and added that fifth against Lutheran West.   Joziah Alidou (Celina) Sophomore. Posted three interceptions vs. Elida and one in each game against Van Wert and Versailles.   Film Eval: N/A   --   Sack Leader: Dylan Horsley (Norwood) Senior. 6', 200 lbs. 10.5 sacks! @horsleydylan1   Averaging 3.5 sacks a game with a massive 7.5 coming against Cinci's College Prep Academy.   Film Eval: Week 1-3 highlights show off a playmaking WR and LB who flies off the edge like his hair is on fire, takes on blocks with physicality, and is a sound tackler. You don't see this production out of the LB position too often so he's got some good things going for him in order to produce those kind of sack numbers.   Wisconsin   Interception Leader: Orion Gauger (Two Rivers) Senior. 5'11, 150 lbs. 7 INTs.   Opened the season with a 4 INT game in a big Week 1 win against Brown Deer, and followed up with an INT vs. Roncalli and two INTs at Kiel. Also has posted 13 tackles! No twitter, sadly.   Film Eval: N/A   Sack Leader: Two-way tie with 8 sacks!   Jacob Woida (Arrowhead) Senior. 6'2, 245 lbs. 8 sacks! @Jacob_Woida   In five games the senior has 36 tackles, 10 TFLs, and 8 sacks. He posted four vs. Waukesha West, one vs. Kettle Moraine, and three at Homestead. Surprisingly, he hasn't reported any offers or interest as of yet.   Henry Witte (Lake Country Lutheran) Senior. 6'4, 210 lbs. 8 sacks!   Film Eval:   Woida: Midseason tape is a good one, as the Hartland product is going against big school, D1 Wisconsin competition and opens his tape with an instinctive pick from his DE spot. Woida has a balanced game highlighted by strength, quickness, and a nonstop motor. I also like how he naturally works into passing lanes and impacts the passing game from the DL. Someone get at his kid!   Witte: N/A

One of the more unique aspects of high school compared to its counterparts is how outrageous some player's production can get, and as a defensive-first guy, I always love checking season totals and stat lines from states all around the Midwest just to see who is at the top of the leaderboards for rushing, passing, receiving, and especially defense. In the spirit of this idea, I wanted to begin another Midwest series highlighting multiple states leaders in two of my favorite categories: sacks and interceptions. The rest of the week I'll be getting to the offensive side of the ball, but I wanted to kick things off where my heart is and start on the defensive side of the ball. I took a look at 11 states stat sites, from Maxpreps to Bound to MNFootballHub, and found the state leader in INTs and sacks so our readers who is balling out this season in every state in the Midwest. I also did a quick film evaluation if they had updated Hudl, and also got into the prospect's recruitment and how things are faring on the trail. Get to know the Midwest's INT and Sack Leaders through today's date right here with PrepRedzone, and thank you so much for reading.