Top Defensive Performers: Week Three

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There was no stone left unturned this week as I found my top performing defensive players. We have a senior heavy group with athletes who can play at the D1 through D3 levels. There is something for every level to want to take a look at here. We also have a couple great junior performances made by athletes that teams are going to want to make sure they begin to build a relationship now that 2024s can be contacted. This group of eight athletes put on a show. Make sure to check them out, and follow the rest of their seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6319049bd7e4a","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["266612"],"_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: 7 Tackles, 3 QB Hurriesu003c/emu003ernrnSteven is one of the state's top interior defensive linemen. The 6'6u0022 260 lbs DT has elite length and overall frame. The big man lines up all across the line for Menomonee Falls, and has impressive strength, body control, and lateral agility. That combination allows him to disengage with blockers quickly, and it allows him to be able to corral shifty ball carriers in the backfield. Steven does a great job of playing with leverage. He gets underneath linemen, stands them up, and uses his heavy hands to control them. Coming into the season I had high hopes for his potential. We are starting to see that potential come to fruition.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_631914c9d7e52","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14879550/63139bec2347320e3c4a5046' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_631904ffd7e4b","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["200127"],"_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: 7 Tackles, 1 INT, 1 FFu003c/emu003ernrnThe 5'10u0022 140 lbs senior CB has been putting together a strong senior season. He isn't the biggest athlete, but he has made up for it with an aggressive play style against the run and pass. Against the run, Ty closes quickly, and attacks low on opponents. His forced fumble came on a play where he did a great job of putting his shoulder on the ball. In coverage, Madlena has a smooth  backpedal, changes direction and comes out of his backpedal with ease and quickness. He has demonstrated that he can make plays in man and zone coverage with his ability to read the receiver or QB. I think we see him rise in the rankings a bit. He has one offer from UW- River Falls.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_631917a9d7e53","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13350227/631364dfdfe3580b0c353ce2' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63190676d7e4d","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Michael King Jr.","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Racine Case","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats:  12 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 FFu003c/emu003ernrnThis is my first experience with the 5'11u0022 190 lbs junior OLB. What a game to watch for my first exposure to him. King doesn't have elite length for the OLB position, but where he shines is with his initial burst and quickness. Michael launches off the line, and runs the loop around the OT with good speed. That's exactly how he got to the QB for his sack. Michael does a good job playing the run on the edge as well. When he sees the play going away from him he does a good job of squeezing down the line, and even chasing down the ball carrier from behind. The kid has a nose for the ball, and gets to it quickly. He will have to play off ball LB because of his size, but I believe he can play at the next level. I would predict D3, right now.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_63191b80d7e54","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15711657/63135995da5b5d081cf36723' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_631908c6d7e4e","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Wyatt Buelow","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2023","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"New Berlin West","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 1 Tackle, 4 Sacks, 1 TFLu003c/emu003ernrnThe 6'3u0022 190 lbs DE set up residence in the Pius XI backfield on Friday night. Wyatt got to the QB with just his get off and closing speed. He was able to use his initial burst to get past the line. I'll be watching more of Buelow to see if he has reliable pass rush moves, yet. His frame, production, and descriptiveness should get him D3 consideration. Check him out. He has climbed into the race for mos sacks in the state with this performance.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_63191e1cd7e56","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/8058967/631391ce42100d0c1010f2a5' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_631909b1d7e4f","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["272779"],"_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: 6 Tackles, 2 PBUsu003c/emu003ernrnThe senior is a big bodied safety at 6'2u0022 190 lbs. He uses that big frame to be an effective run stopper. Logan is very good against the run. When he reads run he flies downhill, closes quickly, and is a reliable wrap up tackler. His range to go from deep safety to near the line of scrimmage or across the field is next level quality. Lawonn's ability to read the play from his safety position and get to the ball stands out form the crowd as well. His PBU highlight also shows off that recognition and range. Lawonn is looking like a serious steal at the safety position. Take a look.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_63192211d7e57","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13011287/6313088819a5dc159818411b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63190e2cd7e51","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["300511"],"_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: 18 Tacklesu003c/emu003ernrnThe 6' 205 lbs LB was all over the field on defense, and special teams. I was impressed with his lateral agility in this week's highlights. On multiple tackles you see him sliding laterally to mirror the RB, and then meeting them in the hole to make the stop. Marcus also demonstrated the range with his tackle in coverage. It is short film, but I believe the LB can be a D3 level prospect. I don't see any offers or interest on his Twitter page. Check out this week's plays below.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_6319274dd7e58","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13098924/6312f8b442070417fcc6fe5b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63191c20d7e55","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405496"],"_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: 10 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 4 TFLsu003c/emu003ernrnThe 6'1u0022 195 lbs junior LB is part of a deep LB squad at Franklin HS. A school that has produced a lot of LB talent as of late. Manny was all over the field Friday night creating a ton of disruption. He simply ran right through block attempts from linemen, and met ball carriers right at the line of scrimmage, or behind it. His strong tackling was sure to end plays as soon as he wrapped up. Manny plays so quickly that the line had a hard time getting a hat on him. Joseph's play speed jumps off the tape, as does his strength. He clearly has put the work in this offseason because he is vastly improved and it will show in his team's success and his updated ranking after the season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_63192987d7e59","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14542617/6314f1c1dfd9870708ec3591' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63192a3ed7e5a","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["268989"],"_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: 5 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Sacku003c/emu003ernrnThe 6'2u0022 215 lbs LB is an impressive junior to watch. He is a strong athlete who has shown he can hold his ground on the edge against pulling linemen. You can see him sink his hips to get underneath linemen and stand them up on the edge. Just as quickly, Ryan can disengage and make the tackle. Koll does a great job of keeping his outside hand free, and has used that to make tackles at the OLB position. Ryan is turning himself into an impressive prospect in a very talented Class of 2024 graduating class.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_63193169d7e5b","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16304809/63139cfeb53ecb0ab8eca8f0' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /-->