Week 5 – Defensive Players of the Week

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A look at the three best defensive performances from Week 5.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players of the Week</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jack Johnson, Evergreen Cougars (LB)(Sr.)(46) – In the Cougars 41-8 beat down of the Severance Silver Knights, Johnson easily stood out as the best player for either team. Against the Silver Knights offense, Johnson accounted for an impressive 23 tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, an interception, and a pass deflection. When you put on the film of Johnson's night against Severance, you can see Johnson displays great foot speed and lateral agility for the LB position, allowing him to play the prototypical role of a sideline-to-sideline LB. Excellent downhill runner when filling his run fits, allowing him to create plenty of force/power at the point-of-contact with the ball carrier/blocker. Displays excellent use of his hands at the point-of-contact with an opposing blocker, showing great placement and following through with good power after the initial contact. While Johnson isn't ranked on any recruiting boards at the moment, he'll certainly look to finish his high school career strong for the Cougars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='256288' first='Isaac' last='Engle'], Highlands Ranch Falcons (LB)(Sr.)(9) - This is Engle's second week in a row making this list and if nobody on the recruiting trail is paying attention to him by now, it'd be practically criminal and I'm not sure what else about his play could convince them. Engle's performance this week in the Falcons' 17-8 win over the Smoky Hill Buffaloes was even more impressive than his showing last week, as he accounted for an unbelievable 21 tackles, an interception, a pass deflection, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. When you watch Engle's night against the Buffaloes on film, you can see his relentless motor is the first thing that stands out. High energy LB that never gives up his pursuit on a ball carrier, even when working backside and chasing ball carriers that are well down field. Great physicality at the point-of contact with would be blockers, using a combination of a low pad level, good hand placement, and strength to shed blockers and make the tackle or continue his pursuit. Rarely takes bad angles, often chasing down faster ball carriers because of this trait alone. Good understanding of gap responsibilities to fill would-be running lanes and take away space for the ball carrier. As stated in last week's piece, Engle is currently rated the number 9 LB and the number 79 player overall for the class of 2023 despite the Falcons' struggles this season and whatever program lands his commitment is getting a gem of a backer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Camden Vogt, Chaparral Wolverines (DB)(Sr.)(3) - Vogt had one of the strongest showings of any DB in the state despite the Wolverines tough 21-9 loss to the Thunder Ridge Grizzlies. Against the Thunder Ridge offense, Vogt registered 6 tackles and a whopping 3 interceptions on the night. When you watch Vogt's tape against the Grizzlies offense, you can see his outstanding ability to always be around the ball, as he shows a ball hawking nature to his play and a thorough understanding of how different route concepts work off of each other and where the offense is trying to go with the ball on every series. Tall, long DB (6'1, 180 lbs) that can win with physicality at the line when in press coverage. Good use of hands when stacking and shedding blockers and getting to the ball carrier. Shows a good ability to consistently tackle ball carriers in the open field, rarely losing 1-on-1 situations. Reliable in both man and zone coverage, with his length and technique allowing him to win at every level of the field against most boundary receivers. Excellent athleticism, foot speed, and agility allow him to play almost any role in the defensive backfield at a high level. Vogt isn't currently ranked on any recruiting services but he's absolutely a talented DB that should be a player some college program is going to take a look at.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->