Playoffs Level One: Defensive Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The studs came out to play on defense during Level One of the WIAA playoffs. They got after the QB, created a ton of backfield disruption, and created turnovers on the ground and in the air. We have eight athletes to cover here that represent the Class of 2023, '24, and '25. The DL, LB, and DB groups are also well represented. It is a deep group, and every athlete needs to be on the radar of college coaches. There are many D1 athletes in this article, as well as athletes for every other level. Check out my breakdown, and then watch for yourself! Let's get it started!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63574dbc6c3e0","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":"Evan Herrmann","_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":"6'6u0022","_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":"Hamilton Sussex","_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: 4 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Sacku003c/emu003ernrnI first found Evan's tape early in the season. Since then, the senior DL has created a special breakout campaign. One that has gotten him the attention of many FBS schools. It is easy to see why the elite athlete is skyrocketing up boards. He is 6'6u0022 with an 81u0022 wingspan, and runs a 4.48 40. Add to the speed some elite change of direction and burst and you get a DE who can get into the offensive backfield at will. Watching Evan's rush will give you a glimpse into some rare traits. His ability to cut on a dime and completely change course at full speed is rare. He doesn't just run the loop. He gets the depth he needs and will cut at a 90 degree angle to close on the ball. The scary part is that Evan is very raw. He is still developing pass rush moves. Once his technique matches the raw traits, and his frame fills out, a team is going to have a special talent on their hands. He is going to debut as a Top 10 athlete in the Class of 2023.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_63589507f647a","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13125139/6353732ce97c10021c694729' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63574e046c3e1","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["268943"],"_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 TFL, 2 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 PBUu003c/emu003ernrnOne of the top 2024s in WI is the LB out of Lake Mills. Matthew is 6'4u0022 215 lbs. His frame carries that weight well, and there is room for more. Stenbroten also moves very well at that size. He can rush around the edge or drop into zone coverage with equal success and ease. Matthew has the first step get off to be able to beat Ol and TEs across their face. Lastly, Matthew is a strong edge setter who can walk his blocker into the backfield, shed the block, and make the tackle for loss. He has the tools and traits needed to be an impactful edge defender at the D1 level, and with a year of HS ball still ahead of him the sky is the limit.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_63589927f647b","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14782198/63547b8de97c10021c6b0f7b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63574e1e6c3e2","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":"Trey Bahr","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"La Crosse Aquinas","_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: 3 INTs, 1 Pick Sixu003c/emu003ernrnThe 6' 170 lbs sophomore burst onto the scene this past week. He proved to be a ball hawk on the back end of the Aquinas defense. The underclassman  reads the field well. Bahr saw plays as they were developing. That allowed him to get himself in position to have a chance to make a play on the ball. Trey also has solid hands, and actually reeled in one of his INTs with one hand. Lastly, the underclassman has decent range for the position. With a breakout game like this you have to make sure to follow his career going forward.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_63589b30f647c","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17927307/63540d7fff02270900733ebe' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63574e706c3e3","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405467"],"_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: 12 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 INTu003c/emu003ernrnThe 6'3u0022 215 lbs OLB came into the season as one of the top junior defensive talents in the state. He has continued to look the part, and will surely move even further up the rankings after the season. Landon's versatility and athleticism set him apart from the crowd. He can play on the edge or out over a slot receiver. His range makes it easy for him to cover ground from the edge of the OL to the sideline. He also has special, D1 level, body control. That is so important because it allows him to be able to start/stop, change direction, and bend when rushing the passer. It is easy to see why a lot of FBS and FCS schools are getting him on campus. He holds an offer from NDSU already. Many more are sure to follow.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_63599608f647d","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15837508/6353f9ffb023010d505c85fa' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63574e826c3e4","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":"Carter Morrison","_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":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"DeForest","_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: 2 INTs, 2 Pick Sixesu003c/emu003ernrnThis is not the junior's first insane performance. He had a 4 INT game in mid- September, and now with the brightest lights of the season on he showed up again. The 6' 185 lbs DB has a knack for making the  big play. His first pick six came when he was going to cover his man, and it led him right in the path of the ball going to another receiver. Carter was able to see it coming and easily grabbed it and race in for 6. The second one saw Morrison perfectly undercut the route, avoid a receiver, and take it in for the score. Morrison is a new athlete on my radar, but the big play maker deserves to be on radars going forward.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_6359980ff647e","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14540821/6354dfdfb534e708709186bf' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63574ed96c3e5","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["304590"],"_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: 8 Tackles, 2 TFLs,  1 Sack, 2 PBUsu003c/emu003ernrnThe 6'2u0022 190 bs OLB was a problem off teh edge Friday night. His highlights show an ahtelte who was able to get into the bakcfield at will. We got a glimpse of a swim move. When he couldn't get penetration he still made an impact with multipel batted down passe at the line. His play in space was a key to most of his tackles. He stayed square, and didn't get shook by ball carriers. Instead he was able to close quickly and swallow them up before they could. The senior has an offer from UW- Eau Claire.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_63599b44f647f","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13058861/6354001417636e0fd072e36d' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63574ee56c3e6","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["304530"],"_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: 9 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 2 Sacksu003c/emu003ernrnA potential steal in the Class of 2023 is the 6'3u0022 210 lbs ILB. Elijah has a big frame, with space to continue to add some weight. He is at his best playing downhill, and aggressive. The senior diagnoses plays quickly. His first highlight is a great example of that as he sniffs out a screen, gets past the OL with ease, and makes the tackle. His second highlight shows off some range as he goes across most of the field to bring down the QB for one of his sacks. UW- Platteville is his lone offer, so far. He needs more attention. Check him highlights below, and the rest of them.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_63599d21f6480","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13011297/6355d943f327a40938c4bc2e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63574fbc6c3e7","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":"Bennett Fogelstrom","_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":"6'0u0022","_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":"Waukesha 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: 5 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 Sacksu003c/emu003ernrnBennett is undersized for the DE position at 6' 230 lbs, but man does he have some traits to get excited over. The first is that he is so quick, and sudden with his lateral movement.s He is able to get the leverage advantage and leave OL reaching with his quick twitch short area agility. The DE was also able to hold his ground well despite being undersized. Lastly, Bennett consistently uses his hands to win his battles in the trenches. I don't see any offers for the All Conference DE. I would recommend that the D3 level takes a look at his highlights. High motor. Quick. Productive in big games. Worth a look.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_63599f2ff6481","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12745805/63545a07da5ace0a9831192b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /-->