SD Top Defensive Players of Week 9
Zane Backous – LB, Roncalli Backous was able to be an anchor for the defesne and he did so much in terms of being a stopper and deflating any momeuntem that was trying to be gained by the other team.…
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Continue ReadingZane Backous – LB, Roncalli
Backous was able to be an anchor for the defesne and he did so much in terms of being a stopper and deflating any momeuntem that was trying to be gained by the other team. Backous has been popping up on my radar more and more, and with the performances that he is putting up week in and out, he is quicking rising up on my ranking list of defensive players. Backous brings an edge to his game that allows him to play a hardnosed style of football where he can not only be a great edge rusher but also a fantastic coverage specialist. Backous was mainly stopping plays before they could start this game and this was not only in the passing game, but also in his ability to stop the run in its tracks. The box scores outlines how talented he is with him having 13 tackles on the night while also having 2 TFLs and 2 sacks on the night. Backous was able to so much for his teams defense but he was also able shift his team by getting key stops. Overall, Backous not only brought the talent on the field but he also brought the energy and leadership that every team needs.
Jayshaun Morrisette – LB, Lakota Tech
Morrisette might not have had the flashiest night but what he did was give his team an all out effort style of performance and the ability to have everyone on the field be worried to see him out of the corner of their eye. What Morrisette was able to be all over the field with his speed and ability to make plays on the ball all throughout the game, not allowing anyone to get a pass caught easy. I like what he brings to the table and how he plays with a such a level of energy that makes his team just play better when he is on the field. He was able to stop the run and pass alike with him racking 10 tackles on the night, but the thing that doe snot show up on the stat sheet is how he was able to shut down the other teams passing game. He was able to keep up with the fast wideouts and big tight ends, shutting them down when he was guarding them and forcing the run to be had, which he could then fill the holes. Morrisette showed a lot of talent out their on the field and it impressed me with what he did, truly a standout performance.
Chase Dahlerup – LB, Irene/Wakonda
Dahlerup was playing with great effort and leadership this entire night and along with the stats that he put up on box score, overall he was someone that his team looked to all night. What Dahlerup brought to the table was so much more than his stats, what he did was be the leader that was there in the huddle talking to his team and on the sideline pumping up his teammates to get ready fo the next snap. He was there on every defensive snap to lead his team and be vocal while doing it, pointing out adjustments at the line of scrimmage and point out where his teammates can go to adjust to the offense that they were facing. He racked up 8 tackles on the night and did so much more than that, he was able to help his teammates make the plays that they needed go. Overall, Dahlerup was someone that his team looked to all night, and he delivered, landing him here as one of the top defensive players of the week.
Caden Devries Caden Devries 5'10" | 190 lbs | LB Madison | 2023 State – MLB, Madison
Like it was another day at the office, DeVries was a key defensive piece for his team, and while it might not have been the outcome they had wanted, he was there leading them every set of the way. What DeVries does is moreover a be defensive leader for his team, you see it when he will always been willing to help players and tell them where to adjust. His defensive IQ is simply off the charts and this game was no different, he can see plays before than can happy at times. DeVries stuffed the stat sheet on the night with him having 18 total tackles which were done not only by getting them in the open field but also was able to stuff the run and get into the back field too, having 1.5 TFLs on the night. DeVries has been the MVP of his team this year and this game was no different, for that he is this Weeks South Daktoa Defensive Player of the Week.