Stock Up: Week 9 Defense
It’s hard to stop a team from moving the ball, but these four players make it look easy. They stepped up in week nine, and now we’re here to give them the spotlight they deserve. Collin Sheffield || 6’1 ||…
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Continue ReadingIt’s hard to stop a team from moving the ball, but these four players make it look easy. They stepped up in week nine, and now we’re here to give them the spotlight they deserve.
Collin Sheffield || 6’1 || 190 || Skyridge High School || 2023
The Falcon’s defense was dominant in their win over Pleasant Grove, and Sheffield was one of the biggest reasons why. The 6’1 linebacker had his second straight game with two interceptions as he displayed why he’s one of the premier linebackers in the state. On his first interception, Sheffield did a great job faking that he was coming on a blitz before bailing out to cover the flat, where he hauled in the pass and returned it for six. On his second interception, Sheffield did come on a blitz but was able to jump up and pick off the pass from only a few yards away from the throw. Sheffield is also stout against the run, making him a key cog in one of the state’s best defenses.
Parker Crum || DB || 5’11 || 160 || Duchesne High School || 2024
Crum has been the state’s top defensive backs regarding takeaways through the air. He added two more interceptions vs. North Sevier this past weekend to give him eight on the season. Crum is a good athlete who knows how to read quarterbacks since he also plays the position for Duchesne. He has phenomenal instincts and is one of the state’s most innovative players. Crum has good hands that allow him to take on contact and haul in passes. In addition, he displays good athleticism leaping up to create turnovers.
Hemi Moleni || LB || 5’11 || 190 || Hunter High School || 2023
Moleni was all over the field in the Wolverines’ 28-14 win over Cyprus. The 5’11 linebacker registered 20 tackles and three sacks in one of the best performances we’ve seen by a defender this season. Moleni is an elite athlete who explodes off the snap to make plays in the opposing backfield. He plays all over the front seven and can drop in coverage or rushing the passer. Moleni does a great job shedding blocks before making tackles. He does a great job finding the ball and has the sideline-to-sideline quickness to track down ball carriers. Moleni is a powerful linebacker who always gets good leverage against each blocker he takes on.
Hutch Fale || LB || 6’0 || 170 || Provo High School || 2025
Fale tied his season high with 16 tackles against Wasatch. The 6’0 linebacker is a sure-fire tackler who has a nose for the football. He displays good speed and play recognition that has helped him reach over 80 tackles on the season. Fale does a great job filling holes and has saved numerous touchdowns on the season. He never gives up on a play, and the Bulldogs are lucky they have him for two more seasons.