Week 8 – Defensive Players of the Week
A look at the three strongest defensive performances from Week 8. Players of the Week Cape Olsen, Ponderosa Mustangs (LB)(Sr.)(44) – When I originally saw Olsen’s numbers from his performance in the Mustangs’ 55-27 beatdown of the Far Northeast Warriors,…
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Continue ReadingA look at the three strongest defensive performances from Week 8.
Players of the Week
Cape Olsen, Ponderosa Mustangs (LB)(Sr.)(44) – When I originally saw Olsen’s numbers from his performance in the Mustangs’ 55-27 beatdown of the Far Northeast Warriors, I did a double take because it almost didn’t seem realistic. With that being said, it was real and looking at those numbers against the Warriors offense, Olsen registered an other-worldly 30 tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, a sack, and a fumble recovery. To call Olsen an absolute tackling-machine might honestly be a disservice to his performance. Going to the tape of Olsen’s one-man wrecking crew performance, you can see he displays excellent athleticism/foot speed out of his stance that allows him to play the role of a prototypical, modern backer that plays sideline-to-sideline and can quickly crash down hill in run support. Because of his overall athleticism, he displays a god ability in pass coverage to drop back into a zone or buzz underneath receivers in the flat. Heady LB with good instincts that can read and diagnose different blocking schemes (gap, zone, etc.) and react accordingly. Rarely out of position and consistently maintains his gap responsibilities, almost never over-pursuing the edge or getting caught in traffic inside. Extremely physical and aggressive defender that brings significant force to the point-of-attack when making contact with the ball carrier, consistently driving his legs through the ball carrier to finish the tackle. While Olsen doesn’t have the name recognition of other recruits, he is undoubtedly a college level player and is certainly deserving of more attention on the recruiting trail.
Elizar Valencia, Roosevelt Roughriders (DL)(Sr.)(33) – Valencia was arguably the state’s most productive pass rusher of Week 8 in the Roughriders’ 36-7 run-away contest against the Northridge Grizzlies, but contributed heavily in other phases of the defense as well. Taking a look at Valencia’s numbers from his night against the Grizzlies offense, he registered an impressive 5 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, and a pass deflection. When you turn on the tape of Valencia’s performance against the Northridge offense, the first thing that jumps out to you on film is his extremely hot motor, as he relentlessly pursues the QB or the ball carrier every single play, no matter where he’s at on the field. Displays great force at the point-of-attack when making contact with the ball carrier despite his smaller frame for his position (5’11, 175 lbs), consistently driving the ball carrier back after the initial contact and stopping all forward progress. Very quick and explosive defender out of his stance, routinely beating opposing blockers with his first-step quickness alone. Strong, flexible lower body and a low center of gravity allow him to be a deceptively powerful defender that is rarely blown off the ball by bigger blockers. Shows a good repertoire of pass rushing moves that he can utilize or counter with if the original rush is stopped. Shows an outstanding ability to shoot the A-gap and quickly get into the backfield in short yardage situations. While Valencia is currently unranked on recruiting boards, with his very small frame for a DL likely being the cause, he’ll look to finish his last few games as a Roughrider strong.
Isaac Engle Isaac Engle 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Highlands Ranch | 2023 State CO , Highlands Ranch Falcons (LB)(Sr.)(9) – In the words of Bernie Sanders, I am once again writing to you about Isaac Engle Isaac Engle 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Highlands Ranch | 2023 State CO and another incredible performance that he had despite the Falcons’ 35-7 loss to the Thunder Ridge Grizzlies. Diving into the stats from Engle’s night against the Thunder Ridge offense , he accounted for an unbelievable 13 tackles, a tackle for a loss, a sack, a pass deflection, and 2 interceptions. I don’t think it’s unfair to assume that this loss for Highlands Ranch would have been significantly worse had Engle not been on the field. When you watch Engle’s night against the Grizzlies offense 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 many of my previous writings on him, 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 an absolute gem of a backer.