Week 9 – Defensive Players of the Week
A look at the three best defensive performances from Week 9. Players of the Week DJ Crowe, Denver East Angels (DL)(So.)(3) – Crowe was, in my opinion, the state’s top pass rusher from Week 9 in the Angels’ 67-21 beatdown…
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Continue ReadingA look at the three best defensive performances from Week 9.
Players of the Week
DJ Crowe, Denver East Angels (DL)(So.)(3) – Crowe was, in my opinion, the state’s top pass rusher from Week 9 in the Angels’ 67-21 beatdown of the Westminster Wolves. Looking at Crowe’s statistics from his night against the Westminster offense, he accounted for an incredible 12 tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, and a pass deflection. When you put on the film of Crowe’s performance against the Wolves’ offense, the first thing that jumps out to you is how much bigger he is that most other players on the field (6’3, 225 lbs), often towering over most of the opposing offensive linemen. Extremely high motor defender that never gives up on a play, routinely still pursuing the ball carrier downfield well beyond the line of scrimmage. Prototypical stand-up 3-4 edge defender that can rush the passer with a combination of speed, power, and flexibility. Strong, flexible lower body allows him to maintain a low pad level and drive blockers into the pocket on bull rushes. Displays outstanding bend when turning the corner on a speed rush on the opposing left tackle, almost being parallel with the ground. Extremely physical, aggressive, and strong defender that consistently brings a ton of force to the point-of-attack when making contact with an opposing blocker or an opposing ball carrier. Exceptionally fast and explosive for his position, routinely overwhelming the opposing blocker with his first-step explosiveness alone, quickly getting into the backfield and disrupting the pocket. Crowe isn’t currently ranked on any recruiting boards but if he continues to develop as a pass rusher, he can absolutely expect to be ranked by the time 2025 roles around.
Giancarlo Barron, Skyline Falcons (DB)(Sr.)(9) – Barron was, without a doubt, the state’s top DB of Week 9 in the Falcons’ 40-14 blowout of the Grand Junction Central Warriors. Diving into the box score from Barron’s performance against the Grand Junction Central offense, he accounted for 2 tackles, a tackle for a loss, a pass deflection, a fumble recovery, and an unreal 4 interceptions. Turning to the tape of Barron’s dominant performance against the Warriors offense, the first thing that jumps out about him is his outstanding overall athleticism and fluidity as a defender. Outstanding athleticism, agility, and speed allow him to excel at both the boundary corner role, in either man or zone coverage, but is at his best when being asked to play the role of nickel DB, as that is the position that highlights his strengths the most. Despite his smaller build (5’9, 150 lbs), he brings an adequate amount of power to the point-of-attack when making contact with the ball carrier when coming down-hill in run support. Excellent lateral agility allows him to cover hash-to-hash or run with even the fastest/quickest receivers on the boundary or in the slot. Shows outstanding lateral agility and short area quickness that allows him to quickly flip his hips and run with most boundary or slot receivers. The prototypical fast, explosive, and savvy ball hawk that always seems to be around the ball. Smart DB that knows how to utilize his explosiveness and athleticism to bait opposing QBs into risky throws. Barron isn’t currently ranked on any recruiting boards for the class of 2023, but regardless, he is a very talented DB that will look to finish his prep career strong next week.
Isaac Engle Isaac Engle 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Highlands Ranch | 2023 State CO , Highlands Ranch Falcons (LB)(Sr.)(9) – In what is beginning to feel like something that I’ll be writing about on a weekly basis, Isaac Engle Isaac Engle 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Highlands Ranch | 2023 State CO once again had a world-beating performance, despite the Falcons’ tough 21-17 loss to the Mountain Vista Golden Eagles. Engle’s performance against the Mountain Vista offense was easily the biggest reason that the Falcons were able to keep the game as tight as they did, as he registered an unbelievable line of 19 tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, a sack, and 3 pass deflections. To say Engle was all over the field for the Highlands Ranch defense, would be putting it extremely mildly. When you watch Engle’s night against the Golden Eagles 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. It feels like a shame that he only has one week left in his prep career, but he’ll be a force to be reckoned with at the collegiate level next year.