Defensive players to know in the D1 Finals
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Is anyone else extremely eager for this weekend? In one of the biggest football weekends of the year, we have the Lions tomorrow, D8/D6/D4/D2 Championships Friday, USA vs. England Friday, D1/D3/D5/D7 Finals Saturday, and of course, THE GAME. Though, this…
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Continue ReadingIs anyone else extremely eager for this weekend? In one of the biggest football weekends of the year, we have the Lions tomorrow, D8/D6/D4/D2 Championships Friday, USA vs. England Friday, D1/D3/D5/D7 Finals Saturday, and of course, THE GAME. Though, this article will focus on the Division 1 finals. Here are four amazing defensive players to watch in that game!
DT | Jeremiah Warren Jeremiah Warren 6'3" | 270 lbs | DL Belleville | 2023 State MI | Belleville
The Belleville front 7 is big and powerful. Warren is a 6’4, 285lb beast with immense power. He’s simply too much for most high school offensive linemen, and I feel he can have a day against Cal. His main intrigue is power, and he has many highlights of him pushing linemen to the side to make a TFL. Warren can improve in some areas, such as staying low, speed moves, footwork, and other things, but his physical gifts truly make him one of the best D linemen in the state and a potential monster in the D1 finals.
DT | Jaxson Ray Engelberg | Caledonia
This is an underrated Cal defense, mainly because West MI teams don’t get as much exposure. Jaxson Engelberg Jaxson Engelberg 6'2" | 260 lbs | DL Caledonia | 2024 State MI is a 6’2 240lb interior defensive lineman that had a GREAT game against Clarkston last weekend. One of his biggest strengths is his leverage, as he stays low and makes the most of his size. Unlike Warren, Engelberg strives in “speed” moves rather than power. He has a lethal spin move and is a very good tackler. I’m surely going to have an eye on Engelberg and he will he included in the next rankings update.
LB | Jeremiah Beasley Jeremiah Beasley 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Belleville | 2024 State MI | Belleville
Beasley is the highest-rated defensive player in the D1 championship, and I can’t disagree. He’s a game-changing player with relentless speed, reaction, and overall grit. I’m genuinely concerned that Cal can’t run the same QB scrambles because of elite athletes on the Belleville defense like Beasley. No matter what, he’ll be all over the field this Saturday.
S | Brock Townsend | Caledonia
Townsend posted 2 interceptions last week against an elite Clarkston offense, and he’ll be looking to shut down the best passing offense in Michigan. In my opinion, he’s a very underrated safety with Power 5 potential. His coverage ability is amazing, footwork is stellar, and he’s a contributor in the run game. Truly a workhorse, look for Townsend this Saturday.