The Best State Performances: Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We save the most confident group of athletes for last. The dudes out on an island for all to see. The defensive back group. The collection of DB talent on display at Camp Randall was great to see, and we have a lot to talk about. There are 10 specifically that caught my attention, and earned a spot as one of the Top Performers of the group. I want to break down what each kid has to offer along with providing any other noteworthy information on them. There are several names that next eel coaches need to be aware of, so let's get started!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["31407"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 5 Tackles, 1 FR, 1 Blocked Kicku003c/emu003ernrnThe 6'1u0022 185 lbs senior safety was the top DB of the state games. Because of the high usage of run game that Mukwonago uses we got a great look at Jack's willingness to play downhill against the run. Statz trusted his eyes and was a very reliable tackler when he met ball carriers. That tackling gave Kimberly's defense a trustworthy last line of defense that was needed on multiple plays. No question that Jack has the toughness to play at the next level. He doesn't shy away from contact, and he engages with intent. We also got to see some burst and closing speed when he came off the edge to block an extra point kick. He is still uncommitted, so make sure to not overlook the kid.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6387e8003f8ce"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Joshua Oechsner","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Catholic Memorial","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 9 Tackles, 1 PBUu003c/emu003ernrnThe 6'1u0022 180 lbs junior first caught my eye at the 2021 State Championship game. He was back at it again this season. Joshua is a versatile piece at the safety position. In the final game alone we saw him line up in the box, in the slot, and at the traditional two high safety look. Joshua made plays while lining up at each of those spots as well. His ability to find the ball and read the QB and then take the proper angle gave him the ability to be around the ball all night long. In man coverage, Joshua was able to keep a tight relationship to his man as he was able to match and mirror moves. That allowed him to be aggressive at the catch point leading to his PBU. The young man was also a good tackler. He would strike hard with the shoulder, and wrap up ensuring he didn't miss any tackles. Joshua is an athlete to know in the Class of 2024 DB group.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6387e8003f98a"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Oi1p9Q9zIku0026ab_channel=MidwestSportsFilm","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Oi1p9Q9zIk&amp;ab_channel=MidwestSportsFilm </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ashton Wrensch","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2023","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Stratford","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 7 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 FF, 1 INT, 1 PBUu003c/emu003ernrnAshton was the most impactful of all the DBs that I watched during the state games. He put on a clinic making plays and proving that he is a three level talent at the safety position. Wrensch proved that he could play at and behind the line of scrimmage as he quickly processed plays and attacked aggressively downhill to stop the run. Ashton was also able to play at the second level by avoiding and navigating through the trash. The Mondovi OL weren't able to get blocks on him and it allowed him to make several stops throughout the game. Lastly, Wrensch showed off the hands and coverage skills breaking up one pass and picking off another in the 4th quarter ending any shot  for a comeback. Wrensch is an under the radar prospect, but his impact at State should get him attention. It got mine.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6387e8003fa1c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["202635"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 3 Tacklesu003c/emu003ernrnThe 6'2u0022 185 lbs senior CB had himself a strong senior season. He thrived in zone coverage throughout the year. He diagnoses plays quickly and reacts to what he sees without hesitation. Nolan does a great job of seeing his whole zone, and has the footwork to be able to change direction and close on the ball when it comes into his area. I have come away impressed with his route recognition as well. A lot of times multiple receivers would go through his zone simultaneously, and Nolan was quick to identify the one he needed to pick up. Lastly, Mathews closes quickly on the receiver, and dropped the hammer every chance he could with his tackles. Nolan holds an offer from UW- Oshkosh.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6387e8003fa74"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["245944"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 6 Tackles, 1 TFLu003c/emu003ernrnThe 5'10u0022 190 lbs senior DB is an under the radar talent. He ended his HS career with a solid performance. Cole made his biggest impact while playing on the edge close to the line of scrimmage. Letting him line up there allowed him to play to his strengths. Cole is a physical player that can play the run and pass. From the slot he has a great angle to get into the backfield when he reads run. His quick processing also gives him a solid jump on closing to the ball before blockers can get out to him. That awareness came through in zone coverage in the curl to flat zones. He is smooth when changing directions, and packs a punch when he closes on the catch point. The physical slot defender deserves more attention that it appears he has received.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6387e8003fae4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Marvanous Butler","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Catholic Memorial","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 2 Tackles, 1 PBU, 3 Punt Returns, 42 Yardsu003c/emu003ernrnMarvanous is an underclassman to watch going forward. He already has carved out a role on this very talented Catholic Memorial roster. Not easy to do as an underclassman. Butler is blessed with next level athletic traits that I expect to only get better as his career goes on. He has 4.6 speed, and what makes him even more dangerous is his agility and acceleration. Those two traits also have made him a good punt returner. The 5'9u0022 165 lbs safety, slot WR, and punt returner will be a name to follow the next two seasons. I'm excited to see where he debuts in the Class of 2025 rankings.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6387e8003fb6b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ty Lotten","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2023","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Kimberly","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 5 Tackles, 1 PBUu003c/emu003ernrnA senior that burst onto my radar is the 6'2u0022 175 lbs CB. He has actually put together a solid senior season as a whole. He has proven that he can play man and zone coverage. In man, he can stay stride for stride, mirror moves, turn and run deep with his man, and does really well in trail technique. In zone coverage, you can see that he has the footwork to be able to change direction. Lastly, Lotten piled up 9 PBUs on the year. He has good timing and aggressive hands that pair together perfectly to break up those passes without risking penalties.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6387e8003fbe6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Connor Weigel","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2023","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Stratford","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 6 Tackles, 1 TFLu003c/emu003ernrnAnother member of the Stratford defensive backfield that put together a strong performance was the senior Connor Weigel. Weigel made an impact on both sides of the ball, but I was most impressed with his defensive talent. The safety was always around the ball. That is the one thing you can guarantee when watching a Stratford defender. They are going to find the ball, and get to it quickly. They always gets 11 hats to the ball. Connor is no different. He was key in shutting down the Mondovi dangerous rushing attack with his sideline to sideline range. His pursuit and good angles made it difficult to beat him to the edge or land a block on him. Strong day for the senior.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6387e8003fc81"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["146560"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 2 Tacklesu003c/emu003ernrnIan has been increasing his impact on a yearly basis for Regis. This season he worked his way up to significant playing time on both sides of the ball. CB is where I have liked him best throughout his career. The 5'11u0022 180 lbs junior plays a lot of zone coverage in the Regis defense. They have him cover a deep third, but will man up when he has one WR to his side. Ian does a good job of transitioning from his backpedal to closing on the ball. His vast experience at CB has given him a noticeable confidence as well. He will line up with anybody. His growth at the position over the past few years has been very noticeable, and it has me excited for his final campaign next fall. Keep an eye on the junior. He is sure to have his biggest impact yet next fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6387e8003fd40"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jake Linse","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mondovi","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStats: 2 Tackles, 2 INTsu003c/emu003ernrnOur final top performer of the DB group is the junior out of Mondovi. Jake was able to make a couple big splash plays during the State Championship. His hands were on full display as he hauled in an INT on a ball that was tipped multiple times. The second INT came on a deep shot where he was able to reel it in much easier. Clearly the kid has natural hands, and an innate ability to be in the right place at the right time. Mondovi will have a lot of turnover this offseason, so I am excited to see the type of role Jake has next season. Potential diamond in the rough.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6387e8003fdda"} /-->