Week 10 – Defensive Players of the Week
A look at the three best defensive performances from the final week of the regular season. Players of the Week DeAngelo Archuleta, Monte Vista Pirates (LB)(Sr.)(1) – Archuleta was easily one of the most productive defensive players from the last…
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Continue ReadingA look at the three best defensive performances from the final week of the regular season.
Players of the Week
DeAngelo Archuleta, Monte Vista Pirates (LB)(Sr.)(1) – Archuleta was easily one of the most productive defensive players from the last week of the regular season despite the Monte Vista Pirates’ 28-24 loss to the Centauri Falcons. Archuleta was all over the field for the Pirates defense, as Archuleta posted an incredible stat line of 21 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, a fumble recovery, and a pass deflection while also adding 63 yards rushing on the offensive side of the ball. When you turn on the tape of Archuleta’s performance against the Centauri offense, you can see Archuleta has excellent athleticism. Great sideline-to-sideline speed and lateral agility that allows him to buzz underneath receivers in the flat and close the space between him and the ball carrier quickly. Explosive athlete that can hit top speed in a few steps and hit another gear when pursuing faster ball carriers. Despite his smaller frame for his position (5’11, 165 lbs) he brings plenty of power and physicality behind his pad at the point-of-attack when making contact with the ball carrier or when stacking and shedding opposing blockers. While I’m sure Archuleta would much rather have the win than the individual accolades, his senior season is far from over, as the Pirates are one of the top teams in the 1A division and will be in the running for the 1A state title in the coming weeks.
DJ Crowe, Denver East Angels (DL)(So.)(3) – Crowe made this list last week as easily the state’s top pass rusher, but his performance in the Angels’ 26-6 shellacking of the Mountain Range Mustangs was, insanely, even better than his performance last week. To say Crowe was dominant against the Mustangs offense might be the understatement of the week, as he accounted for an incredible 8 tackles, 8 tackles for a loss, an eye-popping 6 sacks, and a pass deflection. When you put on the film of Crowe’s performance against the Mountain Range 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, somehow, but if he continues to completely dominate like he has the last few weeks, there’s no way he won’t start receiving some attention on the recruiting trail. In my mind, he’s quickly establishing himself as the premier pass rusher in the class of 2025.
Isaac Engle Isaac Engle 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Highlands Ranch | 2023 State CO , Highlands Ranch Falcons (LB)(Sr.)(9) – In what feels very sad to say, this is one of the last pieces I will be writing about Engle, as the Falcons’ tough Week 10 23-14 loss to the Castle View Sabercats was the last game of his prep career. With that being said, however, his final performance against the Sabercats offense was just as dominant as so many other games were throughout his time at Highlands Ranch, as he registered an unbelievable line of 22 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, and a pass deflection. When you watch Engle’s night against the Castle View 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. While this might not come to a surprise to many readers, Engle has easily been my favorite player that I’ve written about since I began writing for Prep Redzone. To see how much he’s grown as a player the last two seasons and all the recruiting buzz that has grown with his career since I began writing about him last season, has been incredibly fun to follow and tremendously fulfilling to chronicle. He’s more than deserving of all the attention he gets on the recruiting trail and whatever college program lands his commitment will be getting a truly special player.