1 Vizion 8th Grade All-Star Game: West Top Performers
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The annual 1 Vizion 8th Grade All-Star Game took place in early February and pitted some of northern California’s top 2027 prospects against each other, one last time before going on to high school. The West team ultimately won a…
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Continue ReadingThe annual 1 Vizion 8th Grade All-Star Game took place in early February and pitted some of northern California’s top 2027 prospects against each other, one last time before going on to high school. The West team ultimately won a tough 14-7 game, despite heavy rain at times. Here’s a look at the top performers from the West team.
Jordan Visperas
Jordan Visperas
Visperas is a big hitter who takes good angles and is adept at locating the ball. At a stout 5-foot-8 and 177-pounds, he fills gaps with good tackling posture and doesn’t miss ball carriers when confined 1v1 in small spaces. A very solid run defender overall, he doesn’t waste time or effort with arm-tackles and is good at avoiding traffic when knifing or shooting gaps.
Gage Jones
Gage Jones
An undersized but quick and tenacious defender, Jones plays with great energy and was always around the ball. Listed at just 5-foot-4 and 140-pounds, he looks more like a hybrid linebacker or strong safety as he matures at the next level, but as a willing tackler with his motor and mobility, he should warrant a lot of playing time for any high school defensive coordinator in a variety of roles.
Justin Donahue
Justin Donahue
While not the biggest running back, Donahue runs with toughness between the tackles and has the burst to beat defenders outside. While elusive, he doesn’t dance in holes or often take unnecessary cuts to try to force the big play. A clear every down back, he contributes as a receiver out of the backfield with reliable hands and ability to separate from defenders with speed to break the big play. Donahue was named MVP of the game.
Peyton Chase
Peyton Chase
A thick and strong outside backer, Chase takes good angles and is an excellent force-and-contain player – he routinely kept his edge locked down and funneled ball carriers back to the interior defense when plays went his way. There were multiple instances where the offense tried to set him up with misdirection or a throwback pass, back to his side after sliding away, but he maintained discipline and snuffed out those attempts with ease. Despite playing mostly outside, he was still in on several tackles, even to the opposite side of the field. A true credit to his ability to locate the ball and play with a consistent high-motor.
Mailangi Tongi
Mailangi Tongi
Tongi is a big and powerful bruiser at the outside linebacker position. Listed at 5-foot-9 and 217-pounds, he seems like a bit of a tweener—somewhere between Linebacker and Defensive End. Long term Middle Linebacker may be the better fit unless he gets taller and quicker. Regardless, he made a big impact during West practices that set a tone with his coaches and has them raving about his potential at the next level. Tongi plays ferocious run defense from the edge – he has the strength to stand-up and dispatch blockers, while combining good speed and instincts to chase down ball carriers to the outside.
Nate Bynum
Nate Bynum
A tall and athletic safety, Bynum is a solid tackler when playing in the box and mopping up run plays, but also showed good range in coverage and a nose for the ball. Nearly snagging two interceptions, he made some great reads on the QB and undercut their throws into perfect positions to make the play. He also closes out quickly to the edge and fills the alley well vs. screens and outside runs, where he was often the first hat to the ball.