4A Early Defensive Players of the Year Candidates
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Who are some of the top players in the State of Idaho? Find out here with some early candidates for Defensive Player of the Year in the 4A Ranks:
Benlap was the lone sophomore on the all state team this season which is a outstanding achievement in a loaded 4A senior class. Playing for Vallivue to sophomore had a dominant campaign that showed off his talent and ability. At defensive back it’s not often that you are looked at as a defensive player of the year candidate but with the ever evolving offenses around the state you need a shut down defender on the perimeter. Benlap give you just that will a smooth back pedal that allows him to mirror wide receivers in their routes along with fluid hip transitions to get in and out of breaks. He has good straight line speed that allows to make up for anytime he may get beat and plays with a lot of passion. His technique will continue to improve as he grows into his body and will be one to watch for the next two years.
Crew Searle
Crew Searle
Searle is another all state award winner for the state champion Skyline Grizzlies. Searle might not be the biggest player on the field but he uses his advanced technique to constantly beat bigger players. Smooth in his ability to transition out of his back pedal and trigger on the football. He has natural instinct on when to break on a receiver’s route and has the ability to take the football away with natural pass catching hands. Where he really shows up on tape is in his toughness where he is not afraid to add himself to the box and make tackles against bigger running backs. His leadership and abilities are going to be counted on this season as the Grizzlies are graduating some talent but it helps to have a player like Searle coming back for the state champs.
Brackin Ward
Brackin Ward
Ward was a monster for Preston this season as he led the team in tackles with 83 to go with a sack. Ward has an innate ability to slip blockers and make plays in the back field. He has a quick trigger that allows him to read and react to different blocking schemes. Really runs his feet on contact which makes for vice like tackling, it means running backs dont slip through his tackles. A hard hitter that really bring it every time he makes contact with an opponent. Has a motor that is impressive and you can see that he loves the game of football as his passion is infectious with his teammates. Should continue to improve into his senior season and will be one to watch this year.
Karson Winder
Karson Winder
Winder is the perfect teammate when it comes to the linebacking core for Preston. He was second on the team in tackles with 72 for the year. Winder is a little different from his teammate Ward where he is able to play a little more on the perimeter and make plays in both the run and pass game. Winder has good lateral speed that allows him to play sideline to sideline. Winder has good feel for being out in space and rarely misses open field tackles. He can run with almost anyone and should be primed for a monster season and a shot at our defensive player of the year.