Predicting the Defensive Stats Leaders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription on PRZ WI!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The clock is ticking! We are now under one month away from kicking off the 2023 season here in WI. Yesterday we predicted the top offensive producers in the passing, receiving, and rushing categories. Today, we flip to the defensive side of the ball and predict who will be making the most tackles, who will get after the QB most, and who will pick off the most passes. For each category I will give three picks. We start with the tacklers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tackles</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["262063"],"_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":"Cooper is one of the most productive tacklers returning to the field in 2023, and one of the most talented players int he state. Piling up the tackles is all about instincts and ability to get to the ball consistently. Cooper excels at both. He reads the play and finds the ball at an outstanding rate and has the athleticism, strength, and agility to always be able to find a way to the ball. Cooper is a heat seeking missile, and should be a lock for weekly double digit sacks as he continues to prove to be an FBS LB talent.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64b85452865bc"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["104995"],"_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":"Drew is another highly talented LB who has seen his talent translate into production on Friday nights. Drew is a sideline to sideline tackler. He has the range, and is such a sure tackler. Another key piece to producing is that Drew should have a ton of opportunities to make plays. The Oak Creek offense is going to put up points with the talent they have on the OL, at RB, and at QB. So teams are going to have to keep up, and that will allow Braam to feast in the middle of the defense. He should get double digit games to pile up the tackles.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64b8545286641"} /--> <!-- 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":"Gaige Taugher","_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":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mukwonago","_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":"My third prediction goes to the Mukwonago LB. It seems like every year Mukwonago produces one or two of the top 10 leading tacklers in the state. They rely on their LBs to roam the line of scrimmage, and range out to the sidelines chasing down ball carriers. Gaige was one of those guys last fall, and he should return to that same level of impact or more this fall. He is a reliable tackler, and is quick to read and fly downhill to make stops. Keep an eye on his numbers and tape this fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64b8545286703"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sacks</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["549033"],"_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":"This was an easy, must pick choice. Wade lead the state in 2022 with 18, and that was 5 more than the next guy. Wade wins with quickness in the trenches. He is undersized, but his hands and feet allow him to stay clean and put himself in position to have the leverage advantage. He also plays for Waunakee who will be putting up a ton of points with the weapons they have on offense. So teams are going to have to keep up, and that plays right into the hand of Wade. I'm excited to watch him pin his ears back and get after the QB some more this fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64b8545286769"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["132332"],"_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":"My next choice finished second in the state in 2022 with 13 sacks. Damarcus is a pass rush specialist. His first step explosiveness off the edge gives OTs fits as they try to cut him off. Chappell is just too quick though, and with his closing speed QBs have little chance to escape him. The speedy, twitchy edge defender should have plenty of opportunities to get after the QB because his offense is also a talented one. They have OL talent, and one of the top receivers in the state. So teams should be forced to score and give Chappell is chances at getting to the QB.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64b85452867c0"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["637551"],"_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":"We end with one of the mos talented pass rushers in the state. Jamison was able to hit double digits in sacks last fall, and he looks poised to do it again this fall. First off, Jamison has a long frame built to rush the edge. He can maintain separation with his length, has the flexibility to dip under OL, and he has the initial burst to win right off the snap. The Air Force commit is another athlete who looks like he is in position to face a lot of passing because Oconomowoc returns several key players all over the offense, and even has a couple kids who could breakout and add to the offense. Teams will have to score, and if they go to the air they better have a plan for Klein.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64b8545286849"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Interceptions</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["634711"],"_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":"Carter was 1 INT away from leading the state last fall. The safety has shown he can make plays covering a deep zone and reading the QB, or he can drop down in the slot and play man coverage. Carter has also proven to have natural hands as his highlights show him making the pick at odd angles with the ball away from his body. Carter also has a knack for being around the ball, and when his opportunities come they usually seem to come in bunches. He had 4 picks in one game vs Monona Grove and 2 INTs against SP West. Don't give this kid chances or he will make the offense pay.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64b85452868af"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["601711"],"_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":"While our first pick was a streaky producer, my second pick was one of the more consistent ball hawks in 2022. Tyler finished with 8 INTs, tied for second, and at one point went four straight weeks with at least 1 INT. Overall, Tyler grabbed at least 1 INT in 8/10 games. That is insane production and consistency. He proved to be a ballhawk that his defense can rely on thanks to his instincts and vision. I'm anticipating another big year from the Xavier DB.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64b854528691f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["323153"],"_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":"My final choice is a bit of a dark horse candidate. Talent-wise, Garrison is one of the best cornerbacks in the state. He has proven to have elite athleticism, and it allow shim to shine in zone or man coverage. You might think with such a talented CB on an island he might not see many targets, but Verona is going to field what I believe to be the best CB duo in the state, so the targets are going to come. The reason I call the exceptionally talented CB a dark-horse is because of the production. In 2022, Garrison only had 1 INT. However, Codde is elite at getting his hands on the ball with 12 additional PBUs. If eh can translate those break ups into picks we could be in store fro a historical performance. Don't miss out on this kid, coaches. He is one of the best in the Class of 2024 at his position.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64b854528697a"} /-->