Best Performances of the Week: Defense Week 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another week is in the books, and the athletes across Wisconsin are just getting warmed up! This is always a fun article to write each week. Defense is all about reading and reacting. So we get to react to and breakdown the tape of the best heat seeking missiles of the week. The athletes who are all over the field making tackles, creating turnovers, and wrecking havoc in general. This week has a lot of names for college coaches to become acquainted with, so let's gets started!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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":"[player_tooltip player_id='933458' first='Andrew' last='Jicha']","_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":"Oregon","_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":"Oregon has put a solid roster on the field this fall. One of the seniors on the team who has caught my eyes early is the 6'1u0022 190 lbs safety. Andrew is a sound, reliable tackler making him a trustworthy last line of defense. He has the athleticism and quick hips/feet to be able to turn and run with TEs in man coverage. The athletic senior also demonstrates the range needed to play a deep zone or to make an impact against the run even if he is aligned 12+ yards off the ball. Jicha is off to a hot start and on the rise. I'm excited to get him in the rankings after the season. Coaches need to check him out now.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee5cc4e166a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15719076/64ea1808c11b26029c9bd8c2' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee5cc4e16c1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["105009"],"_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, 2 TFLs, Only Played First Halfu003c/emu003ernrnI love the instincts that the senior LB out of Manitowoc Lincoln demonstrated over and over in Week Two. He quickly reads and anticipates the play and is able to get himself in position to make the play. Gavin has the sideline to sideline mobility to be able to chase down plays attacking the edge, including jet sweeps. The senior LB was able to show off the strength as he fought through blocks of RBs and OLs. Finally, he was able to get pressure on the QB with well timed blitzes. I really like Gavin's fit at LB for the next level.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee5cc4e172a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15037324/64ea252e4deb260bc08cea8d' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee5cc4e174b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["245475"],"_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, 2 PBUsu003c/emu003ernrnPewaukee has been a stalwart on defense for years, so when an athlete makes an impact on the unit you should take notice. One of those seniors is the OLB/slot defender [player_tooltip player_id='245475' first='Cooper' last='Licari']. He is undersized at 5'10u0022 170 lbs, but I really liked the way they use him over slot receivers and H-Backs. He is able to run with them in the short to intermediate routes. Cooper also showed that he is able to avoid blocks and even take on them without losing ground while setting the edge against the run.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee5cc4e17a1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14239116/64ea15cfda50b9023800332a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee5cc4e17c1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["634708"],"_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":"One of my favorite hidden gems at the LB position in the Class of 2024 is the Slinger product. Brayden has a solid 6'1u0022 210 lbs frame, and he uses it to be a stout run defender between the tackles. You see it a couple times in this week's highlights where he just shoulders his way through block attempts. Brayden is a wrap up tackler, but doesn't shy away from chances to deliver the big hit. We see a little bit of his range to the sideline as well in his chase down tackles of jet sweeps and the QB breaking contain. Keep an eye on the highlights of Brayden this season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee5cc4e1813"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14751806/64ea371e0c53d40bcc2b019a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee5cc4e1830"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["275460"],"_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: 18 Tackles, 3 TFLs, .5 Sacks, 1 FFu003c/emu003ernrnIn one of the best games of the week, the senior LB out of Hamilton Sussex stepped up big time. The instincts the senior demonstrated over and over should grab the attention of the next level. Oconomowoc used a lot of misdirection, but Mielke did a great job of doing his job and not getting caught out of position. He also repeatedly made highlight plays that stemmed from his ability to anticipate plays. The 6' 215 lbs senior MLB showed good athleticism to match the dual threat QB on the other side. If he keeps playing like this against top competition you can expect to see him climb the rankings. He is definitely an LB to know.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee5cc4e1886"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14351655/64ea30f2da50b90238004a18' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee5cc4e18a4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["383775"],"_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, 3 TFLs, 1.5 Sacks, 3 QB Pressuresu003c/emu003ernrnA junior who has proven a lot early in the season is Wausau West's DL [player_tooltip player_id='383775' first='Deondre' last='Bournes']. He doesn't have elite size at 5'11u0022 245 lbs, but wow does he have fun tape to watch. Bournes consistently uses his hands, especially while pass rushing. He showed a swim move that got him wins in the trenches. His short area quickness is a major key to his game. Deondre is able to get skinny and slip through gaps and create disruption all over the backfield. The junior showed some stoutness against the run despite his size as well. I'm excited to see how he plays the rest of this year and continues to develop.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee5cc4e18fa"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16312529/64eab3b04797750abc6d8e0b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee5cc4e1918"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405605"],"_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: 13 Tacklesu003c/emu003ernrnDerrick and De Pere went up against a very talented Wausau West offense in Week 2. The 6' 200 lbs ILB had a tough matchup, but did his part. Derrick did a good job of taking on blocks, and using his strength and lateral agility combo to disengage and make tackles without having to give up ground. His highlights also show him reading the flow of the line and backfield movement and flowing with them, then slicing through openings to make the tackle. Derrick is also a strong tackler. We see him take on RBs in the hole and not give up ground as he wraps them up and runs his feet. Check out the tape below.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee5cc4e196b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15623635/64eb91962347f208bc73dff6' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee5cc4e1988"} /--> <!-- 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: 6 Tackles, 1 FF, 1 INTu003c/emu003ernrnIt is quick film, but the senior DB/ATH continues to make big plays in the defensive backfield for Regis HS. His agility and change of direction in zone coverage jumped off the tape a couple times. Despite the club on his hand, Ian was able to reel in an INT with his one good hand. Andrews is one of the top  prospects on a talented Eau Claire Regis roster. Keep an eye out for more highlights from him.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee5cc4e19d6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14941263/64ea68634797750abc6d50cd' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee5cc4e19f3"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":"","_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":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee5cc4e1a35"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Noteworthy Efforts</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Sawyer Seefeldt, DL- Coleman:</strong> <em>4 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 3 Sacks</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Owen Leask, LB- Ashland:</strong> <em>18 Tackles, 1 TFL</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='551464' first='Alex' last='Anderson'], DB- Eleva- Strum:</strong> <em>3 Tackles, 3 INTs, 1 PBU</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='634815' first='Michael' last='King Jr.'], LB- Racine Case: </strong><em>15 Tackles, 1 TFL</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->