Defenders back and looking for more – tackles – part II
Here are more defensive studs who tallied over 100 tackles last season as underclassmen. Without a doubt, they will be terrorizing offenses again at a football field near you. Timmy Ball MN #164 LB #25 HEIGHT 6'1" WEIGHT 225 POS…
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Continue ReadingHere are more defensive studs who tallied over 100 tackles last season as underclassmen. Without a doubt, they will be terrorizing offenses again at a football field near you.
Ball is a big, physical player who resembles the prototypical between-the-tackles linebacker. However, what makes him stand out is his ability to work in both big and small spaces. Although he is also big enough to take on many interior offensive linemen, he is agile enough to slide out of the way and avoid blockers. He moves well from sideline to sideline, allowing him to cover a lot of ground. Ball is solid in pass coverage, too – using good instincts and a quick first step to close on receivers. With over 100 tackles, his ability in that area is evident. He hits ball carriers and wraps them up. He is versatile as well – playing all the linebacker spots.
Highlights
Sam Rummel
Sam Rummel
Rummel is a linebacker who plays with bad intentions. He doesn’t just tackle to end a play; he tackles to send a message. It looks like he attacks the line of scrimmage recklessly but does a great job quickly down-shifting to break down into a good football position. He does a good job engaging with blockers – using his hands, footwork, and strength to get off blocks. Because of those skills, even if he can’t make the tackle, he also does a great job setting the edge on outside runs. He is more natural as a pass rusher than in coverage, but he plays all over the field and holds his own in coverage.
Pool is a great two-way player and a punishing fullback for the Thunder’s offense. He might be a better running back than a linebacker. His combination of power and speed makes him a handful for any defense. Defensively, he plays much the same – physically. With over 100 tackles, he is coming right at your running back. His running back skills are evident on the defensive side of the ball – when he diagnoses the play – he explodes through the hole and into the backfield.
Nate Miller
Nate Miller
Miller uses his hands well to keep blockers away from his body. Once he gets clear of blockers, he explodes into the ball carrier. He is listed as a defensive back but plays much more like a linebacker. He is a patient defender. He does a great job of picking his spots and staying in position until the last second to ensure he is not caught in a cutback situation. When the soon-to-be senior starts in the traditional safety position, he comes up aggressively once he reads run. A two-way player, he doubles as a do-it-all receiver on offense.