Week 1’s Best Defensive Perfomances

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The race to Madison is underway! The first round of games are in the books, and we saw a lot of defensive standouts put up monster numbers to start the year. So, it is time to shine the spotlight on those game changing performances with a dive into the tape. The collection of talent in this article is very well rounded, giving us athletes for every level of competition. Let's get it started!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["383778"],"_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 FR, 3 INTsu003c/emu003ernrnThe 6'3u0022 CB used that elite length to cover what seemed like the entire field. Kameron brought the idea of a ballhawk to life. On all of his INTs, Kameron perfectly read the QB, and had the athleticism to be able to quickly put himself in position to make the play on the ball. His awareness was well on display too. It looked like they played a lot of zone, and that allowed Kameron to watch the QB, bait him, and quickly read his eyes. Finally, Kameron obviously has proven that he has the ball skills to create turnvoers when he gets the chance to attack the ball in the air. It was a perfect start for the rising junior. Check out the film below.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e54a745ba91"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16208817/64dfaeecff01af0e44c24793' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e54a745bae2"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["933367"],"_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 Tackles, 2 Sacksu003c/emu003ernrnThe 6'2u0022 220 lbs DL out of MAS made plays lining up out on the edge at his natural position, as well as along the interior. Martez used his quickness off the snap, and his lateral agility to make the plays throughout his highlights. That first step and a quick swim move got him his first sack. His lateral agility mid pass rush led to his second sack. Jones also showed off good closing speed. If he got a chance on the ball carrier, the senior didn't hesitate to attack, and deliver solid hits to bring them down. It was a good, productive start for the uncommitted senior.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e54a745bb3c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17952296/64e0df59f327bf09f09ed1e1' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e54a745bb61"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["685893"],"_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: 8 Tackles, 1 Sacku003c/emu003ernrnThe highlights start off with a bang for the 6'1u0022 270 lbs junior DT. He shows off the strength and ability to play with leverage as he walks the OG right into the QB's lap for the sack. Each play in the highlights show that Khadin is doing a great job of consistently playing with his hands. The junior showed off some lateral range too as he was able to slide down the line, avoid a blocker trying to crash down on him, and then make the tackle. Check out the complete highlights below.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e54a745bbb1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17929112/64e3ba9fbd6adb0500cc9703' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e54a745bbd0"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405496"],"_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: 9 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 4 TFLsu003c/emu003ernrnThe 6'1u0022 193 lbs LB/S thrives out in space. From his wide alignment, Manny gets to play to his strengths. On both of his sacks, you see his quick get off, acceleration, and range to be able to get to the QB before he gets the pass off. The senior also has repeatedly shown that he is a reliable edge defender against the run. He has the agility to corral RBs in space. The athletic hybrid defender is going to make a nice chess piece for a college DC to use in different matchups.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e54a745bc1c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14542617/64e28747f327bf09f0a0f02a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e54a745bc3a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e54a745bc51"} /--> <!-- 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":"Carson Clausen","_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":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Freedom","_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":"u003cemu003eStats: 9 Receptions, 188 Yards, 1 TD, 4 Sacksu003c/emu003ernrnThe 6'1u0022 220 lbs senior had a great Week One on both sides of the ball. This week I want to focus on his play on defense. The senior DE leads the state in sacks after the first week. Carson collected those sacks with a wide display of talent. The first one came off of a great hand fighting move to clear the hands of the OT. The next two came from just high effort. He eventually was able to fight through blocks and get to the QB. The final sack came from him using his hands, keeping separation from the OT, and running the loop to the QB with solid speed. It is also very much worth noting how impressive his stamina was. To be able to produce like he did on both sides, as well as make an impact blocking from the TE position is not something you see very often right away in Week One. The senior definitely grabbed my attention this week. Check him out.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e54a745bcee"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16212807/64e0b99cbd74cf052c53439d' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e54a745bd12"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["685838"],"_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: 16 Tackles, 1 INT, 1 Pick Sixu003c/emu003ernrnIt is quick highlights, but the standout junior safety is off to a good start. He continues to prove that he is a three level safety. One that can be counted on to step down into the box and stuff the run. He also can be reliable upon in coverage to both be the last line of defense and deliver hard hits to receivers, or be opportunistic and make INTs. Continue to keep an eye on the rising junior. He is one of the state's top tacklers, so far.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e54a745bd5f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16220993/64df9b9490f9ef09e491e9d9' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e54a745bd7d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["944034"],"_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: 4 Tackles, 1 INT, 2 PBUsu003c/emu003ernrnGavin came into the season on our Watch List, and I couldn't wait to see the 6'3u0022 205 lbs junior in action. He looks the part of a college safety with that elite frame. On film, you find him primarily closer to the box. There the big man is able to be a contributor in stopping the run and in covering the short to intermediate areas of the field. Throughout Meece's highlights in Week One we see him show off the range to make tackles against the run as well as break up passes. The safety also did a good job of reading the QB's eyes and getting in the passing lane for his INT. It was a good start for Gavin. I'm excited to see more tape from the junior.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e54a745bdcb"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16136936/64e1a4e94deb3d0a4cd19364' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e54a745bde9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["104996"],"_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: 3 Sacks, 2 FFsu003c/emu003ernrnChase put together a solid camp season, and has carried that right into Week One. The MLB was all over the field thanks to his range, and his instincts for the position. He was quick to diagnose plays and move with the flow of the OL against the run game. Sturm was able to make a big impact against the pass game with his burst as a blitzer, and with the aforementioned range. Chase was also stout against the run, and was able to fight through blocks to make tackles. Sturm stood out from the crowd in Week One. Give his highlights a look.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e54a745be35"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14779078/64e2850a6898540b0c94bf6c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e54a745be52"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e54a745be69"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e54a745be7d"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Noteworthy Performances</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Chase Horstman, LB- Bangor:</strong> <em>20 Tackles, 6 TFLs, 1 INT</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Kamden Baye, DL- Manitowoc Lutheran:</strong><em> 9 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 3 Sacks</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Logan Ten Haken, ATH- New London: </strong><em>3 Tackles, 2 INTs, 1 Pick Six</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1209384' first='Ian' last='Burkman'], ATH- Grantsburg:</strong> <em>14 Tackles, 1 TFL</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='271779' first='Caden' last='Genrich'], DL- Marinette:</strong><em> 3 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 3 Sacks, 1 FR, 1 FF</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->