Willis Wildkat 2023 Defensive Playmaker Preview

The Willis Wildkat defense should be much improved in 2023 due to Coach Trent Miller's approach to utilize playmakers on both sides of the ball as well as in diverse ways and positions. The Wildkat approach to defense seems to lean on placing dual threat athletes in alignments that create havoc for the opposition through speed, power, stunts, and blitzing packages, while allowing defensive backs who also play receiver to prioritize the ball-hawking interception over a traditional pass breakup. The Wildkat coaching staff tends to lean on its desire to maximize program IQ and their playmakers in a "Go hard or go home" fashion with dual two-way players. Let's take a look at a few of these dual threat stoppers for the 2023 season.   Top seven guys on Defense:   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/image-17.png" alt="" class="wp-image-940196"/></figure>   Brock Perry (Mike Linebacker)   Brock Perry is a 6'1 220 pound returning starter at the Mike position. He plays with great instincts and speed. His hands are a mainstay when it comes to engaging to disengage linemen. Perry has shown the ability to consistently bend at the knee and move powerfully from the "Sit" position through gaps. Speaking of gaps, shooting gaps is the 220 pounder's forte. He seldom fails to get home when the staff dials up a package calling on his number. The play typically ends with a tackle for loss, quarterback hurry, or sack. Brock Perry is hands down one of the top if not top Mike linebackers in District 13 6-A.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/image-18.png" alt="" class="wp-image-940201" style="width:353px;height:471px" width="353" height="471"/></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='408003' first='Josiah' last='Stephens'] (DT/DE)   Returning defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='408003' first='Josiah' last='Stephens'] is a 6'3 266 pound ball of muscle on the interior for the Wildkats. His film from his junior campaign and spring ball exemplifies his discipline and ability to be gap sound with leverage and power. On occasions you will see Stephens shed or spill to get into the deep backfield with pressure but more than often he is mastering the role of keeping Brock Perry clean by demanding double teams and chip blocks for the sake of front seven flow. Look for him to be a nuisance against the run once again in 2023.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/image-19.png" alt="" class="wp-image-940204" style="width:358px;height:239px" width="358" height="239"/></figure>   Isaac Stafford (DT/DE)   Issac Stafford is a 6'5 245 pound strong side defensive end who will moonlight on the interior as a defensive tackle for the Wildkats. Power and leverage are what allow him and his style of play to flourish in the Willis scheme. When you combine length at 6'5 to his attributes its easy for the collective of the Willis defensive line to create issues every down for lesser athletic offensive linemen. Look for Stafford to up his sack totals from last season due to his focus on pass rush moves and the evolution of his get off from the spring and summer trainings.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/image-20.png" alt="" class="wp-image-940205" style="width:360px;height:240px" width="360" height="240"/></figure>   Zach Lang (DE/TE)   Zach Lang is a returning 6'3 225 weak side defensive end who stays in the backfield. He demonstrates great get off the ball and plays behind his pads. Long quick arms allow him to dominate less agile offensive tackles with dip moves, bull rushes, and combo counters. This kid has a motor and plays hungry. Look for him to push for double digit sacks in 13 6-A this fall. Don't be surprised to see the converted tight end to be seen on offensive packages as well due to his ability to block and catch.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/image-21.png" alt="" class="wp-image-940209" style="width:360px;height:360px" width="360" height="360"/></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='407750' first='Carter' last='Jenkins'] (SS)   [player_tooltip player_id='407750' first='Carter' last='Jenkins'] will be making his Wildkat debut this season at the safety position. The tape shows that the 5'11 200 pounder is a hard-hitting hybrid safety. Primarily geared towards the star position in the 4-2-5 spread offense stopping scheme; Jenkins has shown the ability to play in the box, as a flexed outside linebacker, or deep on the backend as a boundary safety. Look for the Willis defensive staff to have fun moving Jenkins around to create mismatches. If history serves true; Jenkins may find himself on offense and special teams in certain situations due to his skillset and knack for attempting the big play.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/image-23.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-940216" style="width:383px;height:286px" width="383" height="286"/></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='628321' first='Imauree' last='Holmes'] (FS)-   [player_tooltip player_id='628321' first='Imauree' last='Holmes'] is another dual threat on both offense and defense for the Wildkats standing at 6'0 185. Holmes will be featured at free safety but also is in the wide receiver rotation. Holmes holds several offers and will look to increase his value to the Wildkat program and recruiters by producing on both sides of the ball. Holmes plays with a joy on the field that shows with his demeanor and his celebratory nature when it comes to his unit making plays. His level of aggression will be on display in the secondary and it will be interesting to see how he and Jenkins partner up to create turnovers and stops for [player_tooltip player_id='371923' first='DJ' last='Lagway'] and the offense.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/image-22.png" alt="" class="wp-image-940210" style="width:383px;height:215px" width="383" height="215"/></figure>   Jermaine Bishop (DB)   Bishop is a second year returning starter at 5'11 145. The sophomore burst onto the sceen in 2022 as a stud athlete who could get you the interception, stop the run, and even run the length of the field from the quarterback wild cat position for a touchdown. Bishop is simply a flat-out football player. Don't let the size fool you; he will strike and strike effectively often. Look for him to be a nucleus for the defense and offense in 2023.   Additional Playmaker(s)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/image-24.png" alt="" class="wp-image-940433"/></figure>   Braisean Brown I 2025 I 6'0 230 I DE/Ath I Bench 325 lbs I Squat 500 I 40 4.7 I

The Willis Wildkat defense should be much improved in 2023 due to Coach Trent Miller's approach to utilize playmakers on both sides of the ball as well as in diverse ways and positions. The Wildkat approach to defense seems to lean on placing dual threat athletes in alignments that create havoc for the opposition through speed, power, stunts, and blitzing packages, while allowing defensive backs who also play receiver to prioritize the ball-hawking interception over a traditional pass breakup. The Wildkat coaching staff tends to lean on its desire to maximize program IQ and their playmakers in a "Go hard or go home" fashion with dual two-way players. Let's take a look at a few of these dual threat stoppers for the 2023 season.