Best of the Best: Week 5 Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are in the meat of the schedule, passing the halfway point of the regular season a week ago. Through that time we have seen some amazing defensive performances. Performances from individuals and teams. One such team is the Milwaukee Marquette Hilltoppers. Since Week 1, Marquette hasn't given up a single point on defense. In today's article we are going to dive into the individual performances that are impressive in their own right. Here we go!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["245985"],"_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: 17 Tackles, 11 TFLs, 7 Sacks, 1 FFu003c/emu003ernrnI thought this was a season long stat line when I first read it! What a freaking showing by the junior DL out of MAS. The middle of the trenches were impassable when Bell was on the field. He showed a high motor, fighting through blocks and making plays just from effort. The junior also did a good job of constantly using his hands to keep separation from the IOL and flashed the lateral agility to slide off and past blocks to make the tackles. Bell anchors a DL and defense that has really stepped up with back to back shutouts. This is an athlete to have on your radars.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650a4058b84cc"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16341414/6505b49032dcee04542576f8' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650a4058b8518"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["286169"],"_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, 3 TFLs, 1 Sacku003c/emu003ernrnIn their biggest game to date, Muskego's defense stepped up big time. Doing work in the trenches was junior standout [player_tooltip player_id='286169' first='Nicholas' last='McCullough']. I am very excited by the development Nicholas shows every time I check in on his tape. He has a great frame to continue to build on and fill out. I am a big fan of the hand use, and the power behind his hands. Multiple clips show him landing quick, accurate punches to the OL chest that popped them off the line, and then Nicholas flashed the burst to shoot through the gap he created. The range jumps out too. Mukwonago tried to stretch the field horizontally, but the big man was able to run with them, maintain his gap, and stuff the play when they tried to cut up field. Throughout the entire highlights you see the natural power to hold his ground and maintain the line of scrimmage. It was a great showing on a big stage by the stud DL.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650a4058b8578"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16268118/65064acd041da70dc0d10f6d' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650a4058b8599"} /--> <!-- 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='1003265' first='Jake' last='Buckles']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_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":"Sauk Prairie","_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: 6 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 3 Sacksu003c/emu003ernrnNew to my radar, and someone I am excited to get ranked, is the sophomore DL out of Sauk Prairie. Jake plays on both sides of the line, but his best fit looks like DL, so far. He has a solid frame developing at 6'3u0022 195 lbs. Jake is raw, but there are natural traits starting to show through the tape. When he pins his ears back and goes, Buckles is able to spring out of his stance. He relies on that speed to win his battles. The motor is there to power through blocks if the speed doesn't work. I will be watching closely to see the development of his hand use as he gains more experience. Definitely be aware of this kid. He is producing early, has solid size, and a nice first step.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650a4058b8639"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17907548/6507303e176ce30fc4a9c578' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650a4058b865c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405590"],"_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: 12 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 Sacku003c/emu003ernrnThe senior LB out of Fond du Lac played a key role in helping Fondy beat Kaukauna Friday night. He was a great chess piece in the middle of the defense to counter the Kaukauna run game. His instincts for the position jump off the tape. He did a great job moving with the flow of the OL when they went horizontal. Corbin also stood out with his ability to mirror the RB leading to meeting them right in the running lane. The senior ILB also navigates the trash between the tackles very well, finding his way to the QB with power or agility. The senior is one of the top LBs still available in WI. He has offers from the D2/D3 levels.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650a4058b86cb"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15812460/65056e74478e881338563b64' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650a4058b86ea"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["270690"],"_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: 10 Tackles, 4 TFLs, 3 Sacksu003c/emu003ernrnThe uncommitted senior now lines up at DE, and his athleticism has made him a matchup nightmare off the edge. We saw that mismatch come to fruition with a super productive Friday night. The burst, closing speed, and range are unfair for OTs to have to block. Making him even more dangerous, Stolte is a smooth mover when making the lateral cuts to get around OTs. The high motor, effort plays stand out throughout the tape. The 6'3u0022 200 lbs senior needs to be looked at as a potential edge defender. There are exciting traits to work with.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650a4058b8739"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14613755/65087694f31de4086c7a65a2' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650a4058b8757"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["533198"],"_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 INT (Game Winning)u003c/emu003ernrnOne of the biggest steals in the Class of 2024 is Greenfield's DL/TE [player_tooltip player_id='533198' first='Tanner' last='Phelps']. Tanner has made a huge impact on both sides of the ball helping Greenfield get off to a great start to the season, and pull off a monster win against Grafton in Week 5. On offense, Tanner is an impact lead blocker. Defense is where we will focus this week, though. Tanner does a great job recognizing plays as they develop. He got the INT because he got in the passing lane when he knew he wouldn't get to the QB in time. Phelps broke off his rush to chase down a bubble screen. Tanner does a good job of using his hands on his pass rush also. The senior maintains separation so he can make a move to win his reps and pressure the QB. I believe Tanner can play either side of the ball at a high level. Don't miss out.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650a4058b87a9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15456016/65074be01600960ab08f6dc1' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650a4058b87c7"} /--> <!-- 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":"Brayden Albee","_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":"Regis","_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: 7 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 Safetyu003c/emu003ernrnThe 6' 195 lbs senior fits best as an LB, but he spent Week 5 being a menace with his hand in the dirt. Putting his athleticism down in the trenches proved to be a problem for the Fall Creek OL. Albee demonstrated his lateral range as he was able to slide down the line or loop around the DT on stunts. His acceleration is not something OL are used to in those tight quarters. Brayden did a very good job of keeping himself clean in the trenches. Lastly, he proved to be stout in short yardage. Great game from the senior.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650a4058b884e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14941260/65061a73da5bef0be863fb81' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650a4058b886e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["262120"],"_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: 10 Tacklesu003c/emu003ernrnThe standout junior safety prospect was all over the field in Week 5. It didn't matter if he lined up 15 yards deep or in the box. Luke found a way to be around the football. That checks off the range box. The 6'1u0022 180 lbs junior is also a hard hitting, wrap up tackler. Jung did a good job of quickly reading and reacting to the flow of the OL/play and keeping himself in position/leverage to make the play. Jung has been a weekly standout against the ground game.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650a4058b88bb"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16160690/650711ffdfd84309f8a61a2a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650a4058b88d9"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Noteworthy Performances</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Brady Krzizke, LB- Waukesha West:<em> </em></strong><em>9 Tackles, 4 TFLs, 2 Sacks</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Coltynn Muenchow, DL- Wausau East:</strong> <em>9 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 4 Sacks</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Brody Hyland, DB- St. Mary's Springs:</strong> <em>11 Tackles</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Caleb Wrensch, DB- Stratford:</strong><em> 5 Tackles, 1 INT</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1220660' first='Zach' last='Hellendrung'], DL- Boyceville:</strong> <em>10 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Sack, 1 PBU</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->