Best of the Week: Week 6 Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 6 is in the books! Teams are jockeying for playoff berths, and these next three weeks are going to be huge for seeding and seeing who makes it to the postseason dance. Before we continue to fill out the postseason spots with another week of games, lets look back at Week 6 to see who showed the talent that should put them on the radar of next level coaches. Kids got after the QB and were flying around the field piling up double digit tackles. Get these kids on your recruiting boards! We start in the trenches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["685842"],"_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, 2 TFLs, 1 Sacku003c/emu003ernrnPierce was a stout force at DE on the Greendale DL in Week 6. Not surprising to see from the massive 6'6u0022 265 lbs junior. Pierce showed off the power on the first sack in his highlights. He simply powered right through the gap and onto the QB. Weber also proved to be a sound run defender. He quickly squeezed down the line to chase down RBs. Pierce has also shown good hand use, turning himself into a very well rounded DL prospect with a high ceiling. Big things ahead for the Greendale standout who still has another year of HS football ahead of him.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-651353da00ee6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16602897/650eb7175ca90f1274ef332f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-651353da00f44"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["942612"],"_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, 2 Sacksu003c/emu003ernrnLandon dominated Friday night with his blitzing. The 5'11u0022 220 lbs junior showed off great timing and the burst to fly through gaps on his way to the QB or chasing down RBs. Landon was very disruptive in the backfield. Taylor closes very quickly too, and he turns that speed into power as he runs through his tackles. You can definitely rely on this kid as a tackler. The junior showed off the high IQ too, sniffing out a screen. Add in his play at RB, and you have a junior prospect that is on the rise. 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-651353da00fa6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16741675/650f8a89b01887056c7c9a87' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-651353da00ffa"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["383714"],"_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":"Sam made big plays on both sides of the ball, and looks like he could be looked at as a TE or OLB/DE. We are going to focus on his defensive work this week. It looks like Sam has continued to grow. His frame and arms look very long, especially when getting his hands up in the passing lanes. The junior DE knocked down a couple balls in Week 6. Sam's first step off the snap jumps off the tape too. Very explosive, and got him accelerated to top speed within a stride or two. He has some bend to his game, and does a good job of using his length to keep OL away from his chest. As Sam continues to develop and grow into his frame I have a feeling we will see a big breakout. Stay up to date with the Lomira athlete over this next year.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-651353da0105a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14730826/6510610bb023ad0554dcba4c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-651353da01079"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["939590"],"_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: 7 Tacklesu003c/emu003ernrnComing into the season, Braylon was on our 2025 Watch List, so I was very excited to see the tape start to come out from the junior. Braylon is a long, lean OLB at 6'4u0022 190 lbs. The junior has plenty of time to continue to fill out for that role, but is already showing exciting talents. His lateral agility repeatedly kept him away from block attempts from opponents truing to kick him out. He was able to maintain the edge with that agility. Hayes has great speed and range for the position too. He can play down the line or quickly react to RBs running through his gap. Braylon also uses his hands well during his pass rush. I'm excited to see more come from the Verona junior.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-651353da010d6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16276451/650f49db66555403888ebf05' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-651353da010f7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["634815"],"_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: 14 Tackles, 1 TFLu003c/emu003ernrnThis one of my favorite seniors in WI. He is the epitome of physicality and a tone setter. The 5'11u0022 190 lbs senior LB flies around the field delivering big time hits. He has excellent range to be able to play out in space, and drop into coverage. Michael has very good short area agility too to make himself a hard target to land a block on for OL. King has also developed a reliable base of strength to be able to fight through blocks on the edge, especially against TEs. Michael has an innate ability to find the ball and get to it. I am confident that he can play at the next level with his skill set.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-651353da01152"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15711657/650eeea490f9e80a24e1dd34' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-651353da01172"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["933519"],"_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: 15 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 FF, 1 PBUu003c/emu003ernrnA very productive, under the radar senior that has earned a look is Janesville Parker's [player_tooltip player_id='933519' first='Keegan' last='Skrzypchak']. Keegan has good size, and the stoutness and strength against the run that you would hope comes with it. He is at home playing between the tackles, filling gaps, and fighting through blocks to collapse the pocket from the interior. The 6'3u0022 195 lbs senior did a great job this week of flowing with the RB and meeting them straight on in the running lane. From there, the senior is a reliable tackler who doesn't let offensive players fall forward or gain extra yards after initial contact. I have a feeling he will be moving up.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-651353da011cd"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14838000/650f372866555403888ea96a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-651353da011ea"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["269725"],"_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: 14 Tackles, 4 TFLs, 1 FFu003c/emu003ernrnThis dude is working his way up the rankings with the season he is putting together. He has the frame to build on at 6'3u0022 200 lbs. The junior does a great job of getting himself clean runs into the backfield with his timing and burst. Servais closes quick and is a sound, wrap up tackler. Jackson also plays with excellent range for the LB position. The tape shows an athlete chasing down smaller, more agile athletes in space. Jackson doesn't shy away from contact either and will fight off the blocks of OL and still make the tackle. Servais is looking like a riser in the Class of 2025. Big things ahead.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-651353da0123b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16216244/650f27305ca90f1274f022cb' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-651353da01258"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["933303"],"_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: 14 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Sacku003c/emu003ernrnPlatteville's monster DL/TE stepped up huge on defense in their showdown with Lancaster in Week 6. Zach possesses one of the best builds in the state of Wisconsin, checking in at 6'8u0022 230 lbs. Playing on the edge, Zach is a mismatch nightmare. His length gives him the advantage over all his opponents as he keeps them away from his body until he sheds and get to the ball. McClain proved to be a stout edge setter this past week. He forced RBs to cut back, or was able to make the tackle himself. I like the awareness on the edge also. He doesn't take himself out of the play when given a free release. Instead he squeezes down the line and usually found the ball. This is one of the top hidden gems along the DL in Wisconsin.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-651353da012a8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14795804/650f11e790f9e80a24e20489' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-651353da012c5"} /-->