Best of Week 3: Defensive Performances
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We are 1/3 of the way through the regular season! Time seems to be flying by, but the one constant through it all is that we are seeing some unbelievable numbers put up on both sides of the ball. Yesterday,…
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Continue ReadingWe are 1/3 of the way through the regular season! Time seems to be flying by, but the one constant through it all is that we are seeing some unbelievable numbers put up on both sides of the ball. Yesterday, we covered the Madden quality numbers on offense. Today, we look at who was flying around making plays on defense last week. Let’s get into it! Coaches, make sure to have these dudes on your radars.
Stats: 6 Tackles, 1 SackrnThe 6’2” 220+ lbs junior OLB is off to a great start in 2023. The tape shows an athletic, rangy OLB who thrives in space. He can line up wide and win with speed to the QB or handoff point. Nitro has also shown the ability to chase down plays from behind. Mitchell also possesses excellent lateral agility that allow him to make tackles in space in one on one scenarios. Both of his sacks came on plays where he got his hands inside, made a strong initial strike to get separation, and then was able to bend past the OL and get to the QB. Definitely file this kid under Need to Know.
Stats: 8 Tackles, 3 SacksrnKhadin is turning himself into a solid next level prospect. In Week 3 he was really able to pile up the production, and he did it while showing off multiple strong parts of his game. The first sack demonstrates the burst and explosive first step that Williamson can play with. It instantly gets him in position to get skinny and rip through the gap. The second sack Khadin simply muscles his way through two linemen and corrals the QB. The third sack shows off even more power as he engages, locks out to create separation, sheds with those strong hands, and makes the stop. That power, use of hands/length, and quick first step show up over and over on the tape. Don’t sleep on the up and coming junior. He put together a great Week 3.
Highlights
Stats: 3 INTs (2 Pick Sixes), 7 Tackles, Starting QBrnA two way senior that is proving he needs more attention is the Turtle Lake ATH Walker Korish Walker Korish 6’1″ | 190 lbs | ATH Turtle Lake | 2024 State WI . The now 6’1” 190 lbs senior was all over the field last Friday. He threw two TDs to go along with his 2 pick sixes. Walker made those pick sixes look too easy. He quickly diagnosed the play, flew downhill, and jumped the route on his way to both easy INT returns. Walker collected his third INT the same way. Korish can help a team on either side of the ball, but I really like how he could fit at safety. He is quick to recognize plays. Knows where to put himself to make plays once he reads them, and he has the strong, physical play style to be a reliable last line of defense and filler against the run game. Korish is a versatile athlete that the D3 and potentially D2 levels should take a good look at.
Stats: 4 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 SacksrnThe film is short, but Jack needs the spotlight on him. He is flying under the radar, but it is time for the offers tos tart coming in for the well put together DE/RB. I really like Jack’s potential as a DE. He has good size, and length to match. Jack also has a good base of strength to build on at the next level. Strength to allow him to set the edge against the run and bull rush OTs right into the QB for sacks like he did in Week 3. The senior also has very good speed for the DE position. He proved it on that first play with a chase down sack. There is a lot of clay to work with and mold in this prospect. Don’t overlook him.
Jack Murray
Jack Murray
Stats: 17 TacklesrnJack just hit my radar this season, and I am glad he did. The 6’3” 200 lbs sophomore looks like he has the talent, frame, and potential to develop into one of the next stud LBs that comes out of the state of Wisconsin. Looking at the production, Murray is already a tackling machine. Then you watch the tape, and it is even more exciting. Right off the bat, the athleticism at his size is special. You don’t see him in the typical off ball LB position, instead he is usually out over the slot or playing more of a safety/OLB hybrid position. They put him in space and let him cover ground. Further showing that special, next level athleticism Jack also returns kickoffs. You don’t see many underclass men with his size that are able to play in space, change direction, and move laterally like he does against quick slot receivers or while returning kicks. Get him on your recruiting boards early.
Stats: 11 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 SacksrnOne of the best pure pass rushers in the state grabbed another sack this week. The 6’2” 220 lbs DE has been one of the most consistent pass rushers for years now. Hard to believe he is still under the radar. In Week 3 we saw some versatility from the senior as he made impact plays while playing from a two point and three point stance. What has always been his best trait, and continues to be in this tape, is his first step. Damarcus jumps off the ball at the snap and instantly puts the OT in bad position as they try to cut him off. Not many can, and that burst carries right into his long speed and range to chase down plays or quickly close on the QB. This week we also saw him take on running plays coming at him. Chappell was stout enough to end the play in the backfield despite having to fight through a block. Damarcus is the model of consistency at pass rushing. Any team at the D2/D3 levels that want to bolster that part of their defense should be lining up to talk with him.
Highlights
Other Noteworthy Performances
- Sam Perkins, DL- New Glarus: 6 Tackles, 2 Sacks
- Eric Kenesie Eric Kenesie 5'11" | 160 lbs | DB St. Joseph Catholic Academy | 2024 State WI , ATH- St. Joseph’s: 5 Tackles, 3 INTs
- Chase Horstman, LB- Bangor: 17 Tackles
- Madox Stewart, LB- Pepin/Alma: 16 Tackles
- Reagan Jackson, DB- Darlington: 16 Tackles