Defensive Standouts In Week Two

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I highlighted some top performances on the offensive side of the ball after week one games were concluded. This week then I am going to shift gears and look at standout performances on the defensive side of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at some of the top prospects who racked up tackles in week two games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tucker Busenitz</strong>, SS, 5'8”, 180, Shawnee Heights, ‘24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Shawnee Heights Thunderbirds are off to a 2-0 start in part from the exceptional play they are getting on defense. Busenitz a quick safety who is not afraid to stick his nose in to make a tackles has a big performance in week two. The T-Bird senior finished with 14 total tackles and an interception.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122010' first='Luciano' last='Riggi']</strong>, LB, 5'11”, 192, Lansing, ‘24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Riggi went full beast mode during week two's loss to Shawnee Heights. He finished with 23 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. He also returned a punt for a touchdown to boot. I think the defensive side of the ball is where his future in the game lies, but he also plays running back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='826186' first='Cade' last='Brown']</strong>, LB, 6'11”, 220, Parsons, ‘24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown is a physical linebacker who likes to hit people on defense and offense. He had 11 total tackles in the Vikings' week two win. Five of those tackles were of the solo variety, and he had one tackle for loss of yards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='543068' first='Isaiah' last='Holthaus']</strong>, OLB, 6'3”, 190, Tonganoxie, ‘24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holthaus has been featured before for his offensive production, but he is also a solid linebacker for the Chieftains. In a loss to Spring Hill in week two Holthaus had six tackles and three quarterback pressures.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1105465' first='Trey' last='Heitsman']</strong>, DT, 6'0”, 240, Valley Center, ‘24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is not often you see a defensive lineman among the tackle leaders, that usually is linebacker and defensive back territory. However, Heitsman finished with six total tackles in Valley Center's week two victory. Three of those tackles were solo tackles, and three were tackles that resulted in lost yardage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Will Howard</strong>, LB, 5'8”, 155, Basehor-Linwood, ‘24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite two early losses, the Bobcats are getting solid defensive play from linebacker Will Howard. He racked up nine total tackles and one interception during week two's action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jesiah Gooch</strong>, LB, 6'1”, 195, Hillsboro, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gooch is a young linebacker coaches should be aware of. The Trojan sophomore had an interception, a forced fumble, and five tackles in week two for Hillsboro.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->