Best of the Postseason: Level 1 Defense
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Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription! Defense wins championships, and a ton of individuals did their part to help their teams advance on to the next level. The stakes are high, and many student athletes demonstrated the…
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Defense wins championships, and a ton of individuals did their part to help their teams advance on to the next level. The stakes are high, and many student athletes demonstrated the clutch gene as they took over games. Tackles, sacks, INTs, were all gathered in Level 1 play. Let’s dive into the tape of it all!
Stats: 13 Tackles, 2 TFLsrnCooper did exactly what you want to see from a stud LB prospect. He came into the first playoff game of the year, and was a key piece to shutting down the opposing offense. He showed off range to make tackles outside the tackles. He moved laterally smoothly to stay square with the line. The junior showed off the power, taking on blocks and shouldering them away on his way to the tackle. The opposing offense couldn’t slow him down on his way to a great day.
Highlights
Sam Dudek
Sam Dudek
Stats: 4 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 INT, 1 PBUrnSam is an athlete who needs to be on boards, or move up them at this point. He gave us a glimpse of the traditional LB play. Flying off the edge to disrupt the backfield and setting the edge against the run. Where he really shined, though, was playing behind his initial alignment. Dudek made a lot of plays in coverage. He showed he has the speed to turn and run with TEs in man coverage. Sam has ball skills to either break up passes with good timing or get his hands on the ball and grab INTs. This kid is on the rise, and stood out last week in a game where both defenses dominated.
Stats: 7 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 SackrnIt is quick film, but the junior is an athlete that I needed to get in the spotlight. He has a frame that is ready to really take off and fill out. Rhett is a long athlete, but he still is able to play with balance that allows him to change direction, or cut to chase down QBs or RBs in the backfield. Rhett is strong on the edge. You see him run right through a block attempt on the first play of his highlights. The playmaker is only a junior, so get him on your boards early.
Stats: 1 Tackle, 1.5 SacksrnA senior DE who put together an impactful Level One performance was Carson Clark Carson Clark 6’2″ | 215 lbs | DL Sussex Hamilton | 2024 State WI . I was impressed with the angle he was able to play at on the first play of his highlights. That leverage allowed him to bull rush the OG back to the QB. The other sack showed off the closing speed, and we saw the get off on highlights to follow as he was able to slip through gaps before the OL or TEs could cut him off. This is an athlete that the D3 level should look into. He is an under the radar player who is making a difference on a very talented team.
Highlights
Stats: 11 Tackles, 2 SacksrnArrowhead has a very talented roster, so for a sophomore to earn his way onto the varsity field in playoff action is a big deal. To see that sophomore put together a performance like he did is an even bigger deal. Brendan lined up at ILB, and we got a great look at his instincts. They have clearly developed very quickly, as has his play recognition. He was able to move around the front seven without having to take on blocks because the OL wasn’t able to get to him. Foley has the burst to be an effective blitzer, earning one of his sacks with a well timed burst through the line. Brendan’s instincts, athleticism, and ability to avoid blocks while still closing on the ball are all major strengths. Big things area head for him.
Highlights
Stats: 4 Tackles, 2 SacksrnKevin is making strides in his development over this season. Coming in, Kevin was a powerful, massive prospect who seemed to rely more on overpowering his opponent. No question, the standout DL has that ability now more than ever. However, this tape shows more of the nuanced technique coming through. Kevin stays square to the line so he can take on blocks and hold the line. You see his hands making first contact and being able to move OL. Oak Creek’s defense went up against an athletic QB, but Kevin showed he could face him in open space and use his length to corral him. An exciting part of his development is that it looks like Kevin is now up to 270 lbs. Not only is his game growing, so is his frame. This is a need to now prospect.
Stats: 8 Tackles, 1 SackrnIsaac has been a key piece of the WDP defense all year long. He has carried that over to the postseason. I thought their matchup with Menomonee Falls was going to be a good one, but the WDP defense shut them out and controlled the game. Isaac proved to be a hard block to stick. His lateral movement allowed him to make the OL miss. He burst through gaps on blitzes. The senior also chased down plays out to the sideline. Check out the film of his performance.
Highlights
Stats: 2 Tackles, 3 INTs, 1 Pick Six, 2 PBUsrnWhat a way to start the playoffs! Casey is one of the state’s leaders in INTs after this dominant performance. Right from the first play it is clear that the senior is a potential big time steal. You see him find the ball, flip his hips, and close on it to break up the pass even though the receiver wasn’t his assignment. The long CB uses that length to his advantage consistently. Casey has a quick, choppy backpedal and is able to burst out of it quickly on routes breaking in front of him. You can’t question the ball skills after this performance either. Quam makes the catch with his hands, and he becomes a threat after the INT to make a big return. Give the senior a look, today.
Stats: 3 Tackles, 1 TFL, 2 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 FRrnThis was an introduction to Brady for myself. The Kiel junior DL looks the part of a next level DL prospect at 6’3″ 245 lbs with room to continue to grow. The film is quick, but you see flashes that have me excited. It has me excited to get him ranked after the season, and to see more tape. Brady has the strength and athleticism to take on OL, and maintain outside contain even while moving laterally. The big fella is able to run the loop to get around the OT, and close on the QB. I think we are in store for a breakout and quick rise from the junior. Check out his film.
Other Dominant Performances
- Ian Lusk, ATH- Roncalli: 13 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 INT
- Elliott Sheets, DL- Hilbert: 4 Tackles, 3 Sacks
- Lucas Koskey Lucas Koskey 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB De Pere | 2025 State WI , ATH- De Pere: 6 Tackles, 2 INTs
- Dominic Frost Dominic Frost 6'3" | 300 lbs | DL Middleton | 2024 State WI , DL- Middleton: 4 Tackles, 1.5 Sacks
- Kyle Germain, LB- New Richmond: 8 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 Sack, 1 INT
- John Neumann John Neumann 6'0" | 170 lbs | DB Kaukauna | 2024 State WI , DB- Kaukauna: 1 Tackle, 2 INTs
- Brett Baumgartner, DL- Edgar: 12 Tackles