Best of Week 8: Defensive Studs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Use Code Johnson30 for 30% of a new subscription!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here we are! One week of regular season football to go. Time to solidify conference standings, qualify for playoffs, and add another win the the W column. Before we get there, though, there were some seriously dominant defensive efforts from Week 8 that we need to highlight and dive into the tape of. College coaches, please make yourself aware of these standouts! Let's get started!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["288324"],"_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: 2 Tackles, 2 INTsu003c/emu003ernrnLuke put together a strong showing on both sides of the ball in Week 8. The trait that stood out in both his offensive and defensive highlights is his excellent ball skills. He made difficult catches in traffic thanks to his strong hands, and he was able to make an acrobatic grab for one of his INTs. That INT demonstrated the soft hands to make the awkward angle catch. Great to see he can go get the ball in traffic or when the ball is outside his frame. Th agility traits stood out on both sides of the ball as well. Luke is able to cut, change direction, and acceleration out of those transitions with smooth feet and hips. I can see Luke helping a team on either side of the ball. Luke should definitely be on the radar of the D3 programs across WI. He is a next level athlete.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6525de0d04cb2"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405589"],"_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, 1 TFLu003c/emu003ernrnThe 5'9” 190 lbs S/LB prospect was all over the field Friday night. The  senior demonstrated good instincts both at safety and down in the box at LB. Lucas was quick to diagnose plays, maintained his gap with the flow of the OL, and did a great job of meeting the ball carrier in the hole. Strasser's tape also gave me great confidence in his tackling  ability. He didn't shy away from contact, was a reliable last line of defense, and he wasn't afraid to deliver a big hit when given the chance. The physicality in his game was great to see. Lucas is a bit undersized, but seeing his willingness to hit, and also a knack for being able to avoid blocks as well as disengage when blocked are musts for an undersized athlete. This is another under the radar prospect playing a key role on a strong defense this season. Check him out.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6525de0d04e54"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["202696"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Carter had a dominant Week 8 performance in Wis Rapids' win over Appleton West. He was a menace against the passing game. His blitzing was wrecking havoc throughout the night. Carter timed his get off well, he showed some pass rush moves when attacking the edge, and demonstrated good closing speed. Even he didn't get home in time for a sack, the senior was able to throw off timing and put a lot of pressure on the QB consistently. The MLB also has the athleticism to be able to sit back, spy the QB, and then close on him when he breaks out of the pocket. The senior also did good playing the run, filling his gap, moving through the front seven while avoiding all the traffic on the way to the ball. Carter also can be relied on to be a sound tackler. The senior LB is a big time steal in the making. He is experienced, productive, and talented.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6525de0d04eab"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["634701"],"_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: 5 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Sacku003c/emu003ernrnThis kid is a monster on the edge. He has great size, his frame is filled out and powerful. You that he has the strength to stand up OTs in their tracks against the run game. He is able to stack and shed to make the TFLs. Dickman is a well balanced DE propsect too. As a pass rusher he has an intriguing blend of speed and power. His get off instantly puts OTs in trouble, and when they try to catch up the senior DE has the agility and body control to counter inside, or the power to rip through. The senior plays with his u003cspanu003ehands consistently, and I believe his best football is still ahead of him. More teams need to get eyes on the Hudson edge defender. I believe D2 is his floor. Give the kid a look.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6525de0d04ef9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405588"],"_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 Sack, 1 PBUu003c/emu003ernrnWhile the 6' 220 lbs DL is undersized for the position, Mason's tape shows that he is a problem at DE. The first step explosiveness, acceleration, and closing speed are excellent. All his athletic traits are huge mismatches in the trenches at this level. He flies through gaps before bigger, longer OL can close on him. Mason has the range to easily chase down RBs from behind in the backfield. Klinger also plays with his hands well. He keeps separation, and has the strength to be able to create separation that he can use to get past the OL. Lastly, the senior DL has proven that he can transition that speed into power. Power that can run through block attempts, or bull rush OTs. It might require a position change, but teams need to get this kid on their radars and figure out how he fits.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6525de0d04f3f"} /--> <!-- 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":"Braylen Nystrom","_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":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Stevens Point","_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: 11 Tackles, 1 TFLu003c/emu003ernrnBraylen  is new to my radar, but I'm glad I was able to get him on it before the season ended! The DB lined up in the slot primarily and would squeeze down more towards the edge throughout the game. The Stevens Point defense faced plenty of run game in Week 8, and Braylen  was ready to fly around and make stops. Braylon is a big, strong DB who packs a punch when he hits his opponents. The senior has the range to be able to go from that alignment off the edge/slot to the backfield to make tackles and disrupt plays before they can develop. The senior DB trusts what he reads, and doesn't hesitate to attack downhill. I believe the senior fits best as a safety at the next level. He is also a talented baseball player. Nystrom is a talented prospect making a big impact on a talented defense. Keep an eye on him rest of season/postseason.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6525de0d04fd2"} /--> <!-- 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":"Ian Schoenwetter","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_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":"Brookfield Academy","_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: 4 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 Sack, 1 FFu003c/emu003ernrnAt this point, Ian is a player to have on your boards to watch and see how he grows and develops. The 6'2” junior plays RB and stand up edge. He produces at both too. I like his length at OLB, but  he is going to need time to fill out his 180 lbs frame to be a contributor at that position at the next level. This week's film shows some impressive flashes of what his future could look like. We see him burst off the line, throw a blocker on his back, and wreck havoc in the backfield. We see the speed to get off the ball, and close on RBs out in space. The junior also has the range and overall speed, highlighted by his TD run on offense. I'll be following his career going forward.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6525de0d05054"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations":"","_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6525de0d0509a"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Dominant Performances</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>John Schultz, LB- St. Mary Catholic:</strong> <span style="font-size: 15px"><em>25 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 INT</em></span></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='634984' first='Keagan' last='Jirschele'], ATH- Mosinee:</strong> <em>4 INTs</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1185800' first='Easton' last='Stone'], LB- Rice Lake:</strong><em> 11 Tackles, 1 INT</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Wyatt Lisk, LB- Cuba City:</strong> <em>8 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 2 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 INT, 1 Safety</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Ian Cole, DB- Adams- Friendship:</strong> <em>3 INTs</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->