Top Defensive Performers to Watch for in Playoffs: 10/13
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Last post, we took a look at some top-performing offensive prospects from Friday the 13th’s slate of games. Today, we will be covering the top-performing defensive prospects from that same week, further emphasizing how significant of a role they will…
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Continue ReadingLast post, we took a look at some top-performing offensive prospects from Friday the 13th’s slate of games. Today, we will be covering the top-performing defensive prospects from that same week, further emphasizing how significant of a role they will play for their team in the coming playoffs.
Jayden had an impressive performance for his Bowling Green High School defense. Playing against Greenwood High School, Jayden recorded 18 total tackles, including one for loss. Axson was all over the field last Friday. Jayden specializes in reading offensive schemes well and is always in the right spots to make a defensive stop. Also, Axson has great acceleration to spread his defensive perimeter to cover more ground than a traditional linebacker. Acquiring a linebacker who can cover across the field is crucial for building an elite defensive unit, and schools will see the value in Jayden for that same purpose. Keep an eye out for Jayden in the upcoming postseason matchups.
Highlights
Logan had a terrific defensive performance for Tates Creek High School. Playing against Lafayette High School, Julian put up 8 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss, a forced fumble/recovery, and a defensive touchdown. Logan is excellent at putting lots of pressure on the quarterback early in the play. His reflexes and defensive positioning enable him to get to the quarterback quickly without much trouble getting through the offensive line. When it comes to field coverage, Julian uses his acceleration and upper body strength to pin down opposing runners quickly. I expect Logan to have another dominant performance once the postseason starts.
Highlights
Gunner Loveless
Gunner Loveless
Gunner Loveless had an amazing game against Harlan County last Friday. Gunner recorded 14 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, a fumble recovery, and a defensive touchdown. Loveless does a great job at making hard-hitting tackles that end in unsuccessful drives for the opposing offense. Gunner uses his exceptional strength and good tackling mechanics to pin the opposing runner down quickly without gaining extra yards after initial contact. Even on the strongest running back recruits in the state, Loveless would have little to no problem bringing them down swiftly. Not only will Gunner’s strong traits at the LB position be valuable for his team in the postseason but would also bring great value to a competing defense at the collegiate level. The future is bright for Gunner Loveless.
Felipa Tremble
Felipa Tremble
Felipa recorded some crazy numbers for his Holy Cross defensive unit. For only being a freshman, Tremble recorded 9 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks against Trimble County High School. Felipa is equipped with his strength and superior tackling mechanics to overwhelm the opposing offensive line to get to the quarterback. Along with that, Felipa is great at separating himself from the blocker to get to incoming ball carriers quickly and pin them down with ease. Tremble has 3 full seasons left of high school football, so the odds are in his favor to further develop into an elite defensive prospect. I would be on the lookout for his skills to show out against the best of the best in the postseason.
Madden continues to put on an absolute defensive clinic of a season for the Martin County High School defense. Playing against Knott County Central, Madden generated 17 total tackles, with 1 being for a loss. Currently listed as 3rd in the entire state in total tackles just goes to show the talent Miller has on that portion of defense. Madden specializes in positioning himself in the right spots by analyzing formations/schemes pre-snap. Using his acceleration and great lateral quickness, Miller can cover a lot more ground than most other linebacker prospects in the state. Lastly, his tackling mechanics and tackling placement are hard to compare due to his being at such a high level. Madden does a terrific job at targeting the weak spots on an opposing runner to get them down swiftly and affect their grip on the football. I expect Madden to continue to put up numbers this postseason so keep on the lookout for the 2024 linebacker.