Breaking Down C/O 2025 Tackle Leaders: Class 3A
As we look at the defenders overpowering the physical game and leading the 3A class in tackles, many defenders popped on film. Finding reliable tacklers with athleticism and speed that will translate to the next level is essential. These five…
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Continue ReadingAs we look at the defenders overpowering the physical game and leading the 3A class in tackles, many defenders popped on film. Finding reliable tacklers with athleticism and speed that will translate to the next level is essential. These five stood out after studying the film of several defensive prospects. Let’s dive into what makes these defenders impressive.
Tate Wood
Tate Wood
Wood had a phenomenal junior season, leading the class 3A in total tackles with 132.5, including 1.0 sacks and 12.0 tackles for a loss. He has tremendous strength and athleticism, which shows up off the field. Roth benches 365 pounds, squats 450 pounds, and cleans 285 pounds. He also runs a 4.80 40-yard dash and has a 34.3 vertical. All that is displayed throughout his game when he’s shedding blocks and getting into pursuit. Roth has a tremendous motor combined with excellent burst and speed. When addressing blockers at the second level, he uses his strength with a solid technique to shed the blocker’s hands and fly to the ball carrier. Roth has phenomenal vision and play recognition to see what’s in front of him and gets downhill quickly to fill the hole. With his senior year nearing, Roth is poised to climb the rankings next season.
Anthony Eaton
Anthony Eaton
Eaton had a great junior season, coming in fourth in the class 3A in total tackles with 77.0, as well as 0.5 sacks and 11.0 tackles for a loss. Eaton is a strong, tough linebacker in the middle of the defense and is a consistent and reliable tackler. He’s a smart player who puts himself in a good position to make a play and minimize yardage on the ground. When ball carriers get to the second level, Eaton is there immediately to fill the running lane and uses his wide tackle radius to prevent plays from bouncing outside of him. When asked to blitz, he shows his explosive burst and acceleration to get downhill and blow plays up in the backfield quickly. In pass coverage, Eaton understands where his landmark is that he has to get to in zone, reading the quarterback’s eyes, flying to the intended passer and breaking up plays with his physicality. We will be in for a treat his senior season after the level he played at in his junior year.
Payton Walker
Payton Walker
Walker had a fantastic junior season, coming in fifth in the class 3A in total tackles with 71.0, as well as 3.5 tackles for a loss. Walker is an excellent athlete who also plays running back on offense. To be a successful ball carrier, you need to have fantastic top-end speed, which he has on both sides of the ball. He can track down anyone with the ball, beat them to the boundary, or meet them in the hole. With a great accelerator and explosive burst, Walker gets downhill quickly and fills running lanes with strength and power. He’s a reliable tackler when he meets opposing players in the hole, showing reliability in wrapping them up and bringing them down. His versatility on offense and defense will carry him up the rankings throughout his senior season.
Keaton O’Neill
Keaton O’Neill
O’Neill had a terrific junior season, coming in sixth in the class 3A in total tackles with 69.5, as well as 1.0 sacks and 3.0 tackles for a loss. The film backs up the play of O’Neill, who showed great tackling technique and understanding of staying in position and knowing when to fly downhill and fill a hole. He does a great job reading the backfield and deciphering the offense in both the ground and passing games. Keeping his eyes on the quarterback in the passing game, O’Neill reads where he’s going with the ball and explosively bursts to the intended receiver, making a physical play on the catch. If he’s not there immediately to break up the pass, he’ll make an aggressive tackle and deliver a powerful hit. There’s a ton to like in O’Neill’s film, and with his senior year looming, he’s in for another big year and will be one to keep a close eye on.
Cameron Roth
Cameron Roth
Roth had an excellent junior season, coming in eighth in the class 3A in total tackles with 64.0, as well as 5.0 tackles for a loss. Roth plays with great strength, speed, and athleticism as a linebacker, proving to be a hard worker on and off the field. He benches 265 pounds, squats 365, and cleans 230. He also ran a 4.80 40-yard dash and has a 32 vertical, which are phenomenal numbers as a junior. Roth has a lot of quick-twitch abilities in his game, changing directions on a dime and exploding downhill to make a hit. If he’s coming downhill, he can get out to the boundary quickly and stop runs from getting outside. When Roth meets a ball carrier head-on, he uses his strong tackling technique with his physicality to ensure he brings him down and does not allow extra yards. He’s a speedy linebacker who will likely have an even better 40 time after last season. If there’s a linebacker to check back in on throughout next season, Roth is the one to mark down as a potential riser.