Top Defensive Trios (3A, Part 2)

With high school football returning this month, we look at some of the best defensive trios within class 3A. Class 3A will be split into two lists.     MOC-Floyd Valley   DL - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18079118/655a7495da50f3043809bf68">[player_tooltip player_id='1213553' first='Cohen' last='Bloemers']</a>   DB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15023037/Dominic-Schmitz">Dominic Schmitz</a>   DB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15008674/65513a790660b50598ac8128">[player_tooltip player_id='1282275' first='Braylon' last='Van Gelder']</a>   The Dutchmen return a trio of valuable playmakers. Bloemers is first on this list as he is a disruptive defender on the defensive line. Playing with strong hand usage and violent intents, the senior is very good at clogging gaps and making the ball carrier retrace their steps. More of a run stopper than a pass rusher, Bloemers is serviceable in his role and can only get better. Schmitz is an athlete at safety. He can read the field, plays with exceptional anticipation, and isn't afraid to come downhill. He is athletic enough to do whatever is asked of him in the back end and has the speed and quickness to cover ground. Alongside him in the backend is Van Gelder who is just as much of a playmaker. Van Gelder led the squad in interceptions a season ago (3). He also plays with good anticipation and instincts when playing deep. He knows how to bait QBs and is quick to break once he sees the ball is released. He also comes downhill well and isn't afraid to throw his body.     Mount Vernon   DL - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15858754/657a10e6f326920a2c1eff35">[player_tooltip player_id='1278806' first='Ethan' last='Wood']</a>   DL - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19724839/65e7690806609f0bccb6afb0">[player_tooltip player_id='1361005' first='Tyler' last='Williams'] </a>   DL - <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2NWU2w">[player_tooltip player_id='1279984' first='Nova' last='Lane']</a>   The Mustangs are dominant on defense. With Wood, Williams, and Lane upfront, they are bound to cause trouble for offenses. What makes them even more impressive is the versatility all three carry, showing they can play anywhere on the defensive line. Starting with wood, the NDSU is a wrecker (10.5 sacks). He plays with a mean attitude on the edge and good finesse. He can mix between power and speed moves when rushing but also knows how to efficiently shed blocks when it is run. He has a good get-off and knows how to actively pursue the QB. Williams is the man interiorly who causes problems. He is efficient in stopping the run and holding up blockers trying to get through gaps. He is more of a bull rusher when it comes to the pass but he still breaks through from time to time (9 sacks). Rounding up this trio is Lane, who is more of a stand-up backer/edge. Lane generates a lot of pressure off the edge. He is fierce and strong when taking on blockers and knows how to evade them as well. He has tremendous effort and plays with a great motor. With these three on the defensive front for the Mustangs, it could be a long night for a lot of offenses.     Nevada   LB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16354164/Jackson-Burlage/highlights?_gl=1*1rkyt9*_ga*MjAzMzE1MDk0My4xNzIxNzMyOTUz*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTcyNDg0NzI3OS40LjEuMTcyNDg0NzU5MS4wLjAuMA..">Jackson Burlage</a>   LB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16350438/65b30af45cb40909c8f14192">Anthony Eaton </a>   LB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17977823/65c89ae00c54121100f28ad0">[player_tooltip player_id='1242256' first='Austin' last='Waldera']</a>   The Cubs have a very formidable linebacker trio. All three players are tough, fast, and physically imposing. Burlage led the team in tackles a season ago (100.5) and showed he is willing to stick his nose in anything. He plays with an exceptional motor and knows how to physically dominate the man in front of him. Eaton plays with great effort and instincts. He confidently triggers when he sees the mesh and attacks fast. He accelerates with dangerous intent and knows how to aggressively take down the ball carriers. Waldera is the last member of this trio and plays in space, unlike his teammates. He moves well in coverage and is reactive when breaking on routes. He strikes blockers aggressively and brings his pads behind him when he comes in for a tackle.     Sergeant Bluff-Luton   LB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/6685934/Bo-Koedam?_gl=1*qkz7v1*_ga*MjAzMzE1MDk0My4xNzIxNzMyOTUz*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTcyNDg4MzgzMC41LjEuMTcyNDg4Mzg1NS4wLjAuMA..">Bo Koedam </a>   LB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17827493/65494c515797bf0af0ceb1d3">[player_tooltip player_id='1370736' first='Joey' last='Hardy'] </a>   DL - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16307912/653827a46e817801348ec0ab">[player_tooltip player_id='1279897' first='Blake' last='Dunagan']</a>   The warriors return a trio of physical playmakers. Koedam was the team's leading tackler a season ago (62.5 total). He shows the same aggression on the mat as on the field. He is fearless and shows size isn't a factor at all. Hardy makes plays in every aspect. He is a stand-up edge who can stop the run and rush the QB. He plays with exceptional speed, power, and awareness. He is very disruptive often beating the first man who tries to block him. Hardy usually can spot the ball once the play gets going and reacts well. Upfront is Dunagan torments offensive lines. He is sound against both the run and pass. He knows how to knockback offensive linemen causing wreckage to the play itself. He also plays with great effort often generating pressure in and outside the pocket.   Webster City   LB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/7172326/65958e150c552a0ac0ba8193">[player_tooltip player_id='1361121' first='Cael' last='Nixon'] </a>   DB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17151079/664c197d74269b843eef0ee6">Luke Estlund</a>   DL - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17151103/65482a77066ba406b4cf0e54">[player_tooltip player_id='1205999' first='Jayden' last='Weinzetl']</a>   The Lynx have a productive trio in their defense. All three play with adequate effort, skill, and motor. Nixon is a thumper at backer. He is efficient when reading the run and triggers quickly. He is also good at blitzing, frequently hitting home or making QBs redirect in the pocket. Estlund is all over the place. Another hybrid-type defender, Estlund works well in space. He knows how to be aware of what's happening around him but can apex and key run real well. He can drop back into coverage and blitz adding to his versatility. Upfront Weinzetl is a menace. He just plays with an attitude and effort that can't be taught. With a combination of speed, power, and finesse, he is a threat off the edge and can wreak havoc against the run and pass.

With high school football returning this month, we look at some of the best defensive trios within class 3A. Class 3A will be split into two lists.