Top Defensive Trios (5A, Part 1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With high school football returning this month, we look at some of the best defensive trios within class 5A. Class 5A will be split into two lists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ankeny </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16572258/65c6b618bed7450050b02ed0">[player_tooltip player_id='1280079' first='Sam' last='Sandvig']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16514865/Kinnick-Vos?_gl=1%2Adfz8nt%2A_ga%2AMjAzMzE1MDk0My4xNzIxNzMyOTUz%2A_ga_29LPHS2HWC%2AMTcyNDE3ODc2MS4zLjEuMTcyNDE4MzM0Mi4wLjAuMA..">Kinnick Voss</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14978307/659e1739e97a51092cbb60c0">[player_tooltip player_id='1280953' first='Andrew' last='Haase']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hawks bring back a trio who played a huge part in their success last year. Defensive Backs [player_tooltip player_id='1280079' first='Sam' last='Sandvig'] and Kinnick Voss were both excellent in the backend a year ago. At corner, Voss plays bigger than he looks, ee is a tough and twitchy defender who doesn't back down from any challenge. Sandvig was at safety being a playmaker for the Hawks. Showing up both in the run and pass game was essential to their defensive success. Haase came into the season a little later due to a previous injury, but he made an impact instantly. The Wayne State commit flashed a lot of productive playmaking ability, now that he has a full season ahead it can only get better for him and this defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ankeny Centennial </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15084395/Chase-Kluver?_gl=1*1frhxpd*_ga*MjAzMzE1MDk0My4xNzIxNzMyOTUz*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTcyNDE3ODc2MS4zLjEuMTcyNDE4NDA3Ni4wLjAuMA..">[player_tooltip player_id='1286629' first='Chase' last='Kluver']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB -<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16475084/65642b41d4688a09541a23e3"> [player_tooltip player_id='1279727' first='Reed' last='Anderson']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15083919/65cfb00cf5699b107c8b5862">[player_tooltip player_id='1277268' first='Isaiah' last='Bassett']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I could've just put the Jaguars' entire defensive line, especially with the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='245544' first='Malachi' last='Curvey'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1279763' first='Mitchell' last='Grider']. Instead, there needed to be some recognition elsewhere. However, Bassett needs more recognition for what he can do. The senior looks unlockable at times and wreaks havoc in different aspects of the game. The Jags return their leading tackler in Anderson, who is a heat-seeking missile at the backer spot. Finally, they return Kluver in the backend as well who led the team in interceptions a year ago and performed as a very stout and physical safety. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bettendorf</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16322251/6548444dc119a009b8a665c5">[player_tooltip player_id='1295017' first='Sam' last='Beecher']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16434505/65473140b3d2120f2834728f">[player_tooltip player_id='1280007' first='Amari' last='Washington']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB - <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2P58UQ">[player_tooltip player_id='1277230' first='Jackson' last='Laver']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Instinctual, hard-nosed, and athletic is the best way to describe the Bulldog trio. Beecher is a field general who can sniff out anything he sees. Washington is a force on the defensive line who can rush the pass and stuff the run and Laver is a ball-hawking DB who isn't afraid to get physical. With a playmaker at each level of the defense, the Bulldogs will look for these guys to be impactful once again. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cedar Rapids Washington </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16350177/Wyatt-Young/highlights?_gl=1*171hudh*_ga*MjAzMzE1MDk0My4xNzIxNzMyOTUz*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTcyNDE0NDgxOC4xLjEuMTcyNDE0ODA5Mi4wLjAuMA..">[player_tooltip player_id='1361745' first='Wyatt' last='Young']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16107913/65a8a2bb90f9041604b8f236">Will Barnes</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>S - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16115250/65e3615db53f74076079f0d8">[player_tooltip player_id='1417914' first='Aaron' last='Butikofer']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warriors bring back this impactful trio. Young is the motor on the defensive line who is good at stoning the run and putting pressure on the QB. Barnes plays with unreal effort, whenever the kid is running around out there it looks like he has his hair on fire. He gets sideline to sideline in an instant its remarkable at times. Butikofer plays safety, however, the mentality he carries is of a linebacker, he reads mesh well and comes downhill without blinking. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Davenport West </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16581831/655195713449040b9c40d0b4">[player_tooltip player_id='1188409' first='Landen' last='Pillard']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OLB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16140988/65767bb302bbd80b081f13be">[player_tooltip player_id='1278364' first='Jordan' last='Tate']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OLB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16581979/653ae2340c5e140a4cfa3c53">[player_tooltip player_id='847923' first='Marvin' last='Neely']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This trio of backers is a little unorthodox due to how big they are but how well they can move in space. Pillard is a thumper who consistently shows up in the run bringing his awareness and physicality with him. On the outside, Tate and Neely are playmakers in space. Tate had 15.5 tackles for loss, 5 of which were sacks that show he can break the line of scrimmage and defeat blocks. Neely works well in the pass game dropping into coverage and sitting in holes but is another physical defender who is not afraid to knock some heads around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dowling Catholic </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18170010/653573f4041e09073853f230">[player_tooltip player_id='245539' first='Parker' last='Pearson']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16180128/654cfa4a578d9203d8c5216b">[player_tooltip player_id='1278782' first='Dylan' last='Manning']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16180114/654c3e4ab018b2080c2fadff">[player_tooltip player_id='1271437' first='Owen' last='Pins']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With playmakers at every level the Maroons have many talented pieces within their defense yet, these three stuck out the most perhaps. Pearson is a smooth, savvy defender who can play both man and zone schemes, he even can follow the opposing team's best receiver. The front seven carries a duo of two high-motor guys upfront in Pins and Manning. Pins is a physical and instinctive defensive lineman who brings good awareness to the position. He's able to stop the run and rush the pass but most importantly he's able to sniff out screens and anything short around him, then portrays great effort in pursuit. Manning is one of the more dominant backers in the state. He plays with good instincts and sideline-to-sideline effort while being able to see the full field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Iowa City High</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16114660/6563869090ef3803e4d39433">[player_tooltip player_id='1278914' first='Dominic' last='Salibi']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16110899/6536c78d3deb56075c9b2968">[player_tooltip player_id='1279704' first='Dieme' last='Lipanda']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16701694/653bf95d2ab1070a883a6c89">[player_tooltip player_id='1279082' first='Jalyn' last='Ford']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Little Hawks return a trio of exciting playmakers on defense. Lipanda is a wrecking ball on the defensive line, especially in the interior. He can clog gaps and hold up double teams so they do not advance. Ford is just as disruptive on the line. He switches between inside and out but can break through the line no matter where he is lined up. The motor these two play with is impressive. Patrolling the backend is Salibi who is a ball-hawking playmaker. No matter if he is at safety or corner, Salibi can make plays and create turnovers in any spot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Iowa City West </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17874037/653e93a00c5e6804108621a1">[player_tooltip player_id='1238512' first='Julian' last='Manson']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16287658/Declan-Bunn">Declan Bunn</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18012444/Adrian-DeWaard/highlights?_gl=1%2A1i8js6z%2A_ga%2AMjAzMzE1MDk0My4xNzIxNzMyOTUz%2A_ga_29LPHS2HWC%2AMTcyMzY0MDgyNS4xNy4xLjE3MjM2NDQ3OTYuMC4wLjA.">Adrian DeWaard</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bunn may not be the biggest backer, but he plays bigger and harder than his measurables suggest. He was the second-leading tackler on the team a season ago and returns to bring his physical and intuitive presence. The Trojans return two vital pieces in the secondary in Manson and DeWaard. Both accounted for takeaways last year and are a hell of a dup to have. DeWaard is an instinctive corner who works well in zone, while Manson is pretty much a do-it-all safety who can play close to the line of scrimmage and deep. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Linn-Mar</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16115349/651fa15a17624a0b887450a0">[player_tooltip player_id='1249578' first='Bryson' last='Miell']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16109237/653ed4375b3cca0de861f27d">Carson Luense</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15782097/Parker-Gasper?_gl=1*1kyjuqr*_ga*MjAzMzE1MDk0My4xNzIxNzMyOTUz*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTcyMzY0MDgyNS4xNy4xLjE3MjM2NDI3MjkuMC4wLjA.">Parker Gasper</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With two aggressive linebackers in the box and a hybrid playmaking safety, the Lions are pretty stout. Luense and Gasper are a productive duo themselves, as they return as the top tackle leaders on this defense. Miell also led the team in interceptions a season ago. All three have shown they can be productive in their roles and make game-changing plays for this defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marshalltown </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16084311/Xayvion-Anderson/highlights?_gl=1*jlgfo7*_ga*MjAzMzE1MDk0My4xNzIxNzMyOTUz*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTcyMzY0MDgyNS4xNy4xLjE3MjM2NDA4NTUuMC4wLjA.">Xayvion Anderson</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16084299/65345abf0c53d705b45598dd">[player_tooltip player_id='1183051' first='Davis' last='Ragland']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DE - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16084244/Johan-Gomez?_gl=1*1b0ug82*_ga*MjAzMzE1MDk0My4xNzIxNzMyOTUz*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTcyMzY0MDgyNS4xNy4wLjE3MjM2NDA4MjUuMC4wLjA.">[player_tooltip player_id='1417776' first='Johan' last='Gomez']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bobcats' front seven has quite the trio of playmakers. Anderson and Ragland are very instinctive backers who are good at sniffing out the run and triggering when a gap opens up. They also are exceptional when dropping back into coverage and can cover ground well. Upfront Gomez is a wrecking ball, who gave offensive lines problems. With a motor that can't be taught and various moves to help him generate pressure, Gomez has a chance to jump on several coaches' radars. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->