6 Unsung Heroes Shining On Defense

Everyone wants the big highlight plays and for good reason, but you need those guys who show up and make play after play on defense as well. Here are 6 guys who show up and put in the work without getting the credit.    Ramirez is having a 2nd-year breakout on the defensive side of the ball as an aggressive linebacker who isn't afraid of contact. He seeks out contact and tracks the ball well through traffic. He has strong hands and once he grabs a ballcarrier doesn't let them go. He's able to get to the edge and play the pass. With 72 total tackles and 37 being solos, he's off to a solid start to his career. He's well-built and should last for the long run.     The Junior linebacker is taking a big step forward this year and showcasing his full potential. He's a high-IQ player who doesn't make the same mistake twice. He's strong enough to succeed in the trenches and bring down the ball carrier. He's got the range to run with them in the second levels. Boling has a fantastic feel in the box and when it's time to bail. He's 2nd in the state in solo tackles for that reason. With 101 total tackles right now, 70 being solos, 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 passes deflected, Boling is playing lights out.     Ratkovich has had an interesting career to this point. He came out as a freshman and put up 45 tackles, 19 TFLs, and 13 sacks as a freshman. That production fell off as a sophomore and junior. However, he's back playing at a very high level. So much so, that he's going to blow past those freshman numbers. He plays angry and with a high motor. He's not one to take downs off and does a good job getting pressure even with a double team in his face. Ratkovich has put up 58 tackles, 18 TFLs, and 11 sacks so far as a senior.     Holley is a big interior lineman who is great at causing disruptions in the middle of the line. He's got elite length and almost always has first contact on the offensive lineman he's going against. He's got a very strong lower body which helps drive him and push offensive linemen back. He's quick enough to react in the running game and wrap up if they come his way. However, they tend to run away from Holley and try to double him up. It can only do so much as Holley has 51 solo tackles, 9 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles to his credit on the year.     The Campbell family is full of great athletes and there's a chance that Mykul is the best to come down the pipe yet. He's a great athlete. Everything for him comes so easily. He glides around the football field, has a great sense of the game, and can play just about anywhere. For a defensive back to be able to pressure the QB as well as he does, it speaks volumes about his creativity and strength on the field. With 42 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 12 hurries on the year, Campbell is getting pressure on the quarterbacks when given his chances and that's exactly what you want to see with a recruit of this potential.     Tucker is a blue-collar and hard-working guy who is going to come in, work his tail off, and just look to get better. He's always working and seeking advice and it translates to the field. He's willing to take criticism and understand it's not personal. He has 43 tackles, 11 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and his having the most complete season yet.

Everyone wants the big highlight plays and for good reason, but you need those guys who show up and make play after play on defense as well. Here are 6 guys who show up and put in the work without getting the credit.