MI’s Best Senior Defenders playing in the Semifinals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The semifinals kick off tomorrow! In less than 24 hours, we'll know who is playing in the state championships. Here are five defenders that will play a MAJOR role in bringing their teams a W! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["329420"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674101fe10f7f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I'm a big believer in [player_tooltip player_id='329420' first='Alex' last='Graham']'s upside. He's spent time playing against the best-of-the-best at IMG, and he's back at Cass Tech chasing a State Championship. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Catholic Central's offense has been near-unbeatable, even against elite defenses. They're balanced with run and pass, and Alex needs to defend both phases excellently. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm not worried about Alex's ability to defend the pass. When given an opportunity, Alex will force turnovers via interceptions. Zone coverage, man to man, you name it- Alex is one of if not the best DB in Michigan. I honestly hope CC challenges him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I truly believe if Cass Tech is going to win, Alex needs to be extremely reactive to the run game. That means working downhill, wrapping up, and maybe making a few TD-saving plays. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1312080"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674101fe10fda"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I wish the GRCC offensive line luck, because they'll surely need it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Derek is fun to watch. Against other small schools, Derek consistently dominates. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Above all else, Derek is physical. He's explosive off the snap and has a few elite block-shedding moves to get into the backfield. His push-pull is especially impressive. You rarely see a defensive lineman with elite size and physicality at such a small school- but Derek is that at Frankenmuth. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'd highly recommend anyone reading this take a look at <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16966377/Derrick-Simmons">Derek's tape</a>! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["600132"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674101fe1101c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Xavier "Tree" has an amazing opportunity against a pass-heavy Mason offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Watching him earlier this season, I know that Tree is far more polished than some other EDGE rushers with great size. Great getoff, and able to swipe the opposing tackle's hands away. In addition, overall great athleticism and leadership traits. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have little doubt that Xavier will be a great early contributor at Howard! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1134355"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674101fe11058"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I've been super high on [player_tooltip player_id='1134355' first='Charles' last='White'] for a long time. I very rarely see a linebacker who is as smart and reactive as Charles. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Especially against an elite run game, Charles is going to be key. Throughout his career, Charles has shut down several great running backs. Plus, Charles consistently faces amazing teams in the Catholic League. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Against Groves, Charles needs to be as physical and reactive as ever. He's facing off against two D1-offered running backs, plus one of the best offensive lines in Michigan. In fact, I think the Groves O-line is the best in all of D2. This game may be key in Charles' recruiting, and of course the biggest game of his career. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1217500"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674101fe11092"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Geter vs. Lee is going to be an awesome matchup to watch play out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A few weeks ago, against Dexter, Darryle proved he can be a clutch player. Against an average QB, Darryle was able to explode toward lightly thrown balls and force a PBU or interception. Byron Center passes the ball a good amount, and they throw the ball to their WR1 a handful of times per game. Darryle has a chance to make a major impact in the passing game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Byron Center also has a good run and speed-in-space game. Against outside runs and screen passes, Darryle will need to shed blocks, work downhill, and tackle. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Darryle is about to face the best fundamental offense he's seen all season. Let's see if he can force some critical mistakes! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->