Top Defensive Stars of the State Semifinals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our state is littered with good defensive talent, and in this piece I'll be highlighting some of the star defensive players still alive for a state title this far into the season! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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-673dea9ced44c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The MSU commit and his Frankenmuth squad are looking as good as expected and have been rewarded with another trip to the semifinals. They'll need another great performance this week, but through these playoffs so far it appears he has just been a force! Derrick is a powerful kid with the ability to rip through blocks with speed and great moves to be a stopping force in the run game, and his pass rush is nothing to overlook as well! There's a reason a P4 school has attached themself to Simmons, and it's because of his incredibly high ceiling. This is one of the best defensive players we have in this state!</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-673dea9ced4bf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The now Howard commit has been tearing it up this season. Using his unreal size and mobility to terrorize offenses all year long. When I saw him against Detroit Catholic Central, he was one of the great impact players on King. His long arms and big frame allow him to keep defenders out of his chest and keeps him free to make plays on the outside. With his quick get off and solid pass rush moves, Xavier keeps solidifying himself as a top defense player in the 2025 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["566980"],"_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-673dea9ced502"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kareem has been someone I have been following very closely for awhile now, and he is really starting to see the fruits of all his hard work. Pruitt has quick feet, good ball instincts and the athleticism to contest everything. He has no issue coming up and making stops in the run game when he has to on top of being a ball hawk in the secondary. He has been turning heads for awhile now, and now here his team is in the semifinals, ready to square off with a solid Groves team for a shot at Ford Field! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["577658"],"_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-673dea9ced53e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">On top of being a superstar on offense, Max has been just as effective defensively! He is a good sized DB who has no issue sticking with receivers and has great closing speed. In the run game, he takes good angles and is an extremely sure tackler. He can match any caliber of WR physically and athletically with no issues. Max is a super well-rounded athlete who has definitely earned his D1 opportunity, and I have no doubt he will make the most of that opportunity. But first, he wants to finish this quest to go out a state champion! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1113037"],"_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-673dea9ced578"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Danilo is an absolutely dominant defensive tackle. With powerful legs, a built upper body and the motor to go with it, he has put himself squarely in the middle of P4 teams radars, and the offers are flowing! This unbeaten DCC team is unbeaten thanks in large part to their front 7 being able to eliminate the run game. Danilo is going to be vital to the DCC defense once again this week against a tough Cass Tech team with plenty of talent. I am looking forward to seeing how he does in this big moment! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->