WIAA State Finals: Game-Changers on the DL

The defensive lines were overflowing with individual talent down in Madison last week. From standout DEs with FBs talent to hidden senior gems, and some athletes who played their best game on the biggest stage. The standouts in this group are special athletes that come in all shapes and sizes. They all have one thing in common, though. That is that they are all game changers. Let's get into these dudes!    Stats: 4 Tackles, 1 TFL, .5 Sack   Corey was actually a two way starter during the D7 State Championship Game, but what he did on the DL is where he made his biggest impression. Corey is a big, stout defender that almost completely shut down the inside run. He did a great job of taking on blockers, holding his ground, then shedding to make the tackle. Corey also was able to get out of his stance with some solid explosive first step quickness that led to him making disruptive plays in the backfield. Corey played with excellent stamina as he impacted the game from the opening whistle to the final whistle. It was impressive watching him dominate the interior so consistently.     Stats: 4 Tackles   A massive, under the radar senior IDL is Wrightstown's Brayden Novitski. Brayden is a force in the middle of the defense, taking on blocks, and quickly disengaging to make plays himself. Brayden isn't just a space eater. He is someone who has surprising foot quickness to get around IOL and he has equally as active hands to shed those blocks. The senior uses his size to also create a big push against OGs. Check him out.     Stats: 6 Tackles, 1 TFL   London was wrecking the game during the D4 State Championship. He is such an explosive sophomore on the DL. Over and over he caught my eyes with how effective his first step off the line was. London left linemen reaching and trying to recover to no avail throughout the night. Hadley also did a great job getting to the ball with that athleticism and range. His balance allowed him to bend or cut on a dime to get his arms wrapped up on the ball carrier. London is quickly becoming a mismatch along the DL.     Stats: 3 Tackles, 1 TFL   Another St. Cat's impact DL was [player_tooltip player_id='948213' first='Ronnie' last='McMorris']. The senior flashed a lot more than just what his stat line shows. He played with surprising anchor strength against the Baldwin-Woodville physical rushing attack. His natural leverage also came in clutch as he was able to power his way through blocks to make tackles. His TFL came on a huge 3rd down that led to the 4th down stop that ended the game. The senior DL was part of a highly impactful DL that aided in bringing home the championship.     Stats: 4 Tackles   Maybe the top talent on the St. Cat's DL is the 6'2" 220 lbs junior, Adrian Contreras- Ward. He has a budding frame with length that gave him the advantage in his 1 on 1 battles throughout the night. His physical tools like get off, strength, and range allowed him to disrupt play after play in the backfield. Even when he didn't get home, the junior forced ball carriers to change direction or hesitate long enough for his teammates to swarm. Adreyan was a difficult matchup to stay in front of and to drive off the ball in the run game. I'm excited to see him develop more this offseason and be a big impact net year as a senior.     Stats: 6 Tackles   Another senior steal on the DL is [player_tooltip player_id='685981' first='Martell' last='Harris']. Looking for a massive DT/NG who can eat up space? Give Martell a look. He forced double teams all day and still was able to hold his ground, allowing LBs to roam around behind him and make tackles. Martell does a great job of using leverage to hold the line and his hands to clean himself of those IOL blocks. Harris also showed that he was more than just a space eater by collecting 6 tackles of his own. Don't overlook the Crusaders monster in the middle.     Stats: 7 Tackles, 1 TFL   Neeko is a fun recruit to watch. He has a huge frame, but makes so many plays with his quick, nimble, agile feet. Feet that get him off the ball and also get him around block attempts. Neeko's athleticism gives him surprising range outside the pocket as well. His hands are equally quick too and help him consistently stay clean and disengage from blocks. He is quickly becoming a legitimate mismatch in the trenches and a top prospect in his Class at his position.     Stats: N/A   Isaac didn't produce a stat line, but he still impacted his game. The sophomore DE has an elite frame with length and so much space to continue to fill out. Isaac holds multiple Power 4 offers already, and plenty more are sure to join the current ones. The sophomore already is blessed with outstanding balance, explosive first step, and hand use. When paired together the sophomore is a nightmare for an OT to stay in front of. He is able to pack a punch when he makes contact and is getting better and better with his pass rush moves. No doubt about it, Isaac is one of the best athletes in the Class of 2027.     Stats: 8 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Sack   Liam never disappoints. Watch him on tape, watch him in person. Read the stat line. Any way you look at it, Liam is one of the best defenders and overall athletes in WI. He has the frame you look for at DE, the production you want to see, and the traits needed to be an impact at the next level. The senior has one of the best first steps off the line and a special ability to dip or bend underneath OTs on his way into the backfield. That athleticism also gives him the range to chase down the ball in the backfield. Liam also pairs power with those elite athletic traits. Power that allows him to rip through blocks after quickly getting himself in position to take the leverage advantage. Liam has so much to offer the next level. Give the stud a look!     Stats: 6 Tackles   Every time I watch the junior NT out of Muskego I leave impressed. Nathan is able to make an impact on the interior like a 300 lbs NT, but does it at 255 lbs. Nathan's quick first step, sudden hands, and lateral agility give IOL nightmares to stay square in front of. Once he gets that bit of leverage to the backfield there is no slowing down the junior. The junior also has outstanding hand use and pass rush moves with counter moves when necessary. He plays relentlessly and has a lot of production to back up the tape. More big things ahead of him.     Stats: 6 Tackles, 5 TFLs, 2 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 Safety   I was unaware of the senior DT coming into the game, but wow did we know his name when the game ended. Max got a safety, sack, and a forced fumble and each big play seemed to be exactly when his team needed it. His high motor helped him make a lot of plays. I was so impressed watching him rip through the interior of the OL over and over. Muskego couldn't seem to get a guy in front of him to slow him down. Max showed up and balled out on the biggest stage of the year. It was special to watch.

The defensive lines were overflowing with individual talent down in Madison last week. From standout DEs with FBs talent to hidden senior gems, and some athletes who played their best game on the biggest stage. The standouts in this group are special athletes that come in all shapes and sizes. They all have one thing in common, though. That is that they are all game changers. Let's get into these dudes!