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Defensive Enforcers: The Top Tacklers Who Dominate the Field

Defensive Enforcers: The Top Tacklers Who Dominate the Field
Elijah Bonner
Elijah Bonner
March 4, 2025 @ 03:00 PM
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Wesley Walker
Wesley Walker 5'10" | 185 lbs | LB | 2025
CO
Landon Kalsbeck
Landon Kalsbeck 6'1" | 210 lbs | ATH | 2026
CO
Jacob Bourland
Jacob Bourland 5'10" | 185 lbs | DB | 2026
CO
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Regarding defensive dominance, these athletes prove that tackling is an art. With high motors, exceptional vision, and a knack for tracking down ball carriers, these defenders have put up staggering numbers, solidifying themselves as some of the best enforcers in the game. College scouts should note that these players are more than just stat stuffers; they are game changers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Cole Pontine","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"160","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Durango","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c76e1060bd5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pontine's ability to accurately diagnose plays and react makes him an invaluable asset to Durango's secondary. Racking up 92 total tackles, with 61 coming solo, he's not afraid to stick his nose in the action. His defensive IQ extends beyond tackling, as he snagged two interceptions, broke up two passes, and even blocked a punt, proving his versatility on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1295985"],"_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-67c76e1060c7c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Walker's ability to disrupt offenses is reflected in his 92 total tackles and 37 solos. His four tackles for loss and one sack indicate his skill at finding gaps in protection, while his forced fumble and QB hurry showcase his relentless pressure. His instincts and pursuit speed are key components in Frederick's defensive scheme.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Wyatt Carlucci","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"179","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Monarch","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c76e1060db9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Carlucci is a hard-hitting defensive back who can disrupt plays at multiple levels. His 91 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and five QB hurries show his aggressive play style. He's not just making stops—he's creating turnovers with an interception, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries, making him a nightmare for opposing offenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["547631"],"_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-67c76e1060e3e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A true menace in the trenches, Kalsbeck's 90 tackles (68 solo) are just the tip of the iceberg. His monstrous 15.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks make him one of the premier pass-rushing linebackers in the state. With 20 QB hurries, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries, Kalsbeck is the definition of a defensive disruptor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Caleb Chico","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"170","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mesa Ridge","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c76e1060f47"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chico's 89 total tackles highlight his reliability as a defensive back who isn't afraid to step up in the run game. His nine tackles for loss and one sack illustrate his ability to attack downhill. At the same time, his two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and a punt block emphasize his ability to make impact plays all over the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"CJ Talkington","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"197","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Heritage","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c76e10610d2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Talkington is a consistent and physical linebacker, tallying 88 total tackles. His three tackles for loss and two sacks show his ability to penetrate the backfield, while his five QB hurries demonstrate his effectiveness in pressuring quarterbacks. His ability to read plays and react quickly makes him a key playmaker in Heritage's defensive scheme.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Brandon Meyer","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"205","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Poudre","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c76e1061274"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Meyer brings physicality and intelligence to Poudre's defense. He is always around the ball, with 85 total tackles and four tackles for loss. His ability to finish plays is evident in his solo tackle count, while his sack shows his ability to contribute as a pass rusher. His presence is felt on every down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["547620"],"_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-67c76e1061337"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bourland has an elite ability to shut down passing lanes and make open-field stops. His 85 total tackles, with 73 being solo, highlight his tackling efficiency. Add in three interceptions, five pass breakups, and a forced fumble, and it's clear that Bourland is a defensive back who excels in both coverage and support.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These defenders have established themselves as elite playmakers, disrupting offenses and making game-altering stops week after week. Their numbers speak for themselves, but their impact exceeds the stat sheet. These athletes set the standard for defensive excellence with skill, toughness, and relentless pursuit. College programs looking for defensive leaders should have these names at the top of their watchlists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

Regarding defensive dominance, these athletes prove that tackling is an art. With high motors, exceptional vision, and a knack for tracking down ball carriers, these defenders have put up staggering numbers, solidifying themselves as some of the best enforcers in the game. College scouts should note that these players are more than just stat stuffers; they are game changers.

Cole Pontine

Cole Pontine

HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 160
POS DB
CLASS 2025

Cole Pontine

School: Durango
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Wesley Walker

Wesley Walker

CO
LB
HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 185
POS LB
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Wesley
Walker LB
Class
2025
Height
5'10"
Weight
185
HS
Frederick
|
CO
Defensive Enforcers: The Top Tacklers Who Dominate the Field
Walker’s ability to disrupt offenses is reflected in his 92 total tackles and 37 solos. His four tackles...
Written by Elijah Bonner
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Wesley Walker

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Frederick
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Wyatt Carlucci

Wyatt Carlucci

HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 179
POS DB
CLASS 2025

Wyatt Carlucci

School: Monarch
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Washington State
Landon Kalsbeck

Landon Kalsbeck

CO
ATH
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 210
POS ATH
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Landon
Kalsbeck ATH
Class
2026
Height
6'1"
Weight
210
HS
Dakota Ridge
|
CO
Defensive Enforcers: The Top Tacklers Who Dominate the Field
A true menace in the trenches, Kalsbeck’s 90 tackles (68 solo) are just the tip of the iceberg....
Written by Elijah Bonner
Washington State
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Landon Kalsbeck

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Dakota Ridge
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Caleb Chico

Caleb Chico

HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 170
POS DB
CLASS 2025

Caleb Chico

School: Mesa Ridge
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
CJ Talkington

CJ Talkington

HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 197
POS LB
CLASS 2026

CJ Talkington

School: Heritage
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Brandon Meyer

Brandon Meyer

HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 205
POS LB
CLASS 2025

Brandon Meyer

School: Poudre
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Jacob Bourland

Jacob Bourland

CO
DB
HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 185
POS DB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Jacob
Bourland DB
Class
2026
Height
5'10"
Weight
185
HS
Vista Ridge
|
CO
Defensive Enforcers: The Top Tacklers Who Dominate the Field
Bourland has an elite ability to shut down passing lanes and make open-field stops. His 85 total tackles,...
Written by Elijah Bonner
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jacob Bourland

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Vista Ridge
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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