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Hard-Hitting Tackling Machines: Defensive Game-Changers

Hard-Hitting Tackling Machines: Defensive Game-Changers
Elijah Bonner
Elijah Bonner
March 5, 2025 @ 03:00 PM
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In this article:

Marcus Salmeron
Marcus Salmeron 5'6" | 135 lbs | DB/RB | 2026
CO
Aerik Ross
Aerik Ross 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB | 2026
CO
Andreas Distel
Andreas Distel 6'3" | 265 lbs | OL/LS | 2025
CO
Cody Moore
Cody Moore 6'2" | 225 lbs | DL | 2025
CO
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When it comes to defensive dominance, these warriors have made their mark. Whether stuffing the run, harassing quarterbacks, or snatching takeaways, they've delivered eye-popping numbers. College scouts, take note—these athletes bring relentless pursuit and playmaking ability to the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1067369"],"_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-67c8bd31a69bd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Moore was a disruptive force in the trenches, racking up 85 tackles with 34 solos. His five tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Add in a forced fumble and a recovery, and his blend of size and technique solidifies him as an elite defensive lineman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1420786"],"_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-67c8bd31a6a75"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Salmeron's instincts and quickness made him a tackling machine in the secondary. He recorded 84 total tackles, 31 of them solo, proving his reliability in open-field situations. With three tackles for loss, a QB hurry, and a forced fumble, he's a defensive back who delivers both coverage and physicality.</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":"Sean Lindegren","_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":"150","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Thomas Jefferson","_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-67c8bd31a6be3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lindegren's versatility shined across the field, compiling 83 tackles with 33 solos. His 14 tackles for loss highlight his ability to diagnose plays and attack. Adding two QB hurries and four pass breakups, he showcased his ability to impact both the run and pass game.</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":"Colin Hines","_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":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"194","_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-67c8bd31a6d17"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A tackling technician with 83 total stops, Hines was all over the field. His 50 solo tackles speak to his closing speed, while his five tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks prove his ability to create chaos. With five QB hurries and two fumble recoveries, he's also a turnover threat. His lacrosse numbers 65 goals and 56 assists in 28 games—showcase his elite athleticism off 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":"Maverick Scarpella","_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":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"200","_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":"Broomfield","_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-67c8bd31a6e74"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Scarpella was a rock for Broomfield, totaling 83 tackles with 53 solo. His four tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks made him a dangerous blitzer, while his one interception, pass breakup, and fumble recovery showed his awareness. A true multi-sport athlete, he also thrived on the baseball diamond, hitting .366 with 30 hits and a stellar .968 fielding percentage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1297876"],"_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-67c8bd31a6f05"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ross played with a relentless motor, collecting 82 total tackles and eight tackles for loss. His two sacks, one QB hurry, two pass breakups, and forced fumble illustrate his complete skill set. He's a linebacker who disrupts plays and always forces offenses to account for him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1280100"],"_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-67c8bd31a6f88"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Distel bullied offensive lines, posting 80 tackles with 13.5 for loss. His three sacks and 14 QB hurries made him a nightmare in the backfield. Add in a fumble recovery, a pass breakup, and a blocked field goal, and it's clear why he's one of the top linemen. He also dominated in track and field, competing at state in both shot put (45 Ft.) and discus (160'11”).</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":"Clay Conner","_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":"6'0u0022","_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":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Pueblo West","_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-67c8bd31a70a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Conner's 79 tackles, including 35 solo, proved his consistency. His four tackles for loss, three sacks, and seven QB hurries showed his ability to pressure the offense. He made key plays when it mattered, with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Off the field, he sprinted to state in the 4x100 meter relay, clocking a 43.27.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These defenders didn't just put up numbers—they changed games. Whether blowing up plays in the backfield, tracking down ball carriers, or forcing turnovers, they showcased the physicality and instincts that set elite players apart. With their production and versatility, they're sure to draw the eyes of college programs looking for the next defensive standout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

When it comes to defensive dominance, these warriors have made their mark. Whether stuffing the run, harassing quarterbacks, or snatching takeaways, they've delivered eye-popping numbers. College scouts, take note—these athletes bring relentless pursuit and playmaking ability to the field.

Black Hills State
Cody Moore

Cody Moore

CO
DL
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 225
POS DL
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Cody
Moore DL
Class
2025
Height
6'2"
Weight
225
HS
Loveland
|
CO
Hard-Hitting Tackling Machines: Defensive Game-Changers
Moore was a disruptive force in the trenches, racking up 85 tackles with 34 solos. His five tackles...
Written by Elijah Bonner
Black Hills State
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Cody Moore

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

Highlights

Marcus Salmeron

Marcus Salmeron

CO
DB/RB
HEIGHT 5'6"
WEIGHT 135
POS DB/RB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Marcus
Salmeron DB/RB
Class
2026
Height
5'6"
Weight
135
HS
Frederick
|
CO
Hard-Hitting Tackling Machines: Defensive Game-Changers
Salmeron’s instincts and quickness made him a tackling machine in the secondary. He recorded 84 total tackles, 31...
Written by Elijah Bonner
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Marcus Salmeron

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

Highlights

Sean Lindegren

Sean Lindegren

HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 150
POS ATH
CLASS 2025

Sean Lindegren

School: Thomas Jefferson
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Colin Hines

Colin Hines

HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 194
POS LB
CLASS 2026

Colin Hines

School: Heritage
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Maverick Scarpella

Maverick Scarpella

HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 200
POS LB
CLASS 2025

Maverick Scarpella

School: Broomfield
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Aerik Ross

Aerik Ross

CO
LB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 205
POS LB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Aerik
Ross LB
Class
2026
Height
6'1"
Weight
205
HS
Frederick
|
CO
Hard-Hitting Tackling Machines: Defensive Game-Changers
Ross played with a relentless motor, collecting 82 total tackles and eight tackles for loss. His two sacks,...
Written by Elijah Bonner
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Aerik Ross

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

Highlights

Andreas Distel

Andreas Distel

CO
OL/LS
HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 265
POS OL/LS
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Andreas
Distel OL/LS
Class
2025
Height
6'3"
Weight
265
HS
Montrose
|
CO
Hard-Hitting Tackling Machines: Defensive Game-Changers
Distel bullied offensive lines, posting 80 tackles with 13.5 for loss. His three sacks and 14 QB hurries...
Written by Elijah Bonner
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Andreas Distel

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

Highlights

Clay Conner

Clay Conner

HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 179
POS LB
CLASS 2025

Clay Conner

School: Pueblo West
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