Diagnosing Difference Makers on Defense in Iowa

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;howe30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, I'm diving into evaluations for a six pack of defenders from around the state. Their film impresses, and the combination of current abilities and potential for growth makes them worthy of watching in 2025: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1686989"],"_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-6844d4ebacd0e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hansen was a key member of the Comet defense in 2024, perhaps foreshadowing what could be a breakout senior season this fall. He collected 25.0 tackles (12 solo, 2.0 TFL) and recovered two fumbles as an 11th-grader. Hansen's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18038575/673218193079eb625c73872b">video highlights</a> reveal a disciplined performer that diagnoses plays quickly and operates within the scheme. He takes care of his part of the field. When the assignment calls for him to make the stop, he's positioned to do so. Hansen runs well and is a technically sound tackler. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1653447"],"_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-68459a5974e9c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Interior defensive linemen are tasked with a lot. Sometimes, they're let loose to pursue the ball. Other times the assignment calls for eating up blocks so teammates get the glory making tackles. Vergeon accomplishes both, as we can see during his<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17981482/675295be9e346fa2b9e68750"> junior highlight video</a>. Quick off of the snap, he also moves well laterally. Speed and agility make Vergeon tough to block, and when he is tied up, he separates with impressive strength. He only scratched the surface of his potential last season, so a breakout in 2025 is well within reach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1688886"],"_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-6848583087d7e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">South Hardin won nine games last year with Balvanz providing key contributions to the cause. He caught six passes, delivered nine solo tackles, intercepted a pass and handled the place-kicking duties. On his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15503201/6735518e3f50993b1e0f5128">junior highlight video</a>, Balvanz shows the signs of someone who could break out in 2025. It starts with an understanding of the scheme and putting himself in position to execute via pre-snap reads. His burst helps him break on the ball and a solid frame helps him play physically. Balvanz also flashes potential as a receiver with the speed to get by defenders, and the size and athleticism to go over them. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1688903"],"_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-6848583087ddc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Curren contributed on the both sides of the ball as a junior last year. He caught 15 passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns. On defense, Curren delivered 15.5 tackles (10 solo, 3.0 TFL) and a sack. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17738277/67fbeb270924010faa9d2e79">11th-grade highlight video</a> reveals how the job gets done. Curren is a blur off of the end, often too quick for the offensive tackle. He plays within the defense, setting the edge and separating from blocks. Curren also is an interesting tight end prospect, who runs crisp routes with speed and athleticism at the position. Blocking also looks like a comfortable undertaking for him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1631334"],"_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-684859ac73b3c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thomas got his feet wet on the the varsity was a freshman last season, when he pitched in on offense, defense and special teams. We can see that athleticism and versatility when watching clips on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23740051/Isaiah-Thomas/highlights">Hudl page</a>. Thomas stands out for being advanced as a tackler. He finds his way to the football, breaks down the ball carrier and drops him in his tracks. In coverage, Thomas sticks with receivers courtesy of slick hip rotation and speed. The natural traits are there for Thomas to contribute much more moving forward as he develops as a football player and matures physically. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1685865"],"_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-684869fe63193"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Huskies received key contributions from Hirsch last season. He racked up 37.0 tackles (19 solo, 1.0 TFL) and picked off two passes. The <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17963673/6747986635352caea58a2688">junior highlight video</a> gives us a defensive back that combines natural gifts with a high football IQ. Hirsch shows he can succeed in zone or man coverage, and he looks comfortable as an outside cornerback or lining up in the slot. With good size to go with his strong coverage skills, Hirsch could do work at safety on the next level if a college sees him fitting better there. Hirsch is a guy to monitor this season as someone capable of taking a significant step forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->