UW-Stout Prospect Camp: Top Defensive Performers

A gloomy afternoon in Menomonie turned into a rainy downpour that forced the second half of the UW-Stout Prospect Camp indoors. But before the weather moved in, the Stout coaching staff led nearly 75 prospects through a structured camp experience at Williams Stadium on the UW-Stout campus. With summer camps in full swing by late June, several attendees had already made appearances at events, such as <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/uw-river-falls-mega-camp-27-and-28-offensive-skill-standouts/">the UW-River Falls Mega Camp</a>, earlier in June. At Stout, prospects cycled through individual position drills, one-on-one competitions, and hands-on coaching focused on technique and fundamentals.   First up were the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/uw-stout-prospect-top-offensive-performers/">top offensive standouts</a>. Here are the top defensive performers:    Stoll, a senior at Menomonie, uses his length well to disrupt receivers and contest throws. In one-on-one drills, he displayed strong coverage technique, consistently staying attached to his assignment and using leverage to erase separation. Once in phase, he attacks the ball like a wideout. His top-end speed allows him to recover when needed, and he makes quick, confident decisions in coverage. Stoll also showed the ability to compete as a nickel defender off the edge. His combination of speed, awareness, and sound fundamentals makes him a reliable presence in the secondary.     Hopper brought a full arsenal of pass rush moves to camp and put them all on display. His long frame makes first contact. He stabbed and punched with precision, while his active hands maintained leverage. He paired that skill set with explosive get-off, bursting into gaps, and engaging quickly. His speed and sudden first step consistently stood out in one-on-one reps. He was one of the most disruptive edge defenders at camp.     Sieker, a senior at Rinelander, is built with power. He consistently disrupted one‑on‑one run scenarios. Sieker knocked blockers off the line and quickly established extension to gain play-side control. Sieker seamlessly integrated coaching into drill work. Regardless of the matchup, Sieker showed consistent effort and power on every rep. Sieker combines size, strength, and motor, projecting as a forceful edge presence who reliably sets the edge and impacts the line of scrimmage.     Larsen, a senior at River Falls, looked like the most complete and college-ready prospect at camp. He's imposing, controlled, and quick off the ball. His physical tools stood out immediately, routinely using length and technique to gain leverage against offensive tackles. In one-on-one pass-rush reps, he showed sharp instincts and a quick first step, consistently winning at the snap and staying in command through contact. Watching Larsen compete is fun.     Engel, a senior at Sparta High School, was impressive near the ball and the line of scrimmage. He sheds blocks at the point of attack. Engel plays low and keeps his eyes up. He can violently disengage weaker hands. In one‑on‑one drills, he stood out covering running backs and tight ends, using disciplined positioning to earn timely pass breakups. Engel's combination of solid block‑shedding, coverage instincts, and tackling range marks him as a well-rounded, competitive box defender.     Scott popped in open‑field tackling drills, displaying a feel for angles and balance. He's compact and quick, suitable for closing the gap on ball‑carriers and staying aware of cut‑back lanes. In coverage drills, he worked through proper drops, settled into zone spaces effectively, and drove decisively on underneath routes. His combination of pursuit instincts and spatial discipline suggests he can handle both run fits and coverage responsibilities.     Becker stood out in individual drills as a confident defensive back with strong ball skills. A senior at Northfield, he was disciplined in off-man technique, driving on underneath routes with control and precision. He kept his feet tight within his frame, maintained consistent eye discipline, and handled a variety of elusive receivers with poise. Becker doesn't grab, but keeps his hands active and engaged, reading opponents without biting on double moves. He shows the versatility to line up outside or roll down into the box, giving him valuable positional flexibility.     Thomsen, a senior at Hastings, looks the part. His length allows him to fire off the ball with confidence, using controlled swim and rip moves to win. Off the edge, he bends well for his size, showing the ability to reduce his frame and slip past blockers when needed. He also mixes in speed-to-power rushes to knock opponents off balance and collapse the pocket. Thomsen brings a skill set that fits what defensive line coaches covet.

A gloomy afternoon in Menomonie turned into a rainy downpour that forced the second half of the UW-Stout Prospect Camp indoors. But before the weather moved in, the Stout coaching staff led nearly 75 prospects through a structured camp experience at Williams Stadium on the UW-Stout campus. With summer camps in full swing by late June, several attendees had already made appearances at events, such as the UW-River Falls Mega Camp, earlier in June. At Stout, prospects cycled through individual position drills, one-on-one competitions, and hands-on coaching focused on technique and fundamentals.