2025 Defensive Stat Leader Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have made our Offensive Stat Leaders predictions, and now we are back to do the same on defense! Who will flying around the field making tackles? Who is going to be giving QBs nightmares and lead the state in sacks? Who will be flying around the secondary as a ballhawk grabbing INTs? I give my three favorites for each in today's article. Dive in!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tackles Leader</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1801645"],"_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-68a5abf805af8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Noah has made a great career out of being everywhere on the field for Mukwonago. The Mukwonago LB group is a deep one, but Noah leads the way in the middle. His range and instincts allow him to quickly process and get to the football. The kid knows how to stay clean while taking the quickest path to the ball too. So look for the big numbers to continue for the Mukwonago standout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1570847"],"_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-68a5abf805b66"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cayden has been one of the most productive defenders in the state, and he is just entering his junior season this week. Cayden has special traits and tools. His play recognition, closing speed, power to shed blocks, and mentality hunt down the ball on every play and punish the offensive player drive him to big numbers. The De Pere defense will need him to continue that this fall as he returns to hold down the middle of the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["533161"],"_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-68a5abf805bb1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The reigning State Champ is also one of the top returning tacklers in the state. Brock is one of the steals in the Class of 2026. He is versatile from position (LB/S) to his usage (rush the passer, cover, run defense). Find the ball and you find Brock. Gauthier has one of the best noses for the football and the range to be ale to get to it from his OLB position. You don't see many non-ILBs in the running for this category, but Brock will find a way to produce. He always does.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sacks Leader</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1361629"],"_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-68a5abf805bf9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This is one of the easies choices in this series. Wyatt finished with 14 sacks in 2024, finishing in 2nd place. The big man is explosive and powerful. That combo has allowed him to be a regular in offensive backfields and will help him to continue that in 2025. I'm hoping we see a repeat of his 2024 success this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1220652"],"_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-68a5abf805c64"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A two-way stud that has spent his career producing at a high level is [player_tooltip player_id='1220652' first='Ryan' last='Westrich']. The highly-touted senior has put on size this offseason and spent time working out at OL during some camps. The quick get-off and power have helped Ryan get in the backfield a ton already, so with another 15 lbs on his frame we could see the small school stud take his impact to the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1220749"],"_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-68a5abf805cab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The mismatches are who usually produce the biggest and most consistently. [player_tooltip player_id='1220749' first='McCoy' last='Smith'] is one of the top mismatches in the state. His 5'10” 220 lbs frame is loaded up with explosive power and quickness that make him more like a 220 lbs bowling ball flying through the line of scrimmage. That is a nightmare for OL to try and slow down. Look for it to help make McCoy one of the leaders in sacks in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Interception Leaders</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1620319"],"_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-68a5b07b849c4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>INTs are the hardest category to predict because it relies a lot on the decisions of others and tricking them into those bad decisions. One of the best at that is SJCA's Chris Kenesie. The two-way star is great at roaming the secondary, batting QBs into bad decisions and closing on the ball quickly. Most importantly for this category, Chris has the hands to capitalize on his opportunities. Get ready for a big year from the ATH.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1610210"],"_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-68a5b07b84a41"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sam is a safety coming off of a very productive junior season. He did a great job of reading the QB, timing when he jumps routes, and also reading the ball in the air. Multiple times on tape you see him read, leave his assignment, and go make a play elsewhere for his defense. Sam has a nose for the ball and the hands to create turnovers. He could be in line for a strong year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1620322"],"_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-68a5b07b84a9e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 2027 is coming off a season with 5 INTs and another 4 PBUs. It is hard for CBs to lead in this category because teams will usually stop testing them over time, but Eli has the tools and will only be a junior this fall. Eli finds ways to get his hands on the ball, has hands to create turnovers, and has the athletic gifts to be able to run with any WR and adjust to the ball last second. I'm excited to see the junior put up big numbers on both sides of the ball this fall and also as a return man.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->