Week 0 Spotlight: Standout Defenders You Need to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we will be taking a look at some defenders that were able to make an impact early in week 0. These are the players that you will need to know as we move forward into the season. If you are new and looking to subscribe use the code: Davis30 for a 30% discount off of your first subscription. If you are returning and want 30% off of the monthly subscription use code: DavisPRZ30 for a discount.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1855310"],"_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-68b1ff88acc60"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Congleton made his presence felt with a breakout performance, with 15 total tackles and one tackle for loss in Week 0. Even in defeat, he was flying around the field, stepping into running lanes and consistently bringing down ball carriers. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and fill multiple gaps makes him a key player with a lot of upside. Congleton showed maturity beyond his age with his physicality and motor, proving he can be counted on in tough moments. If he continues producing at this level, he'll be a name to know in the coming weeks as his stock continues to rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1642672"],"_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-68b1ff88accc9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lingley turned in one of the most dominant defensive performances of Week 0. The hard hitting linebacker racked up 15 tackles while living in the backfield with four tackles for loss. His instincts and physicality allowed him to blow up plays before they developed, and his relentless motor set the tone for his defense. Lingley's vision and versatility were on full display, dropping into pursuit or attacking downhill against the run. With this type of showing, he firmly placed himself on the radar of college scouts. If he carries this momentum forward, expect Lingley to be one of the premier defensive names to follow this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1855051"],"_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-68b1ff88acd1a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nocita showed his ability to impact the game in multiple ways with a strong performance in Week 0. He finished with 12 total tackles and a tackle for loss, flying downhill to support against the run while also showing instincts in coverage. Nocita's ability to read keys and drive on the football allowed him to be disruptive and make plays all over the field. His range and aggressiveness give his defense an edge, and this performance should serve as a springboard for his season. With a chip on his shoulder, Nocita is positioning himself as a riser in the rankings moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1621476"],"_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-68b1ff88acd68"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Contreras was a force in Week 0, finishing with 11 tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss and a forced fumble. His size and quickness off the ball allowed him to consistently win matchups, using violent hands to shed block and create disruption. Contreras proved he can bend the edge as well, making him a versatile problem for opposing offenses. His ability to generate both pressure and turnovers makes him a name to watch this season. With performances like this, Contreras is trending upward and could quickly land on Division I radars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1855516"],"_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-68b1ff88acdb4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Knezel showed the kind of motor that makes him a game changer in the 1A ranks. He posted 10 tackles and a tackle for loss while constantly applying pressure on the quarterback, forcing hurried throws and disrupting the pocket. His size and speed combination gives him versatility, allowing him to contribute both as a run stopper and a pass rusher. Knezel's relentless effort makes him difficult to block for four quarters, and his ability to swing momentum with big plays was evident. With more performances like this, Knezel will solidify himself as one of the top defensive names in small school football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1855522"],"_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-68b1ff88ace12"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Despite his team coming up short, Westerkamp stood out with nine tackles in Week 0. His ability to fly to the football and make plays near the line of scrimmage was impressive and he showed poise beyond his years. Westerkamp's versatility allows him to contribute both against the run and in coverage, showing that he can be an all-around defender. With his instincts and energy, he has the potential to be a disruptor if he builds on this performance. Look for Westerkamp to grow into a consistent defensive presence, with Week 0 serving as his first step toward becoming a player on the rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1855524"],"_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-68b1ff88ace78"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Against the top ranked team in the state, Singer proved he can hold his own with a standout performance. He finished with nine tackles, a forced fumble and an interception, showing his ability to make plays at all levels of the field. Singer was aggressive against the run, filling lanes with authority, while also displaying instincts in coverage to flip momentum with a takeaway. Even in a loss, Singer looked like a player capable of turning heads among college recruiters. If he continues producing at this level, expect him to climb the rankings quickly and solidify himself as one of the top defensive backs in this class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->