Stalwart Defenders Shutting DOWN Offenses

Week 2 in a wrap! It has been a strong start for some of WI's top defenders. It has also been a great start for athletes trying to make an initial impact and impression. This week's recap of the top defensive performances has a perfect mix of both. We have DBs making plays in coverage and creating turnovers, LBs flying from sideline to sideline, and defensive linemen that were wrecking havoc all night long. There is a lot to dive into, a lot of names to know, and plenty of taped to watch. So let's get to it!    Stats: 2 INTs, 1 PBU, 4 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 KR TD   What a performance by the senior DB out of Nathan Hale! Braeden was all over the field from his safety position. The explosive DB looked so smooth going from backpedal to turning and running to the sideline to make a play on the ball. Plays that turned into INTs for the most part. That change of direction, range, and awareness are all key pieces to the safety position that will translate to the next level. Schick also made a difference on special teams where he scooped up a short kickoff, got around the edge and run the race down the opposite sideline for the score. Tap into his Week 2 highlights below!      Stats: 4 Tackles, 1 Sack, 6 QB Pressures, Safety, Blocked Field Goal   The junior DL out of Greenfield was living in the offensive backfield in Week 2. Especially when it came to passing situations, which were plentiful vs the Racine Park offense. It was completely unfair watching him against TEs or OTs on the edge as he bull rushed them right into the lap of the QB leading to play breakdowns. The highlight reel shows a high motor too, not only making those impact plays but also pursuing outside of the pocket or across the formation to keep pressure on the QB.      Stats: 7 Tackles, 4 TFLs, 12+ Pressures   It was a great performance from the massive NT out of Ellsworth in Week 2. Eli was a constant presence in the La Crosse Central backfield thanks to active and very strong hands. Hands that were shedding the block of centers so quickly. Pair the hand fighting with his short area quickness and you get a IDL who is able to take advantage of any angle advantage. Central is not afraid to pound the rock, so it was clear that Eli would need to step up and that he did! The big man is turning himself into a reliable anchor on the Ellsworth defensive front seven.     Stats: 4 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 Blocked Punts   Another outstanding performance from a Nathan Hale DB belongs to [player_tooltip player_id='1620984' first='Noah' last='Gutierrez']. The big DB did a great job of showing off his entire skill set. The speed to fly deep into the backfield and block punts. The quickness to be able to provide man to man coverage over slot receivers. The power to punch aside receivers and attack the outside run game. The senior did well to find the ball on plays and attack downhill when he needed to.      Stats: 5 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 PBU, 1 Pick Six   Senior CB Wilile Newman put together a big week for West Allis Central. He showed off well rounded traits, filling aggressively vs the run. As a tackler he closed quickly, went low when he didn't have the size advantage, and ran through his tackles to ensure that he was the one delivering the hit. His INT came on an overthrow where he was providing over the top coverage. It was impressive to see him flip the switch and turn into a returner or offensive player and find the blocks and alley to the endzone.     Stats: 7 Tackles, 2 TFLs   What a display from the junior LB [player_tooltip player_id='1552667' first='Maximus' last='Behnke']! He was flying around the front seven last week making key stops for his defense. Max did a great job of knifing through the traffic, untouched, and making the secure tackle in the backfield or at the line. Max also flashed the speed to power that helped him shed blocks quickly and kept him on his path into the backfield. It was also great watching him flow with the play and not over pursue the play while closing on the ball. The 190 lbs athlete also plays guard for the offense and there are clips showing his violence and power he brings to the field. Check him out, coaches!     Stats: 7 Tackles, 1 Reception Allowed in Man/7 Targets   It is great to get a solid chunk of film from Eemir. The junior has some very notable traits. He is very twitchy, changes direction with ease and efficiency. His closing speed to the ball brings violence when he tackles. Way more than you would expect from a smaller-framed CB. Eemir also does really well with hand placement to disrupt the catch. The physical tools are really starting to shine on the varsity field for the 2027 DB.     Stats: 9 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 Sack   Ayden shined on tape in Week 2. He is a versatile athlete at LB for Shawano. This past week his highlights show an LB that can make plays against the run or the pass games. He has natural range, easily getting to the sideline or running with slots/TEs. His tackling is so reliable, running his feet through hits and not allowing any forward progression for the offense. The way he can navigate through trash while keeping himself clean was key to his success on the night too.      Stats: 4 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1.5 Sacks   Kaukauna came up short, but their DT [player_tooltip player_id='1423926' first='Mike' last='Hill'] put together a really strong showing. He was disruptive, getting penetration with that quick first step of his and very active hands that constantly were working to keep him clean and give him that space needed to slip into the backfield. Mike showed off his swim move and his power to get OL quickly off balance as he swiped them aside. The senior DT is one of the more under the radar guys on the DL. You need to give this kid a look! The tape is below.      Stats: 14 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 FF, 1 FR   Cayden and De Pere went into a very tough matchup in Week 2 and while they didn't get the victory they were able to hold their own against the reigning State Champs. Cayden was going to be key to stopping the Notre Dame rushing attack, and his 14 tackles say he did his part. Seeing Cayden after another offseason of development has only increased my excitement for his future. He plays with a great blend of patience and aggressiveness. He trusts his eyes and when he sees the ball or play unfolding the junior LB attacks with bad intent. The junior brings a great blend of athleticism and violent power, allowing him to range sideline to sideline and also quickly shed blocks of OL. Give the recent film a look and make sure you have him on your boards for 2027s.      Stats: 9.5 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 3 TFLs   Braden Hedges of Fox Valley Lutheran is a new athlete on my radar, but the junior caught my eyes with strong Week 2 performance. Braden was all over the field making stops. His range and agility through traffic are his keys to success. The awareness flashed too as he was able to diagnose plays where I thought he couldn't even see the football. As he continues to get stronger we are going to see the block shedding get even more impactful than it currently is.      Stats: 25 Tackles, 1 FF, 1 PBU   Henry is an absolute machine at the second level of the Grantsburg defense. He was on a mission last week to get to the ball and be the first one there. Mission accomplished as the senior left the night with 25 tackles and the victory. The senior made several key 1 on 1 tackles in the hole for very little gain. We saw his ability to flow through traffic while still coming downhill quickly and getting to the football. When Henry decides to trigger on the ball he accelerates like he is shot out of a cannon. The football IQ was on full display too, quickly finding the ball or reading the flow of the line and triggering on the football. It was a great night for one of northern WI's best LBs.      Stats: 11 Tackles   Tyler is still one of the newer athletes to the football field despite being a senior, but the Week 2 tape looks like an LB with years of experience. The senior LB is a hammer that punishes the ball handler. He did so well keeping the ball in front of him and attacking it. Every step Vogt took looked like it was loaded up and ready for contact or to make a tackle. The range displayed also is very noteworthy, especially since he was able to move to the sideline while still having power in every movement. Tyler had a great night attacking the ball any time it was in front of him. Check him out.      Stats: 10 Tackles, 1.5 TFLs   Finley is back for his senior season and another year holding down an LB spot for Wisconsin Lutheran. While he may not have next level LB size, Finley has a place on defense for him somewhere. He shines on Friday nights with his agility and acceleration allowing him to knife through the front seven untouched. The senior LB is so quick to read and react and meet the ball right near the line of scrimmage. His highlights from the week are loaded up with examples of OL or TEs whiffing on blocking him because of how sudden he can move and avoid. Don't sleep on the senior chess piece.

Week 2 in a wrap! It has been a strong start for some of WI's top defenders. It has also been a great start for athletes trying to make an initial impact and impression. This week's recap of the top defensive performances has a perfect mix of both. We have DBs making plays in coverage and creating turnovers, LBs flying from sideline to sideline, and defensive linemen that were wrecking havoc all night long. There is a lot to dive into, a lot of names to know, and plenty of taped to watch. So let's get to it!