Indiana Week 1 Sectional Defensive Standout Performances

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're heading to the defensive side of the ball to check out some of the best performances from Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1987613"],"_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-68ffb51e4f20c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Drake had a big night Friday and really helped the defense shut down the ICA offense that had been firing on all cylinders all season long. He's a big body who can play near the LOS and then has the athleticism to drop back into coverage. This is the first I've seen of hi,m and I liked his versatility. He ended the night with 9 tackles, 1 TFL, an interception, and deflected 2 passes. If the defense plays like it did on Friday night with Drake leading the way, they'll be a tough out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1265523"],"_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-68ffb51e4f284"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Earvin had a big night for Hobart, and the defense was in charge from the first snap of the night. Earvin is good in coverage and has a good feel for how to play man on the outside alone on an island. He kept his side on lock and didn't beat over the top and came down to play the run. He ended the night with a team-leading 10 tackles. He added 2 TFLs, 1 sack, a forced fumble, and 1 deflected pass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1987623"],"_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-68ffb51e4f2df"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith has burst onto the scene for South Side and has become such a valuable piece for that defense. He's got fantastic range and can cover sideline to sideline. He's physical, willing to lay it out on the line, and can play near the LOS and be successful. He ended the night with 11 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 1 sack, and a deflected pass as they held Wayne's offense in check. I think Smith is a guy who could pick up quite a bit of steam during this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1987628"],"_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-68ffb51e4f336"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Conley picked a great time to have his best game of the year. He's a good-looking LB who sees the field well and can create pressure as well as anyone. He's able to get off blocks quickly and can run through backs who try to pick him up. He's able to wrap up in open space and prevent big plays. He ended the night with 12 tackles, 4 TFLs, 1 sack, and deflected a pass in their win against UC, who they shut out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1080792"],"_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-68ffb51e4f38b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Maiers put together a complete game last Friday and really helped the Braves' defense slow down the ICA offense. He's got good vision and a head on his shoulders. He was able to play in the big open spaces in the second level and come up to make the play. He's able to wrap up without an issue as well. He ended the night with a game leading 11 tackles. He then added 1 PBU, a forced fumble, and then blocked a punt on special teams. I love seeing players take special teams seriously because it's literally 1/3 of the game, and I often feel it gets undervalued.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->