Trenches, Tackles, and Takeaways: Week 9

<p>Week 9's defensive performances were headlined by high-motor players who imposed their will from the first snap to the last. Whether flying to the football, collapsing pockets, or locking down receivers, these defenders continue to raise their stock.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Jones continues to build momentum as one of the most physically gifted linebackers in the 2028 class. With a blend of size, range, and closing burst, he fits the mold of the modern second-level defender. He diagnoses plays quickly, triggering downhill to plug lanes or shoot gaps before blockers can get set. His natural instincts and ability to beat offensive linemen to the spot make him a consistent drive-stopper. McKenzie's combination of length and closing speed gives him legitimate next-level potential.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jugg4x__/status/1982224792162861107 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Sarapin is a true mountain mover in the trenches. His superior strength allows him to collapse pockets and clog interior gaps with consistency. He shows excellent leverage at the point of attack, pairing it with strong hand placement and a disciplined base. Sarapin wins with both a bull rush and long-arm technique, keeping linemen off balance and freeing up linebackers behind him. His physicality and technique make him one of the more dependable interior anchors in the 2026 cycle.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JacksonSarapin/status/1982568694564999260 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Jackson is a technician at the line of scrimmage, showing quick feet to mirror releases and disrupt routes early. He uses leverage to squeeze receivers to the sideline and stays in phase through the stem. His confidence and timing when playing the ball are advanced for his age, and he routinely makes plays at the catch point. Jackson's blend of footwork, instincts, and recovery speed positions him as one of the more refined young corners in the state.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jordankjackson4/status/1982062933162217625?s=12 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Nasworthy is an <strong>old-school backer</strong> who thrives on physicality and gap discipline. He consistently takes clean angles to the football, maintaining leverage and balance through contact. His tackling form is textbook — wrapping and driving through ball carriers with authority. A natural leader in the middle of the defense, Nasworthy plays with anticipation and intelligence, limiting yards after contact and keeping everything in front of him.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Gage_Naz16/status/1982076879193493555 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Rogers is an explosive edge defender with a twitchy first step that immediately stresses opposing tackles. His wiry strength and bend allow him to slip through blocks and finish plays in the backfield. Rogers' quickness off the snap gives him a natural advantage as a pass rusher, and his motor never fades. He's the type of edge threat who can consistently generate pressure while holding his own against the run.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/J1quanRogers/status/1981816298268241949 </div></figure>    <p>Williams' effort and physicality jump off the tape. He shows true willingness in run support, filling lanes aggressively and tackling with authority. His high motor enables him to chase down plays from the opposite sideline, and he brings energy every snap. Williams' blend of physicality, speed, and finishing power makes him a tone-setter in the secondary — a player who consistently injects toughness into his unit.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/dlowilliams09/status/1982216653992497613?s=12 </div></figure>

Week 9's defensive performances were headlined by high-motor players who imposed their will from the first snap to the last. Whether flying to the football, collapsing pockets, or locking down receivers, these defenders continue to raise their stock.