Top Defensive Performances: Week Five
We wrap up the final week of the regular season for the Spring Season with a look back at the top performances on the defensive side of the ball. A lot of kids went out on a high note on…
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Continue ReadingWe wrap up the final week of the regular season for the Spring Season with a look back at the top performances on the defensive side of the ball. A lot of kids went out on a high note on the defensive side, so I want to highlight them here. Similar to what I said in yesterday’s article, I want to say congratulations to the players that have concluded their spring seasons. You overcame a lot of ups and downs over the past year and based off the film a lot of you capitalized on the extended offseason! I also want to say good luck to any athletes beginning any playoff type play this week. I can’t wait to cover it and recap it over the next two weeks! Now let’s see who shined on the defensive side of the ball in week five!
Martell Owens Martell Owens 6'2" | 285 lbs | DL La Crosse Logan | 2022 State WI , 2022 DL- La Crosse Logan
Stat Line: 8 Tackles, 2.5 Sacks, 2 TFLs. Bonus: 6 Carries, 30 Rushing Yds, 1 Rushing TDs Martell’s Week 5 Highlights
The best players shine in the biggest moments. Martell saved his best performance for his team’s biggest game of the season as they took on cross town rival La Crosse Central. His get off and initial burst at the snap were the best he has had all season and it led to several disruptive plays in the backfield. The fact that he was able to consistently corral the very shifty and athletic QB for Central proved Martell’s own athleticism as he was able to close quickly before the QB could juke or avoid him. Owens also showed off the ability to successfully shed blocks and then make the tackle at the line of scrimmage. His heavy hands and his lateral agility got him his wins there. He proved once again how stout he is at the point of attack. Great performance to end the season on!
Ross Rivord Ross Rivord 6'3" | 215 lbs | DL Superior | 2022 State WI , 2022 DL- Superior
Stat Line: 4 Total Tackles, 1 TFL. Bonus: 4 Receptions, 36 Receiving Yds
The stats don’t tell have the story of Ross’ film from week five. The film shows off how disruptive he can be as a pass rusher. He didn’t get there in time for the sack, but over and over he was getting pressure on the QB and even got a few good shots on him. The hands were always active while he was engaged with linemen and he demonstrated that he can handle making tackles in space at the end of the line of scrimmage against the run. The fact that Superior uses him in the run and pass game on a regular basis shows how athletic the 6’3″ 215 lbs two way player is too. Check him out.
Tyler Dahlhauser Tyler Dahlhauser 5'10" | 175 lbs | DB Monona Grove | 2022 State WI , 2022 DB/WR- Monona Grove
Stat Line: 14 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 FF, 1 INT. Bonus: 6 Receptions, 130 Receiving Yds, 2 TDs Tyler’s Week 5 Highlights
Tyler is an electric athlete on both sides of the ball. Based off his results from week five he could have easily made the Top Performers for either side of the ball. His play on the defensive side of the ball is what gets me the most excited while I watch him. His play speed is there in spades as he takes the top off the defense and from his safety position his range is excellent and he utilizes that speed to be a factor at every level of the defense. He can easily cover a deep half and when he steps down into the slot he has the quick twitch to turn and run and react to WRs or he can scream off the edge and get after the QB. Tyler also has the natural ball skills to create turnovers as well as cleanly haul in targets as a WR. The 5’10” 180 lbs DB is also a very reliable tackler. He closes quickly and has a surprising amount of force and strength when he wraps up ball carriers. This was a very talented opponent that he went off against too. Tyler has been a big time riser for me this spring. He has some very good film.
Jack Shewmake, 2021 DL- Stevens Point
Stat Line: N/A, Film showed 3 Tackles, 2.5 Sacks Jack’s Week 5 Highlights
Jack is undersized for the position at 5’11” 215 lbs, but you can’t argue with the production. He spent last Friday setting up residency in Preble’s backfield. He made consistent plays against the run and the pass game. Jack was able to generate a nice initial pop that got him some separation from the lineman. Then he was able to disengage with the block and get after the ball. That ability to create a push and full extension of his arms to create separation comes from impressive upper body strength. You can look through his Twitter feed and see the weight he is pressing. Jack is a 2021 that is still available. D3 programs should definitely take a look at his tape.
Brady Lehman Brady Lehman 6'2" | 205 lbs | DL Jefferson | 2022 State WI , 2022 DL- Jefferson
Stat Line: 3 Tackles, 1 FF Brady’s Week 5 Highlights
Brady was relentless getting after the QB this week. The stats aren’t there because he wasn’t able to quite get home, but he was in the face of the QB all night altering his pass attempts and rhythm. On a couple of the pressures he powered his way through multiple blockers to get the pressure. He also once again proved to be good at containing the running game as the edge defender. It was another solid week for Brady as he wrapped up his junior season. Looking back over the past five weeks Brady was one of the most consistent players I covered. There was no up and down performances. He made a strong impact on his games week in and week out.
Cameron McCarrier Cameron McCarrier 5'10" | 210 lbs | LB Stevens Point | 2021 State WI , 2021 LB- Stevens Point
Stat Line: 10 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 INT Cameron’s Week 5 Highlights
Cameron is a 2021 LB to check out. He does have some interest and offers, but it looks like the 5’10” 210 lbs LB is still available. Take a look at this week’s performance to see what you could get from him. Cam does a good job of playing his gap. He can quickly diagnose plays, but he doesn’t get caught over pursuing and leaving his gap. His film also shows an effective blitzer. He has some good burst and that allowed him to get around the OL free and then quickly closed on the QB. This week’s film always shows Cam under control and diagnosing each play then reacting effectively. He would make for a solid addition to a recruiting class at the D3 level. Check him out!
Chris Heidl Chris Heidl 6'0" | 220 lbs | LB North Fond du Lac | 2021 State WI , 2021 LB- North Fond du Lac
Stat Line: 21 Total Tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 Sack, 1 Safety Chris’ Week 5 Highlights
Chris was a tackling machine on Friday. He was always able to be around the ball. He utilized some very well timed blitzes to shoot through gaps and make the play in the backfield. He pursued from sideline to sideline making tackles. The 6′ 220 lbs senior LB recognizes plays quickly and works through the trash to get to the ball well in this week’s film. The effort and motor are very high when it comes to Heidl. He also holds down the LT spot for the offense along with defensive duties. He is another senior on this list that is still looking for a home at the next level. Check him out. He is a strong kid that you can trust is always going to be giving his best effort.
Tyler Birn Tyler Birn 6'5" | 235 lbs | DL Appleton East | 2022 State WI , 2022 DL/LB- Appleton East
Stat Line: 10 Total Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT Tyler’s Week 5 Highlights
Tyler is a beast on the edge for the Appleton East defense. Even at 6’5″ 230 lbs, Tyler proved this week he can play with his hand in the dirt or out of a two point stance. His interception from this week shows off some special body control and awareness. He perfectly reads the QB as he drops into coverage, comes off his guy, and jumps the route to make the pick. To go with that athleticism he has the strength to make plays against the run down in the trenches. It is short film this week, but I highly recommend a deep dive into all his film from this season. He is already a top 100 player for the Class of 2022 and with the season he has put together I expect him to continue to climb his way up the rankings.
Nathan Elias, 2022 DB- Verona
Stat Line: 4 Total Tackles, 2 INTs Nathan’s Week 5 Highlights
It’s very short film, but what’s on there needs to be highlighted. Elias’ play in zone coverage was impressive last week. Both of his picks show were him showing off his very good ability to read and react quickly and then the quick twitch athleticism to get to where he needed to be to make the play that he read. His first INT shows him recognizing the QB trying to hit the window between the CB and S. Nathan quickly drops back right into position to pick it off. The second INT shows the same type of play, but this time it looks like he is covering a deep third. He takes the outside receiver deep and then recognizes the wheel route entering his zone. He does a great job of coming off the first receiver and going and getting the ball. The ball skills look very natural and once he got the second one in his hands he proved to be a dangerous returner. I highly recommend taking a look! Up and coming DB.