Texas Week One Top Defensive Performers

Jake Lemming

August 31, 2021 @ 10:55 AM

There was some outstanding week one performances around the Lonestar state, and we wanted to give the best some recognition. Each player on this list put up some impressive numbers and shined for their respective program. Without further adieu, here were our top week one performers on the defensive side! <hr /> <em><strong>LB: Josh Vreeland, New Braunfels, Sr</strong></em> Vreeland totaled 17 tackles in a 49-30 win over San Marcos. This kid was all over the field, looking like he had shot out of a cannon once he read run. Vreeland did a phenomenal job scraping backside, leading to him making multiple plays from behind. He was steady through traffic, evading blockers to bring down opposing backs between the tackles. Josh was physical on contact, stonewalling a few ball carriers right in their path. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10325318/6129c5159681220a1cdf8263" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   <em><strong>LB: Jaxon Dorethy, Permian, Sr</strong></em> This Mojo linebacker opened up his 2021 campaign with a 17 tackle, 4 TFL, & 2 sack performance against Pebble Hills. Permian went on to win the matchup 26-15, and Jaxon shined in a multitude of ways. He showed great closing speed off the edge and strong lateral movement skills. He played fundamentally sound all game, not over-pursuing, and took terrific angles to the football. With his size and playmaking ability, he could be a really interesting 2022 linebacker prospect. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14819849/612a93ac4deba104700c3ee9" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>     <em><strong>DT: Brett Karhu, Independence, Sr</strong></em> A high motor disruptive force that finished a week one win over Pearce with 4 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 QB hurries & 3 TFL's. Karhu showed that he's sporty & that he can not only lineup as a zero over the center but also that he can kick out to a five-technique and still wreak havoc. He shows strong hands at the point of attack and solid bend, rushing off the edge. He even showed a nasty push-pull on his bull rush that gave interior offensive linemen fits. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12487681/6129bb434deb9e057c9464d4" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   <em><strong>DB: Dereck Felder, The Woodlands Christian Academy, Sr</strong></em> Felder was an absolute ballhawk last Friday, high-pointing, and diving at the football to come up with three total interceptions. He showed outstanding instincts and flawless breaks in WCA's 62-13 win over Legacy Prep. Felder was comfortable playing man in the slot and did so with active feet & his eyes to his man. It's hard to find a defensive back with soft hands like a receiver, but you have that in Mr. Felder. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15053870/612a77a9d45ee90520662d45" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>     <hr /> <span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Other Top Performances From Week One</strong></span> <strong>LB: [player_tooltip player_id="136168" first="Kylan" last="Salter"], Cedar Hill, Jr</strong> Totaled 14 tackles in a 29-42 loss to Rockwall. <strong>DE: MarQuice Hill, Denton Ryan, Jr</strong> Totaled 4 sacks in a 40-7 win over Longview. <strong>DB: Ethan McMinn, St. Pius X, So</strong> Totaled 4 total tackles and 2 interceptions in a 52-0 win over Lutheran North.