SD Defensive Players to Watch for 2022

Miles Pastian

July 20, 2022 @ 03:30 PM

With South Dakota Football ready to begin practice soon, lets take a peak at some players this upcoming season that I am keeping on eye on.   [player_tooltip player_id="101182" first="Aiden" last="Heimann"] Aberdeen Central (DB) - Heimann, 5’10" 160lbs, is a true ballhawk in every sense of the word. His defensive IQ is seen in many plays where he can read the line of scrimmage and determine what audibles have been called. Along with Heimann’s IQ, his hands are the best tool he has in his arsenal to help break up those tough passes. His ability to track down balls when they are in the air has shown to be one of his best abilities, and always making a play on the ball. His shorter frame allows him to make big hits and get to the offensive ball carrier quickly. I like how on the shows on every single play he is going to give 120%, no matter if they are up by 20 or losing by 50.   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10122467/Aiden-Heimann" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10122467/Aiden-Heimann">Heimann DB Highlights </a>       [player_tooltip player_id="223086" first="William" last="Paepke"] Rapid City Central (DL) - Paepke, 6’4" 260lbs, uses his big frame to overpower anyone he sees on the offensive line. His combination of swim movies and handwork truly show his ability to get into the backfield for either a TFL or sack. When lined up as a DT, he always seems to power through and gets into the A gap into the backfield. When he lines up as a DE end it is much of the same story with the ability to power through the C gap. While having a strong upper build, he has great awareness of if a ball carrier breaks through to make smart tackles to stop big plays. His defensive prowess disrupts the offense enough to where can force interceptions from pressure on the quarterback. As a whole, Paepke is a defensive force you do not want to see on the defensive line.   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14485468/Will-Paepke" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14485468/Will-Paepke">Paepke DL/T Highlights </a>     [player_tooltip player_id="56571" first="Maddox" last="May"] Aberdeen Roncalli (MLB) May, 6’1" 215lbs, is a crafty MLB who uses his quickness to stop plays before they can even start. His main strength comes in the ability to blow up plays at the line of scrimmage. May likes to get to passes that are caught out of the backfield and get TFLs, If May is not defending passes, he is coming off the edge at great speed. His prowess to get around linemen in the c gap makes his ability to get sacks as a linebacker makes his value immeasurable. His run stopping gives the versatility of a middle linebacker swiss army knife.   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12608318/617efb093deb0e0b984cd75d" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12608318/617efb093deb0e0b984cd75d">Maddux May MLB/RB Highlights </a>     [player_tooltip player_id="161244" first="KJ" last="Redd"] Sioux Falls Jefferson (ILB/OLB) Redd, 5’11" 205lbs, excels as a coverage linebacker. The zone coverage schemes used by the defense allow Redd to be an excellent option when looking for a linebacker in coverage. Redd uses holes made by the defensive line to get close to the quarterback and disrupt the offense. While excelling at pass coverage, his other strength comes into play in pass rushing using his small frame and strength to overpower outside tackles. Redd’s active hands also garner him the ability to knock balls down or get them tipped up in the air, forcing turnovers for his team.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GLRXm" data-type="URL" data-id="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GLRXm">K.J. Redd ILB/OLB Highlights</a>

With South Dakota Football ready to begin practice soon, lets take a peak at some players this upcoming season that I am keeping on eye on.