Standout Defensive Performances: Week 5
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Every week seems to bring bigger,and better numbers and performances. This week is no different as we have student athletes putting up 20 tackles, multiple INTs, scoring defensive TDs, and everything in between. This group of eight athletes is almost…
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Continue ReadingEvery week seems to bring bigger,and better numbers and performances. This week is no different as we have student athletes putting up 20 tackles, multiple INTs, scoring defensive TDs, and everything in between. This group of eight athletes is almost all seniors, and every one of them is still uncommitted. I do my best to include talent for every level each week, and we have that again. Every coach should come away with a new name to recruit with this list of players. Check them out!
Stats: 20 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 SackrnThe 5’11” 190 lbs LB is an undersized prospect, but the senior flies around the field. As you can see from the stat line, that flying around leads to a ton of plays. There is no question that Grisar has sideline to sideline range. His downhill acceleration when blitzing and filling against the run popped off the screen right from the start of his highlights in Week 5. I was impressed with his ability to find the ball amid the chaos, but he seemed to always know where it was, and diagnosed plays quickly. He has made improvements since last season.
Highlights
Jamison Klein
Jamison Klein
Stats: 4 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 SackrnOne of my top hidden gems based off their reported recruitment is the 6’3″ 215 lbs DE out of Oconomowoc. Jamison is a long, lean DE bursting with next level potential. Despite his leaner frame, Klein plays with noticeable power. Power that allows him to rip past OL, or quickly discard RB blocks. Jamison flies out of his stance, and closes quickly in the backfield before plays can develop. Klein has been a disruptive force in backfields this season. It is time for him to get far more attention than he currently has received.
Stats: 16 Tackles, 2 PBUsrnDrew has grown into the impressive LB prospect that I was expecting. He now checks in at 6’2″ 215 lbs. The growth has only made his game more impressive. The ILB is a chess piece to have in the middle of the defense. His ability to diagnose plays, and then get himself to the ball with lateral agility and short area quickness. It is impressive watching his head on plays. It never moves. It is always glued right to where the ball is at. The big man is as sound of a tackler as they come. He spent last weekend at a Gophers game, and has several other D1 schools showing interst.
Highlights
Stats: 5 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Pick Six, 1 PBU, 1 Blocked KickrnRange and acceleration. That is what shines early in the highlights from Week 5 from the 6’1″ 185 lbs safety. His TFL came on a play when he was about 7 yards off the ball. He made the tackle about 3 yards behind the line. Statz’s INT came on a play where he was able to bait the QB into a bad decision. Speed, and overall athleticism are the name of the game for Jack. He is a state qualifier in track, and an All Conference safety. I’ll be looking to see his recruitment pick up as the season progresses.
Highlights
Evan Miles
Evan Miles
Stats: 5 Tackles, 2 INTsrnI have been missing out on a next level talent at Oregon HS. Evan Miles is a 6’2″ CB. He puts that length to use on every snap. He is a quick processing corner who reads and reacts to scenarios quickly. He saved a TD with the first play of his highlights where he saw the ball going inside so he closed quickly and laid a big hit on the receiver to break it up. For a bigger prospect he moves well. Miles has proven he can turn and run with receivers in man coverage, and his hands are soft and natural. This is another senior hidden gem. He also just joined Twitter, so follow him @EvanMilesFB.
Stats: 4 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 2 TFLsrnThe 6’3″ 210 lbs athlete looks the part of a next level prospect. He plays like it too. Micah is a two way impact player for Markesan. He lines up at FB and OLB, and plays the same way at the two spots; downhill, and aggressive. His defensive highlights are of him in zone coverage, and then attacking the QB when he left the pocket. Kracht looks more natural at FB, but I believe he can play either side at the next level. He is a raw prospect right now, but there are tools to work with.
Highlights
Yevgeny Dedun
Yevgeny Dedun
Stats: 9 Tackles, 2 TFLsrnYevgeny is an intriguing senior prospect. He plays primarily LB, and with a 6’3″ 190 lbs frame there is a lot of room to continue to fill out and become a force in the middle. The long, lean LB is aggressive against the run. He powers right through blocks to get to the ball. As he develops more efficient ways to disengage he will e even more effective. Dedun is a reliable tackler with his roughly 40 tackles on the season. Wisconsin Dells has a couple good looking prospects, and Yevgeny is one of the athletes at the top of the list. A team that buys into the potential could get an impact player.
Stats: 12 TacklesrnThe 5’11” 200 lbs senior has been at the middle of the Madison East defense for a couple seasons now. He does his best in space, avoiding blocks, and playing through open lanes. That is where he can use his athleticism to get to the ball and use his reliable tackling. I want to see him continue to work on his strength and block shedding to make himself more effective. Larry clearly has a nose for the ball, so the better he can get at playing in the trash between the tackles the more impactful he will be.