Midseason Defensive Players of the Year
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A look at the three best defensive players in the state through five weeks. Midseason Players of the Year Isaac Engle Isaac Engle 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Highlands Ranch | 2023 State CO , Highlands Ranch Falcons (LB)(Sr.)(9)…
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Continue ReadingA look at the three best defensive players in the state through five weeks.
Midseason Players of the Year
Isaac Engle Isaac Engle 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Highlands Ranch | 2023 State CO , Highlands Ranch Falcons (LB)(Sr.)(9) – I am very aware that I have written about Engle in many of my defensive pieces, and believe me when I tell you, I tried hard to find somebody else to put here…but his production is off the charts and impossible to turn a blind-eye to. Looking at Engle’s stat line through the first half of the 2022 season, he has accounted for a ridiculous 69 tackles, 7 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions, 4 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries with one going back for a touchdown, and a blocked field goal. Good Lord, that is insane production in every phase defensively. When you watch Engle’s first five games of the season on film, you can see his relentless motor is the first thing that stands out. High energy LB that never gives up his pursuit on a ball carrier, even when working backside and chasing ball carriers that are well down field. Great physicality at the point-of contact with would be blockers, using a combination of a low pad level, good hand placement, and strength to shed blockers and make the tackle or continue his pursuit. Rarely takes bad angles, often chasing down faster ball carriers because of this trait alone. Good understanding of gap responsibilities to fill would-be running lanes and take away space for the ball carrier. Engle is currently ranked the number 9 LB and the number 79 player overall, but I strongly feel that he deserves to be ranked higher given his consistent high-level performance.
Blake Purchase Blake Purchase 6'4" | 230 lbs | DL Cherry Creek | 2023 State CO , Cherry Creek Bruins (LB)(Sr.)(12) – While it might not shock readers to see Purchase, the number 1 player overall in the class of 2023, on this list but there’s just no denying the type of season he’s had to this point. The blue-chip prospect and future Oregon Duck has posted an unbelievable stat line through the first five games, accounting for 24 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, a state leading 10 sacks, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble. When you watch Purchase on film, you can see he displays excellent awareness to identify different blocking schemes and quickly react. Good understanding of how to identify perimeter blockers, attack their outside shoulder, and shed the block to prevent the ball carrier from gaining the edge. Also displays elite explosiveness out of his stance to drive down-hill towards the ball carrier/blocker. Maintains a good, low pad level at the point-of-contact that allows him to generate great pop/strength when delivering a tackle. Also displays good hand technique at the point-of-contact to neutralize the blockers hands. All of these traits being displayed in pass rush scenarios, with the opposing tackles routinely being overwhelmed by his speed, explosiveness, size, and technique. Purchase has reaffirmed his standing as the top player in the state with his performance to this point so far and will look to close his last year as a Bruin strong before heading off to Eugene to dismantle offenses in the Pac-12.
Kyle Solowetz, Evergreen Cougars (DB)(Sr.)(3) – Solowetz has arguably been the most consistently dominant DB in the state through five games this season, as he’s recorded at least 1 interception and 1 pass deflection in every game so far. Looking at Solowetz’s season totals at the half-way point of the season, he’s accounted for 14 tackles, a state leading 6 interceptions with 2 being returned for touchdowns and a remarkable 13 pass deflections. Just watching Solowetz’s tape from the first five games, you can see he is the prototypical ball hawk at DB, displaying an uncanny ability to find the football in coverage. A combination of great foot speed, lateral agility, and tracking ability while the ball is in the air allow him to shut down most of his side of the field. Outstanding athlete with excellent first step explosiveness out of his backpedal that allows him to hit top gear quickly when working deep coverage, easily being able to run with most boundary receivers. Tall, long DB (6’1, 160 lbs) that knows how to use his length whether in press coverage at the line or jamming the receiver at the top of their stem when playing off-coverage. Shows a good understanding of how to bait opposing QBs into throwing to his side, routinely capitalizing when the ball is thrown his way. Displays requisite ability to form tackle at the point-of-attack when making contact with the ball carrier. Solowetz isn’t currently ranked on any recruiting boards but has more than enough talent and athleticism to play at the collegiate level as he looks to finish his senior season as well as he’s started it.