Week One Top Performers: Defense
They say that defenses are usually ahead of offenses at the beginning of the season. Several defenders proved that during week one with some absolutely dominant performances. Whether they were flying around making tackles, creating turnovers, or breaking up passes,…
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Continue ReadingThey say that defenses are usually ahead of offenses at the beginning of the season. Several defenders proved that during week one with some absolutely dominant performances. Whether they were flying around making tackles, creating turnovers, or breaking up passes, defenders were out and ready to play! Some of the best looking offenses were held down by these performances. These players deserve a lot of attention from the next level, so I am here to help spread the word and the film! Let’s take a look at some great defensive performances!
Lee Barnes Lee Barnes 6'2" | 170 lbs | DB Dominican | 2021 State WI Jr., Senior DB- Dominican High School
Defensive Stat Line: 1 PBU, 5 Tackles, No Receptions Allowed
Lee put the clamps on receivers all night long. The only play he was targeted on resulted in his pass breakup. Barnes’ recovery speed, and length are going to be huge for him. Even if he gets caught out of position those tools allow him to still make plays that most wouldn’t be able to. He isn’t afraid to step into the box and play the run either. He is a DB you can trust no matter the situation. Lee’s Week One
Max Sheridan Max Sheridan 6'2" | 195 lbs | DB Pewaukee | 2022 State WI , Junior LB- Pewaukee
Defensive Stat Line: 9 Total Tackles, 3 TFLs, 1.5 Sacks
Nothing got past Max week one. Anything that came through the middle had to get past him and it didn’t end well for the offense most of the time. The burst that Max plays with when he blitzes jumps off the screen. He will come from 5 yards off the ball and the linemen still couldn’t touch him. His vision is another key strength of his. He can read what happens in front of him and he mirrors the RBs perfectly so he can meet them in the gap. Max’s Week One
Stefon Mitchell Stefon Mitchell 5'11" | 185 lbs | DB Bradford | 2022 State WI , Junior DB- Indian Trail High School
Defensive Stat Line: 13 Tackles
Stefon was all over the field in week one. Prep Redzone’s scout Oliver West attended this game and was constantly live tweeting about Stefon making another play. Mitchell showed off some nice range. He was making tackles anywhere from inside the box to the sideline. Stefon was relentless in his pursuit. If the whistle didn’t blow he was still going 100 mph.
Tyrail Beverly, Junior DL- Indian Trail High School
Defensive Stat Line: 9 Tackles, 1.5 TFLs
Tyrail put some impressive film out last Friday. He showed that he can hold the edge against the run and that he has the speed to collapse the edge down when the run is away from him and catch it from behind. The way he would play read options that were read off him was very impressive too. His athleticism allowed him to almost wait until the QB decided and then go make the play. With two more seasons left there is intriguing potential here. Tyrail’s Week One
Craesean Slaton Craesean Slaton 6'0" | 180 lbs | DB Oak Creek | 2021 State WI , Senior DB- Oak Creek
Defensive Stat Line: 2 Tackles, 1 Interception, 2 PBUs, 2 Receptions allowed
Slaton stepped right up to the challenge of defending one of the best receiver groups in the state and he left the game with one of the most impressive stat lines in the state. His play speed, hip mobility, and read and reach skills are all college ready. It jumps off the tape. He also isn’t afraid to undercut a route and make a play on the ball even without help over the top. The confidence he has is key for the position. Big fan of his game. Craesean’s Week One
Jacob Mogensen Jacob Mogensen 5'10" | 180 lbs | DB Elkhorn | 2021 State WI , Senior DB- Elkhorn
Defensive Stat Line: 7 Tackles, Bonus: 75 KO Return TD
Jacob has already committed to the D2 level and he plays to that skill level expectation. He is all over the field making tackle after tackle. He has the range to go from the safety spot and make a play at either sideline or the line of scrimmage. When he gets to the point of contact he definitely is the one that is delivering the hit too.Jacob’s Week One
Jason Klauck Jason Klauck 6'4" | 235 lbs | DL Kiel | 2021 State WI , Senior DL- Kiel
Defensive Stat Line: 3 Tackles, 1 TFL, 3 Sacks
Jason was a menace the whole game for the opposing offensive line. The game fell right into Jason’s hands. It was a shootout so he was able to pin his ears back and go after the QB. He capitalized on the chance. He demonstrated a nice bend and shoulder dip around the edge. His speed once he gets past the lineman is surprising. Klauck gets on the QB in no time leaving the QB with no time to get rid of the ball. Jason’s Week One
Daniel Martens Daniel Martens 5'11" | 190 lbs | DB Franklin | 2022 State WI , Junior DB- Franklin
Defensive Stat Line: 14 Tackles, 4 TFLs
Find the ball and you will find Daniel. Daniel spent a lot of time in the slot and at safety last Friday. He proved his exceptional range and closing speed. Martens was unblockable when he would come flying in against the run game. It looks like he has definitely added some size since last season and it has translated into some harder hits and an even more sure tackler. Daniel’s Week One
Evan Ladwig Evan Ladwig 6'5" | 270 lbs | OL Plymouth | 2021 State WI , Senior OL/DL- Plymouth
Defensive Stat Line: 11 Tackles, 3 TFLs
Evan had a dominant game on Friday. He played both ways and it was clear he had the stamina to do so. On defense, Ladwig played with impressive strength at the point of attack. He held the line before making a move to make the tackle. Evan also showed that he had some quickness to him when he would cross the lineman’s face into the inside gap. Evan’s Week One
JJ Seidl, Senior LB- Menomonee Falls
Defensive Stat Line: 9 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 2 Sacks
JJ did everything for Menomonee Falls. I was in attendance for this game and it seemed like they called his name after every tackle. He showed that he can make a huge impact at the varsity level and should be a prospect for the next level. He has a quick burst to get through the offensive line and the range to make a tackle anywhere on the field.
Ayo Adebogun Ayo Adebogun 6'3" | 215 lbs | DL Homestead | 2021 State WI , Senior DL- Homestead
Defensive Stat Line: 5 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 2.5 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Fumble Recovery, 1 TD
Ayo is going to be doing this week in and week out. It is why he is a Badger commit. He has everything you want. Length, speed, strength, athleticism, flexibility. It is all there. His first step and hand usage complete the package. It is fun to watch him work. He makes it look much easier than it is. Ayo’s Week One