Alex Altemus was New Jersey’s leading tackler this season. Altemus runs through contact, allowing the force he generates from running full speed to drop ball carries. It is my best guess that he was likely the most physical presence on any given play this season. This is backed up by the fact there was a clip of two where Altemus lined up with his hand in the dirt. Altemus was able to make nearly 200 tackles this season due to the superior pursuit angles he takes. When he is not pursuing, you can find him in the backfield, as Altemus accelerates nicely when he seems the backside window open up. On rollout plays Altemus does a nice job slow playing the sprint-out, allowing himself a two-way go to drop and cover or close in on the quarterback. For as solid as an enforcer Altemus was during his senior year, I am certain that colleges would appreciate clips of him in pass coverage and disengaging blockers.

Altemus, already coming off a strong junior season, is having  an incredible senior year. Already credited with 131 tackles (74 solos) on the season, Altemus’ year was highlighted last week against South Hunterdon. A tough 41-7 loss, the linebacker made 25 tackles (17 solo), 1 tackle for loss, forced a fumble, and intercepted a pass.

Despite his senior season not having as much team success as he would like, Altemus is experiencing a tremendous individual season. In defeat on the road at Brearley this week, Altemus made 16 total stops. This total included a tackle for loss. Dayton looks to notch their first victory of the season against Highland Park this week, who is on a 46-game losing streak and has not won a game since November 24, 2016.