Taft was a big piece of the West De Pere defense as the Phantoms made their run to the D2 State Championship. The 2028 LB/DL wrecked havoc on the front seven. Primarily lining up at DT, Taft proved to be too quick and powerful on contact. He could win with the lightning quick get off at the snap, and despite being 195 lbs his power was able to move and shed OL at a very high rate throughout the season. The 6′ 195 lbs athlete also has the athleticism to play in space. Because of that athleticism and his frame it looks like his future home is at LB at the next level. Whether it is at DL or LB this fall, Taft will be someone offenses need to have a plan for.

If you like disruptive, violent, explosive defensive players then Taft is going to be an athlete for you. At 6′ 195 lbs the sophomore has been a wrecking ball on the West De Pere DL. The interior of the DL in particular. He has piled up 50 tackles, 10 TFLs, and 4 sacks on the season. While undersized, Taft has found ways to dominant. The ’28 flies off the line with an explosive first step and can turn that quickness into violent power to defeat blocks with his strong hands very quickly. Taft also has outstanding range to chase down the QB or RB outside the pocket. This kid plays with reckless abandonment and disrupts a ton of plays with that style. DT probably isn’t his future home, but somewhere on defense is. Don’t sleep on this kid.

What a start to the season for Taft! 12 tackles, 2 sacks, and 5.5 TFLs in three games is outstanding for a sophomore on varsity. Even more impressive, Taft is doing that damage while playing a ton of IDL at 190 lbs. The size deficit hasn’t cost him, though. The sophomore explodes off the line with next level quickness and also constantly has his speed paired with devastating power. Over and over you see Taft quickly muscle his way through gaps as OL struggle to get any sort of angle on him. Taft plays with violence too. Every movement he makes comes with that mean intent needed to survive on Friday nights. Big things are ahead for Taft.