Key Defenders in Kansas 5A State Semifinals
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What’s the old saying, “defense wins championships.”? We’re down to the final four in the 5A state playoffs, and defense has become more important now than ever. With a trip to the state championship on the line, these four defensive…
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Continue ReadingWhat’s the old saying, “defense wins championships.”? We’re down to the final four in the 5A state playoffs, and defense has become more important now than ever. With a trip to the state championship on the line, these four defensive linemen could play a significant role in punching their team’s ticket.
Nathan Hale
Nathan
Hale
6'4" | 240 lbs | DL
Wichita NW | 2021
State
KS
– Wichita Northwest, 6’3”, 233, DE
Hale is coming into this semifinal game as the leading sack man for the Grizzlies. He’s racked up 4.5 on the season, along with 46 total tackles, 12.5 being for a loss. Hale is a high motor guy that doesn’t give up on plays. Even when he’s getting double teamed, he finds his way to the ball. He does a good job of getting off the ball quick and shedding blocks, leading to him getting into the backfield where he uses his athleticism to catch ball carriers. This game against Bishop Carroll is a good opportunity to gain more attention from recruiters.
Jack Ryan – Bishop Carroll, 6’2”, 225, DE
Coach Trail of Bishop Carroll calls Ryan one of his “most impactful players on defense”. Ryan’s play backs up this statement. One of the best things Jack does as a defensive linemen is show discipline. He knows his assignment, and once he reads the play he gets to the ball in a hurry. Another thing Ryan does well, is when he’s backside of the play, he prevents a chance of a cutback by running the line. He’s a player that could give Wichita Northwest problems.
Cameron Penny
Cameron
Penny
6'1" | 215 lbs | LB
St. Thomas Aquinas | 2021
State
KS
– St. Thomas Aquinas, 6’1”, 215, DE/OLB
At No. 2 in the state with 7.5 sacks, Penny is a young man offenses need to watch out for coming off the edge. He’s a mismatch for offensive tackles because of how fast he gets off the line. Once he gets into the backfield, he’s quick to track down the ball. His speed allows him to shoot gaps, and he does a good job of getting blockers off him by using a swim or rip move. On top of this, his play recognition helps him read pulling linemen, putting him in the right spot to run down the line to prevent a cutback. Be looking for Penny to create chaos off the edge against Mill Valley.
Ethan Kremer – Mill Valley, 6’0”, 265, DT
Kremer’s huge frame clogs the interior gaps of offensive lines. He disrupted offenses all season long, piling up 41 total tackles, 12.5 being for losses and 6.5 sacks. Kremer’s size already makes him a tough player to block. Then you add in the fact he’s a two-time state champion in wrestling, and your offensive line is in for a long night. His wrestling background helps him shed blocks quickly, and he does a good job of switching up his moves to keep offensive linemen guessing. I’d say what impresses me most about Kremer, is how explosive he is off the line, and his consistency of staying low. The Jaguars will need a big game from Kremer against Aquinas.