Week 7 Defensive Players of the Week
Week 7 showcased some stellar defensive performances across the state. Week 7 was a huge week in Arizona, as many schools played their last regular season game and fought to land a seed in the playoffs. From ball hawks to…
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Continue ReadingWeek 7 showcased some stellar defensive performances across the state. Week 7 was a huge week in Arizona, as many schools played their last regular season game and fought to land a seed in the playoffs. From ball hawks to big hits, Friday night saw it all. Take a look at 5 players who were able to make big impacts on defense during week 7:
Jace Feely, LB/K, Gilbert Christian HS (C/O 2021)
Feely went off with 15 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 safeties, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Feely was a complete mismatch against Coolidge. He flew around the field and showed excellent instincts as a LB all night. Feely showed a solid POA one one of his safeties when he was able to sack a panicking QB in the endzone. Feely has good field awareness and is a very smart football player. Feely is also one of the best kicker’s and punter’s in the state as well, as he has been engaging in his recruitment more as a kicking/punting specialist rather than a LB. Feely has solid athleticism and position versatility which should be a major upside in his recruitment, but all signs point to Feely wanting to strictly kick in college. Feely will look to have a big game this week in a play-in game vs Flagstaff.
Jacob Lemieux, S, McClintock HS (C/O 2021)
Lemieux was able to record 2 INT’s, 3 PBU’s, and 5 tackles on the 34-8 win vs North Canyon. He read the QB very well and showed excellent play recognition as he was unable to be baited up on play action or trick plays. One of his INT’s came on a halfback pass where he covered ground well as a 1-high safety and picked off a vertical route by the numbers. His second INT was also impressive, as he saved a TD by picking off a ball in the endzone intended for the slot running a corner, as he showed an excellent burst of of his backpeddle and broke on the ball very well. Lemieux showed good short area quickness as well, and is athletic enough to man up on receivers. His ability to cover ground is what impressed me the most, as Lemieux is a ball hawk and is definitely a safety to get on your recruiting board.
Isaiah Roebuck, DB/WR, Marana HS (C/O 2021)
Roebuck racked up 10 tackles, a fumble recovery, and an INT. His INT was clutch as he was able to save a TD and pick off a low pass at the goaline. He showed a very good striking ability as he was able to lay some big, clean hits on the Walden Grove ball carriers. He is athletic enough to man up in coverage as well and has a good nose for the ball. I think he is best used as a rover type safety, as he can roam the field and make plays using his aggressive instincts. He is a two-way starter for Marana, and is definitely a sleeper due to the shortened Tucson COVID season to get on your radar as a defensive playmaker.
Micah Ferrin Micah Ferrin 6'5" | 230 lbs | LB American Leadership Academy (Queen Creek) | 2021 State AZ , DE, American Leadership Academy-Queen Creek (C/O 2021)
Ferrin had a clutch performance Friday night with 4 tackles, 2 TFL’s, one sack, a forced fumble, and a pick 6. His pick 6 came late in the 3rd quarter to up the score 17-3 to put a dagger in Northwest Christian, ultimately leading to a 24-3 victory. Ferrin has a very good football IQ, as he was able to recognize screens and stay home to blow them up. He displayed a good initial ball get off with quick instincts to make lateral tackles. He has a long, athletic frame at 6’5″ 230lbs, and is a huge threat as a pass rusher. He utilizes good speed around tackles, and is fast and athletic enough to catch a scrambling QB. He has been getting some solid interest from D2 programs, and his skillset points to a multi-year starter as a D2 DE.
Gilbert Calderon, DL, Washington HS (C/O 2022)
Calderon racked up 2 sacks, 4 TFL’s, and 13 total tackles with 10 of them being solo to beat Thunderbird and clinch a playoff birth for Washington. His most impressive play was on a speed option where he showed a good POA on the QB to force a pitch, then pursued the ball carrier to punch the ball out and force a fumble around the Thunderbird 25 yard line. He lined up as a DE often, and did a good job of disengaging blocks with the tackles to stop the run to his side. Calderon has a thick, strong base and showed the ability to push back and bully offensive linemen. Calderon was consistently blowing up plays on Friday, and will have to continue to play a big role throughout the playoffs for Washington.