Defensive Players to Know from the Class of ‘23
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There were several defenders from the Class of 2023 that showed promise during their sophomore year. These six defenders fall into that category, and they will be looking to become key pieces to their defenses’ success as juniors during the…
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Continue ReadingThere were several defenders from the Class of 2023 that showed promise during their sophomore year. These six defenders fall into that category, and they will be looking to become key pieces to their defenses’ success as juniors during the ’21 season.
Blake Stallbaumer Blake Stallbaumer 6'2" | 205 lbs | LB Nemaha Central | 2023 State KS – Nemaha Central, 6’2”, 200, LB
Stallbaumer helped anchor a strong defense that only allowed 12 points per game this past season. He shows a quick reaction to the direction plays are going, and he is good about filling the correct gaps to stuff the run. His athleticism is impressive as well. Stallbaumer can play sideline to sideline, and he has the traits of being a talented receiving tight end. He will be a key piece to Nemaha Central’s success during the ’21 season.
Jake Sasse Jake Sasse 6'2" | 225 lbs | LB Smith Center | 2023 State KS – Smith Center, 6’2”, 230, LB
Sasse is easily one of the hardest hitting linebackers in the state regardless of age and classification levels. During his sophomore season he tallied 79 total tackles; seven being for a loss, one sack and a pair of interceptions and blocked field goals. He plays well in coverage, and the young backer is a brick wall against the run. Sasse shoots gaps like a bull and lays the wood on ball carriers. He is also like a tank at fullback.
Bronx Wood Bronx Wood 5'8" | 210 lbs | DL Andover Central | 2023 State KS – Andover Central, 5’7”, 220, DL
Wood has a trait that cannot be taught. That is heart. He may not have the height, but Wood makes up for it with his skillset and high motor. Wood’s wrestling background helps him at his defensive tackle position. The multi-time state champion excels at shooting gaps, and he uses a variety of moves to get past offensive lineman. He racked up 36 total tackles, two sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown as a sophomore, and I’d expect another solid season from him during his junior year.
Dorian Hippen Dorian Hippen 6'0" | 230 lbs | DL Hutchinson | 2023 State KS – Hutchinson, 6’0”, 210, DL
Hippen flashed his potential of being an exceptional pass rusher during his sophomore season. He has a quick first step that allows him to blow past offensive tackles, and he already has the strength to push them back with a bull rush. Right now, he is dependent on his quickness and strength, but he will be able to add new moves to his arsenal during this off-season. Once he does that, he could be a force during the ’21 season.
Alonzo Morgan Alonzo Morgan 5'10" | 170 lbs | DB Blue Valley North | 2023 State KS – Blue Valley North, 5’11”, 160, DB
With the McCullough brothers transferring from North, Morgan will take over the role as being the No. 1 defensive back on the team. He possesses the skillset and athleticism to become a lockdown corner. Morgan is quick with is hands in bump and run coverage, and he does a great job of sticking to a wide out’s hip. He has a quick break on passes, and he’ll also stick his nose into the run game. Quarterbacks should throw away from him this fall.
Lake Ryan Lake Ryan 6'4" | 200 lbs | DB Blue Valley West | 2023 State KS – Blue Valley West, 6’3”, 190, DB
Ryan proved to be one of the top young safeties in the state in 2020. He sees the field well in coverage and he is good about staying over the top on deeper routes. Ryan’s length allows him to break up passes, and he takes the right angle when coming down to stop the run. With an off-season of training and first team reps, Ryan could have an All-League caliber year.