Week 4 – Defensive Players of the Week
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While week 4 of high school action was packed with a ton of offense, there were just as many defensive standouts as well. Here’s a look at the three best defensive performances from week 4. Players of the Week Ian…
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Continue ReadingWhile week 4 of high school action was packed with a ton of offense, there were just as many defensive standouts as well. Here’s a look at the three best defensive performances from week 4.
Players of the Week
Ian Loomis Ian Loomis 6'3" | 215 lbs | LB Loveland | 2022 State CO , Loveland Red Wolves (LB)(Sr.)(22) – Loomis was easily the biggest reason the Red Wolves earned a hard-fought, 14-7 victory over the Windsor Wizards last Friday, as he posted an incredible line of 22 tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, and a sack. Going to the film, you can see Loomis displays good foot speed and explosiveness that allows him to attack downhill and drive back the ball carrier. Foot speed plus his outstanding lateral agility allow him to play the prototypical sideline-to-sideline role of modern Mike backers. Displays good use of hands at the point-of-contact to shed blockers and close on the ball carrier. Savvy LB in run support with a good understanding of how to attack the blocker’s outside shoulder and set the edge. Disciplined backside defender that doesn’t over-pursue the ball carrier, maintaining backside contain and gap responsibility. Excellent form tackling with a consistent ability to wrap up the ball carrier and drive his legs through contact. Displays requisite ability to drop into zone coverage. Tough, very physical, highly aggressive defender that looks for contact and finishes tackles well. While Loomis is currently rated the 32nd best LB in the state for the class of 2022, his standing will almost assuredly go up if he continues to perform like he did against the Wizards.
Nathan Hallmark, Fossil Ridge Sabercats (DE/LB)(Sr.)(20) – Hallmark arguably had the best performance of any defensive player in the state in last Friday’s tight 27-23 win over the Eaglecrest Raptors. Hallmark posted a world-beating stat line of 11 tackles, 7 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, and a forced fumble. The Raptors had no answers for him, as the outcome might’ve been vastly different had Hallmark not been there for the Sabercats. When you turn on the tape, the first thing that jumps out about Hallmark is his elite first step explosiveness, often using that alone to overwhelm opposing linemen. Outstanding acceleration out of his stance allows him to easily convert speed-to-power when bull rushing. Excellent bend when turning the corner, forcing the opposing tackle to overextend when trying to maintain edge protection. Long armed, technically sound pass rusher that has a good understanding of hand technique, placement, and timing that gives him an edge when athleticism alone won’t win. Tenacious, high motor defender that will relentlessly pursue the ball carrier downfield. Versatile pass rusher that can play both a standard 4-3, hand-in-the-dirt end position or a 3-4 standup LB/rush end position. Hallmark currently doesn’t have a huge recruiting presence but has garnered significant interest from several D-1 programs. He will certainly be a name to watch this season and at the collegiate level.
Anthony Costanzo Anthony Costanzo 6'3" | 210 lbs | ATH Palmer Ridge | 2022 State CO , Palmer Ridge Bears (ATH)(Sr.)(3) – Costanzo was easily the brightest star in the Bears 41-14 shellacking of the Pueblo West Cyclones, as the three-star prospect accounted for a remarkable 4 tackles, 3 interceptions, a pass deflection, and even a receiving touchdown on offense for good measure. When watching the film on Costanzo, you can see his outstanding ability to always be around the ball, as he displays a good understanding of how different route concepts work off of each other and where the offense is trying to push the ball. Strong, big-bodied safety that can be brought into the box for run support. Good use of hands when shedding blockers and getting to the ball carrier. Displays great force and drive at the point-of-contact, often driving back the ball carrier several yards when finishing the tackle. Reliable in both man and zone coverage, often being asked to cover boundary receivers in certain situations. Excellent athleticism, foot speed, and agility allow him to play almost any role on defense at a high level. Costanzo is currently ranked the number one athlete in the state and the 13th prospect overall. He undoubtedly lived up to his three-star billing last week and will be an exciting player to follow at this level and the next.