Top Defensive Performances: Playoffs Level One

What a week on the defensive side of the ball! We have athletes from the senior class down to the freshman class! There are some super impressive numbers from the first round of the playoffs with several defenders getting multiple sacks, multiple INTs, or gigantic tackle totals. We have athletes from every level of the field, and the best part of it all is that each of these athletes are uncommitted. So, college coaches make sure you check out the linked Hudl accounts! Also, don't miss out on the athletes at the end. They don't have film from the week up, but they are athletes to know and worth checking in on later for film! Time to wrap up our Level One coverage! <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="182093" first="Mason" last="Stepanski"], '22 LB- Kimberly</strong> <em>Stat Line: 8 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 1 FF</em> The 6'2" 210 lbs senior ILB has been an LB that I have had an eye on since his strong spring season. The senior stands out with his reaction quickness to the play flow allowing him to slide and maneuver himself so that he maintains correct leverage. His 4.55 speed and high effort allows him to range sideline to sideline making plays. Despite his large frame, Mason has proven he is more than a stout run stuffer. Stepanski also is an effecive blitzer thanks to his timing, acceleration, and burst to close on the QB. The sprinkles on top is that Mason will also be able to make an impact on special teams at the next level. The senior 'backer needs far more attention that it looks like he has received. Check out his highlights! <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11231418/61745208b5360a0b206adf43">Mason's Level One Highlights</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="118498" first="Caleb" last="Rinard"], '22 LB- De Pere</strong> <em>Stat Line: 7 Tackles, 2 INTs, 1 Pick Six, 1 FF</em> The 5'11" 200 lbs senior ILB is an exceptional playmaker, and the evidence piled up in round one of the playoffs! He perfectly dropped into zone coverage and intercepted a pass in his own redzone and returned it for 6 points the other way. He showed off his quick read and react ability on 4th &amp; short as he was able to read the flow of the play, fly through a gap, and make the turnover on downs forcing TFL. His second interception came on third down when he once again used his next level athleticism and range to drop into his zone, read the QB, and go and get the ball. It didn't end there. On one of Beaver Dam's more explosive plays of the night, Caleb showed off his high effort levels as he chased down the ball carrier and punched the ball out for his teammates to recover. The rest of the film is just as exciting as the huge momentum swinging plays. It shows off Rinard's lateral agility, sharp footwork through trash, and his innate gift to play the position. I highly recommend checking out this dude's highlights. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="118568" first="Jake" last="Adams"], '23 LB- Pulaski</strong> <em>Stat Line: 8 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 Sack, 1 FF</em> The 5'11" 210 lbs junior's round one film is quick, but it shows off the versatility that the ILB has to offer. Jake demonstrated his developing instincts for the ILB position. Adams has shown that he can quickly diagnose a play, and put himself a step ahead so that he can make the play. That allowed him to fill through gaps uncontested, and then make the tackle with good technique not allowing the ball carrier the chance to pick up yards after contact. The junior also looked comfortable out in space. Jake is an LB to keep an eye on this fall into next year. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13021319/61775e1a041d870508f3f980">Jake's Level One Highlights</a> <strong>Jackson Kitzmiller, '25 DL- Edgewood</strong> <em>Stat Line: 6 Tackles, 5 TFLs, 3 Sacks</em> After watching through the 5'9" 225 lbs freshman's first round highlights all I could say was "wow". Jackson looks like he has a very bright future ahead of him, and as he continues to grow and develop his game he could end up as a top recruit as 2025 gets closer. The first trait that jumps off the screen is Jackson's explosive quickness. He springs out of his stances and instantly transitions that quickness into power and hand usage to quickly shed blocks or walk the OL back into the QB's lap. Kitzmiller is quickly proving that his disruptiveness is going to be a major part of his game. He already spends a ton of time playing on the offensive side of the line of scrimmage thanks to that first step quickness, strength, and hand usage. His pass rush ability is also a major strength. Jackson proved this week he can get to the QB in a variety of ways, like with lateral agility, strength as he collapsed the interior of the pocket, or with pass rush moves. This is an athlete to know! <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16199706/61742a7b160081065ccd20c0">Jackson's Level One Highlights</a> <strong>Matthew Stenbroten, '24 OLB/WR- Lake Mills</strong> <em>Stat Line:  8 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 Sacks, 1 FR</em> The two way, sophomore athlete already possesses a gifted frame at 6'3" 195 lbs and the athletic profile that will get the attention of several coaches at the next level over the next few years. Stenbroten already has the range to be an impact at OLB. Range that allows him to make plays outside of his immediate area. That range isn't just sideline to sideline, but also vertically up and down the field. As a pass rusher, Matthew currently wins with his burst off the line and around the edge before quickly closing on the QB. Stamina doesn't look like an sort of issue. The athlete has a hot motor and plays to the whistle relentlessly. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14782198/6174ee3f386df7012c8394c6">Matthew's Level One Highlights</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="104996" first="Chase" last="Sturm"], '24 LB- Stanley- Boyd</strong> <em>Stat Line: 13 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 Sack</em> The 6' 195 lbs sophomore packs a punch at the point of contact! When Chase makes contact you can bet that the play is over. He strikes quickly and always finishes plays when he gets the chance to. Sturm has a nose for the ball, and he is able to get to the ball thanks to his ability to quickly diagnose plays, and shoot through gaps before linemen can get to the second level to put a hat on him. Chase has the quick twitch and burst that allows him to play downhill and be an effective run stuffer. He is shaping into a rugged ILB prospect who plays with grit and toughness. I expect Chase to be the team's tone setter over this playoff run and the next couple of seasons. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14779078/61756c43bed6e4085429b8bc">Chase's Level One Highlights</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="118364" first="Isaac" last="Runstrom"], '22 LB- Cumberland</strong> <em>Stat Line: 20 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 3 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR</em> The 6' 195 lbs senior LB is an athlete we have recently covered, but I am still very impressed with his improvement over the past year. He is a playmaker that is able to make several disruptive plays week in and week out. The major factor behind that playmaking is his very good speed, burst, and play diagnosing skills. When Isaac reads the play it takes just the snap of a finger for him to be flying downhill at top speed to make the play. His production, speed, and instincts have earned him multiple offers from the next level, but he deserves even more attention from the D2- D3 levels. Check him out. It's fun film to watch. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13059833/6173af30386df7012c826545">Isaac's Level One Highlights</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="118247" first="Brent" last="Jeske"], '22 LB- Colby</strong> <em>Stat Line: 3 Tackles, 1 TFL, 3 Sacks, 1 INT</em> The 6'1" 215 lbs senior is a monster coming off the edge of the Colby defense. Brent does a very good job of processing information and reacting with his instincts instead of thinking. That allows him to play fast and either set a strong edge vs the run or continue his rush around the edge to the QB on pass plays without hesitation. Brent is too strong for one on one blocks. He quickly can drive an OT back into the pocket, shed them, and sack the QB. Jeske's high motor allows him to be a two way playmaker, relentless pass rusher, and chase down plays from behind. Looking at that pass rush ability, Brent wins with a combination of a quick initial first step, and strength. He closes the cushion on OTs quickly and gets into their chest allowing him to gain leverage and generate a ton of push. As he continues to widen his pass rush repertoire, Brent is going to be a very impactful presence on the edge at the next level. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11165173/6175791e160081065cce9a9c">Brent's Level One Highlights</a> <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Other Notable Performances</span></strong> <strong>Ryan Santi, '22 LB- Oak Creek</strong> <em>Stat Line: 10 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 2 Sacks</em> <strong>Nick Oehrlein, '22 LB- Sun Prairie</strong> <em>Stat Line: 3 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 Sacks</em> <strong>Gus Wenning, '23 DL- Middleton</strong> <em>Stat Line: 7 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 Sack, 1 FF</em> <strong>Nathan Roy, '24 DL- Mukwonago</strong> <em>Stat Line: 6 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 Sack</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="118531" first="Ryan" last="Liegel"], '22 LB- Baraboo</strong> <em>Stat Line: 13 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Sack, 1 FF</em>