Border Battle Dakotas All-Star Game Selections 2023 (ND Defense)
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These are my favorite types of articles, just talking defense and defensive players I like watching play. North Dakota has a special group of defenders that I could arrange into a 4-3 defense, it’s simple, but effective in the game…
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Continue ReadingThese are my favorite types of articles, just talking defense and defensive players I like watching play. North Dakota has a special group of defenders that I could arrange into a 4-3 defense, it’s simple, but effective in the game of football, a gap responsible defense that can defend passing teams as well. This group was pretty tough to pick from with the talent rich area and each player having the attributes I like seeing in a defender. Again this team was assembled based off rankings and how I would feel about them playing defense if I were a coach. Check them out below!
DL- Karter Menz Karter Menz 6'5" | 215 lbs | DL West Fargo Sheyenne | 2023 State , West Fargo Sheyenne: Menz is a solid offensive nightmare. He is quick off the snap, sheds blocks quickly, and drills whoever has the ball in the backfield.
DL- Jake Swanson Jake Swanson 6'2" | 240 lbs | DL Hillsboro-Central Valley | 2023 State , Hillsboro/Central Valley: Swanson almost completely takes away the run plays up the middle. Being quick off the snap and sitting in his gap to get his read then flowing his way to the football and making the tackle.
DL- Caden Belgarde Caden Belgarde 5'11" | 235 lbs | DL St. John | 2023 State , St. John: Belgarde is the DE the opposing QB gets sick of seeing in a game. He takes a quick first step to get him his perfect angle to the QB on his pass rush, he breaks down and corrals the ballcarrier and makes the TFL.
DL- Tyler Holdeman Tyler Holdeman 6'2" | 200 lbs | DL Velva | 2023 State , Velva: Holdeman does a good job hurrying the offense. He gets through his gap quick and forces pressure on the QB to get the ball out quicker than usual.
LB- Josh Balstad Josh Balstad 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB West Fargo | 2023 State , West Fargo: Balstad just has the football sense in the middle of the field. He gets his read then gets in position to make the play in the run or pass game. He fills his gap drills the ballcarrier, driving them backwards.
LB- Peter Dryburgh Peter Dryburgh 6'3" | 235 lbs | LB Hillsboro | 2023 State , Hillsboro/Central Valley: Dryburgh plays well out on the perimeter, as a walk-up DE or flat defender. He holds contain well and makes tackles on the perimeter runs. He also sits in pass coverage well, and can get pressure on a pass rush.
LB- Cole Hebl Cole Hebl LB Hillsboro/Central Valley | 2023 State , Hillsboro/Central Valley: Hebl did a good job plugging the gaps up the middle and keeping the opposing run game in check. He flows well to the ball and makes a sure-handed tackle.
DB- Ryan Brynjolfson Ryan Brynjolfson 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB Bismarck Century | 2023 State , Bismarck Century: Brynjolfson did a great job locking his side of the field down in pass coverage. He could keep the WR and QB in his vision and stayed in position to make a good break on the ball and make a clean play.
DB- Hudson Flom Hudson Flom 6'0" | 165 lbs | DB GF Red River | 2023 State , Grand Forks Red River: Flom played the last line of defense fundamentally sound. He flew around the field and broke down to make tackles down the field to not give up big plays. He did a good job being the deepest guy in pass coverage and making a play on the ball.
DB- Emanuel Spiyee Emanuel Spiyee 6'1" | 170 lbs | DB Fargo South | 2023 State , Fargo South: Spiyee does a good job sitting back and playing centerfield on defense. He reads the QB flows to where the pass will be thrown and makes the play. He also makes a sure-handed tackle to end the play before the offense can break a big play.
DB- Keaton Schwab Keaton Schwab 5'8" | 150 lbs | DB Fargo Davies | 2023 State , Fargo Davies: Schwab does a great job clamping a receiver and keeping him from making big plays. He changes directions well breaks on routes and passes, makes tackles, and plays clean in pass coverage.