Biggest Defensive Senior Surprises in the Puget Sound
Prior to the season, we explored some of the seniors at each position who were primed for big seasons. While many of those guys have certainly lived up to the preseason hype, there have been many senior athletes all over…
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Continue ReadingPrior to the season, we explored some of the seniors at each position who were primed for big seasons. While many of those guys have certainly lived up to the preseason hype, there have been many senior athletes all over the region who have had equally impressive campaigns in their final season in high school. Some of these guys will be late risers that go on to have big college careers, as every year, big senior seasons lead to opportunities at the next level. In this piece, I will explore some of the most surprising senior campaigns thus far in the 2022 season on the defensive side of the ball.
Keagan Rongen
Keagan Rongen
The massive 6’5″ 233-pound Rongen has been a force on the edge for Black Hills this season, racking up a state-leading seven sacks through only three games. Rongen is a two-way player, also playing tight end for the Wolves, but his impact has been most felt on the defensive side of the ball. With his frame and production, he will undoubtedly be a player to watch for the remainder of the 2022 season.
Eillyt Fualaau
Eillyt Fualaau
Fualaau is the big man in the middle of the Abes’ defense, and his production indicates that he has taken to that role quite nicely. Thus far this season, he has recorded six total tackles with four of those being for a loss, which is excellent production for a player working in the middle of the line. Perhaps what is most impressive, however, is his pass rushing statistics, as he has already logged four sacks and three quarterback hurries. Finding a consistent pass-rushing threat at the nose tackle position can be difficult, but Lincoln certainly has their guy in Fualaau.
Acting as the quarterback of the defense for West Seattle, Kallinger has been big time in the stat sheet through his first three games. Already this season, Kallinger has recorded 36 tackles and 7 tackles for a loss, showing how he is able to make plays all over the field. On top of that, he is able to impact the turnover battle, as he has already forced three fumbles to add to his stats from his impressive senior season. Kallinger is primed to continue to explode this season, and he is a guy to have an eye on as the fall progresses.
Highlights
Benen Lawler
Benen Lawler
Lawler was primarily an offensive player last year, but thus far in 2022, he has flourished on the defensive end. Through three games, he already has 15 tackles, 11 more than he recorded all of last season. However, what has been most impressive has been his play in coverage, racking up three interceptions and a pass defensed already on the young season. The shift to more of a defensive back-heavy role has been big for his development, and he has set himself up to have a huge senior season.
Justin Munoz
Justin Munoz
Munoz had an impressive junior season at the cornerback position, but his production did not get as much attention as it rightly deserved. However, with the early returns on his senior year, we can expect more attention to come his way soon. Already this season, he has recorded three interceptions and 12 tackles, showing that he can certainly hang on that side of the ball. He is also a threat on offense and special teams, as evidenced by some of the big plays he was able to make against Enumclaw. Munoz is a guy that is certainly making noise this season and one to watch in the future.