Defensive Breakout Candidates


The Jackrabbit defense brings back a lot of experience in the front seven but has three new starters in the secondary.  This means that there is a fair amount of opportunity for new guys to step in and make a difference.  Below I've identified six guys who have a chance to make a name for themselves in 2019.  A few of these guys have already seen significant action but I'd expect them to take a big step forward.

 #6 Michael Griffin II, Safety

  • 2018 Stats: None, red-shirted after transferring from SMSU
  • No player has more hype surrounding him in 2019 than Griff.  After earning multiple Scout Players of the Week and winning multiple spring strength and conditioning awards, the junior is being looked to fill a void at safety after graduating a lot of experience from the position the past two years.  Griffin can play either safety position and is equally physical and athletic.  I'd look for the defensive coordinators Bergstrom and Rogers to use him creatively this season to maximize his talents.  Griff was a standout at SMSU and was second on the team in tackles as a true sophomore.  He also had a sack, 7 passes defended and 3 fumble recoveries. I think he can have that type of stat stuffing ability for the Jacks.    


#16 Levi Brown, Linebacker
  • 2018 Stats: 9 tackles, 1 TFL
  • Levi Brown has been a player I've had my eye on since he got to campus.  He is the tallest linebacker at 6-4 and is also one of the fastest guys on the team.  Levi will likely serve in sub-packages and be asked to cover some of the stud TE's in the MVFC.  Rogers has raved about Levi's potential for the past two years and it appears that Levi has realized some of that potential.  Jackrabbit fans will remember Derek Domino as one of the best OLB's in program history.  Rogers was teammates was him and said that Levi could be even better.  I look forward to seeing that happen.  


#7 Seven Wilson, Linebacker
  • 2018 Stats: 36 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 fumble recovery, 3 blocked kicks
  • Seven isn't a new name for Jackrabbit fans but he is moving into a starting role at outside linebacker.  Seven has been a super-sub and special teams ace the past two years.  Seven is so physical and loves the game of football.  This spring he moved from the sam to the will position and I think the physicality demanded of the will is a perfect fit for Seven's game.  I'm excited to see what he can do with more opportunities and with the defense playing a more aggressive style of defense.  


#21 Don Gardner, Cornerback 
  • 2018 Stats: 13 tackles, 1 blocked kick
  • Don's opportunities have been limited in base defense but in 2018 he made a name for himself for his tremendous effort on special teams.  That success carried into the spring where according to corners coach Jackson, Don made a great jump in his play!  Don is a really physical corner and has changed his body so he can withstand that physicality.  He is leading the young cornerback group and taking the time to coach and mentor.  I'd expect Don to matchup on the opposing teams possession receiver as he has the size and skill to eliminate that guy.  Don's a winner (Wendell Phillips HS in Chicago) and I expect him to win a bunch in 2019.    


#97 Reece Winkelman, Defensive End
  • 2018 Stats: 10 tackles, 4 tackles for loss
  • Winkelman flashed early in 2018 making some really nice plays in the non-conference schedule.  Reece is really athletic for a defensive end and has natural hands that he uses to fight off opposing tackles.  He played linebacker in high school so it has taken a couple years to get adjusted but it appears that time in the lab paid off as Reece had one of the best spring seasons on the team according to multiple coaches.  A great spring has turned into a great fall camp and Reece is poised to start in 2019.  The thing I really like about Reece's game is that he has some juice off the edge and is capable of getting home on the quarterback.  With teams focusing on Ryan Earith and the Jacks interior pass rush, Reece will have plenty of opportunities! 


#99 Caleb Sanders, Defensive Tackle
  • 2018 Stats: 15 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 1 sack
  • Sanders emerged as a force towards the end of the 2018 season.  With the injury to Krolikowski before the Kennesaw State game, Sanders played his best game of the year against the chop-blocking linemen of KSU.  Sanders turned that momentum into a strong spring and has looked even better this fall.  Caleb is a special player for a couple reasons. First, he plays with great leverage.  The former Iowa state HWT wrestling champ gets under the offensive lineman and wins.  Second, Sanders has a really quick first step.  If you watch the replays, Caleb is often across the offensive lineman's face before he is really out of his stance.  Having someone as talented as Caleb allows the coaches to make sure sure that Krolikowski is 100% before he returns.  I'd expect Caleb to flourish in full-time duty this season.  
Go Jacks!
Matt




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