Video: Maxs Tupai's highlights vs. Skyline HighStandouts on offense usually get the spotlight, but good defensive players are equally crucial to a football team's success. One thing that sets apart many of the top Utah high school football teams in 2015 are strong defenses. These teams feature defensive stars who know how to get stops and force turnovers at all the right times.
These 10 defensive players, in particular, have made huge contributions during the 2015 season.
Maxs Tupai - MurrayTupai has been a major factor behind Murray becoming one of Class 4A's top teams. He has tallied 18 sacks and more than 100 tackles on the defensive line since the start of last season. Tupai doesn't jump out on the stat sheet at times because he draws so much attention. But this extra attention frees up many of his teammates to make huge plays of their own.
Adam Rodriguez - Springville
Adam Rodriguez, Springville
Photo by Jeff Porcaro
The Red Devils are off to a 6-0 start for the first time since 2004. One reason for the hot start is a defense that allows just 11.8 points per game. Rodriguez has played his part in keeping opposing offenses off balance. He leads the state with 12.5 sacks for a total loss of 108 yards. Rodriguez only needs one sack to eclipse his career total for his first two varsity seasons.
Noah Vaea - Herriman (West Herriman)After showing tons of potential in the secondary a year ago, Vaea has taken his play to an even higher level as a junior. He has tallied a state-leading seven interceptions in six games for the Mustangs. It has given Herriman a huge boost defensively, as the Mustangs are allowing just 13 points per game.
Dustin Mathews - Viewmont (Bountiful)Halfway through the season, Viewmont (3-3) has already matched its win total from 2014. Mathews has played a big role in improving the Vikings' fortunes. The senior linebacker has been a force on the edge with 106 tackles that lead the entire state. He is averaging 17.7 tackles per game.
Nate Richardson - Timpview (Provo)Building on a strong junior season has looked easy for Richardson. After tallying 94 tackles for the Thunderbirds a year ago, Richardson has emerged as an even more dominant force this fall. He has 66 tackles, averaging 11 per contest for the two-time defending Class 3A champions.
Porter Fitzgerald - South Summit (Kamas) The two-time defending Class 2A champions may have one of their best defenses yet and Fitzgerald is at the center of it all. The senior linebacker has a team-best 95 tackles, which also ranks second among all Utah high school football players. Fitzgerald's contributions have helped the Wildcats allow just nine points per game and hold all but one opponent to nine points or less this season.
Connor Taylor - Davis (Kaysville)The Darts are off to a 6-0 start for the second time in three seasons and defense has played a big role in that success. Taylor has emerged as a key leader on that side of the ball. The senior linebacker leads the Darts with 79 tackles and is one of three Davis players with more than 50 tackles, along with
Jake Hadley and
Jacob Moffett.
Dallan Olsen - ProvoThe Bulldogs have enjoyed some rare success, starting 4-0 for the first time since 1988. Improved defense has positioned Provo for its first winning season since 2009. Olsen has made a name for himself as one of the players at the heart of that defense. He ranks second in Class 4A and statewide with 11.5 sacks for a total loss of 84 yards.
Jade Bulloch - Cedar CityCedar City has a rising star in the junior. Bulloch has made his mark all over the field on defense with 76 tackles – with only 12 being assisted. Bulloch also has eight sacks and a pair of interceptions to his credit. With another season ahead of him, the Redmen could feature one of the toughest defenses in Class 3AA in 2016.
Preston Lewis - Lone Peak (Highland) The Knights are 6-0 for the first time since winning the Class 5A championship in 2011. One of the things elevating Lone Peak is a defense that allows just 9.5 points per game. Lewis is one of the key leaders on that defense. The junior defensive end has had a big impact in the trenches, leading the team with four sacks.
John Coon covers Utah high school sports for MaxPreps. He can be reached at john_coon@hotmail.com and you can follow him on Twitter at @johncoonsports
