Get 2 The Game inspired by American Family Insurance: Simba Short

Certain things are just a given in the high school football landscape. De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) having a strong defense is one of them.

De La Salle's defense routinely overwhelms opponents with its precision, toughness and physicality. For the 2014 vintage of the Spartans, linebacker Simba Short leads the impressive unit.

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The 6-foot-2, 185-pound senior is in his third year as a starter for head coach Justin Alumbaugh. Entering the season, Short has accounted for 121 career tackles to go along with three interceptions and two sacks.

At the next level, Short should make an impact at safety, where 247Sports projects him. He's the No. 53 safety prospect in the country according to 247Sports.

Short committed to Northwestern in May, over offers from Utah, Arizona State and others.

Unfortunately, Short's senior campaign has gotten off to a slow start — a shoulder injury suffered in the preseason has kept him sidelined.

When he returns to the lineup, he'll be a welcome addition to a defense that will have De La Salle once again competing for a California Open Division Bowl Game title.