Breakout Watch List (Defense)

Soph LB Kyle Teneyck STAC- 37tackles 7.5tfl 5.5sacks 1pbu 3ff

                Teneyck truly made his presence felt in his first season. The versatile LB moves all around for Stac. He played well enough to earn an Honorable Mention selection in his first season. Teneyck brings high energy and a great motor. He led Stac in sacks this past season, but he was more of an energy type rusher than an elite pass rusher. He’ll also need to become stouter in the run game , he can get knocked around from time to time. If Teneyck can improve in these areas, then he can become one of the best defensive players in the league.

Soph DB Luca Curran UPenn- 20 tackles 1.5tfl 5int 5pbu

                Curran had a very impressive freshman year. He was one of the league leaders in interceptions and started every game. He can be a game changer in zone coverage and if the ball is in the air you can’t count him out. The biggest area he needs to improve in is his man coverage. While he isn’t a bad man cover corner, it’s not his best skill. He’s given up big plays over the top and has been drug into the endzone multiple times. Getting stronger would also greatly benefit him. If he comes into this season with an improved game Curran could become a top 5 corner in the league.

Jr LB Cameron Francette(Ace) Post-33tackles 2.5tfl

                Francette (Ace) had a good year for Post last season. He was fourth on his team in tackles even though he missed 2 games due to injury. If he didn’t get hurt he may have been on pace for a 1^st or 2^nd all league team selection. The versatile Jr will have a lot more on his plate his season. He’s played outside backer, mike backer, and even some end in his young career. He will have to be a leader in the front 7. He has good length and uses his hands very well. Could be the leading tackler for Post this upcoming season. Not a good pass rusher but he does blitz with aggression. Francette can be a great player if he can work on his game and become more consistent. Post will need him to not just be good enough but to dominate if they hope to take that next step as a defense.

Jr DB Diego Hernandez Caldwell – 19tackles 1.5tfl

                Hernandez has made an impact as a DB from day 1 for Caldwell. The Jr DB brings good speed and infectious tenacity to the position. But he must come into this season with an improved game if Caldwell wants to keep improving. He uses his hands entirely to much resulting in penalties. He’s too inconsistent in the run game. There are games where he looks like a great run stuffer but others where he’s virtually nonexistent. I expect him to come into this season with a chip on his shoulder as Caldwell looks to bounce back from a disappointing season. If he takes his game to another level, then Caldwell will be that much more dangerous this season.