The Shape of Sprint:S

The Roaming Free Safety

These are the safeties that are able to cover the entire field. They command the backend of the defense and operate as the head of the secondary. Outside of that they are able to make plays in every area of the field and in multiple situations. They can run the alley and make plays at or behind the line of scrimmage, cover receivers in the box or from depth, and roam the deep parts of the field reading the quarterback or receivers. These players are able to make plays in many different ways.

(CSFL) Navy 18-21 FS/CB Adam Weissenfels 73tk 4.5tfl 11int 22pbu

Weissenfels is one of the most versatile defensive backs to come through the game. He was comfortable at corner but even better at safety. Weissenfels was an elite cover guy. He could line press man on the outside or slot and he could play off man from depth or inside the tackle box. Weissenfels also had impeccable hands and awareness. He was constantly making plays on the ball all over the field. The former Navy great is example of how to use your versatility to forge your own path to greatness.

(MSFL) SMWC 23-24 FS Austin Petrillo 71tk 4tfl 6int 12pbu

Petrillo has been one of the best defensive players in the MSFL the last few seasons. He was able to carve out a great career for himself by making plays all over the field for the Pomeroy’s defense. Petrillo was great at running the lanes making tackles and preventing big runs. When he wasn’t rallying to help the front seven he was playing the backend of the defense like a outfielder covers his portion of a baseball field. Petrillo is cemented as one of the best players to play for SMWC.

(CSFL) Mansfield 14-17 FS Kyle Post 168tk 10tfl 10int 23pbu

Post was nothing short of a tackling machine when he was roaming around the Mansfield secondary. He was able to recognize whether it was run or pass very quickly and act accordingly. He was often the saving grace for his defenses when he would make a tackle that if missed would have led to a touchdown. He could also stay deep and help his corners out with over the top coverage. Post is one of the most prolific tacklers from the defensive back position in sprint football history.

(CSFL) Army 17-20 Ryan Leach 63tk 4tfl 9int 12pbu

Leach was the definition of a play maker. Any given game you were sure to see him do something spectacular. From his spot at the back of the Army defense he was able to make any play his team needed him to make. He was great at reading the quarterback’s eyes from his deep positioning on the field. Along with that he was a sure tackler who never turned away from his chance to get physical. Leach is a all time great and one of the best playmakers the position has seen.

(CSFL) Penn 15-18 Tom Console 139tk 2.5tfl 8int 22pbu

Console was maybe the most important pieces on his Quaker defenses. The tall rangy safety used his reach and length to have an impact on all three levels. He covered ground quickly allowing him to make plays before ball carriers could get rolling. He would also use those same traits to track the ball while it was in the air and go make a play. Console often forced offenses to throw away from him or at the very least made quarterbacks take note of where he was lined up every play. Console was a dominant free roaming safety.