5 high school football players who will wreak havoc in 2024 (2024)

Defensive difference-makers can turn the game around with one big play.

They disrupt plays, wrap up ball carriers and pick off passes. They get in the quarterback’s face, create turnovers and just always seem to be around the ball.

There are many who will star on the field for area teams this fall. Here are five defensive players to know this season:

Wyatt Graffin, Jr., Columbus

Wyatt Graffin demonstrated his speed and strength as a first-team selection as a defensive lineman and an offensive lineman in the Capitol Conference last season.

The 6-foot-4, 265-pound Graffin often wrecked the opposing offense’s plans, exploding into the backfield.

“I got in there quite a bit,” Graffin said. “I got in and disrupted the quarterbacks last year. I think I did a good job while seeing double teams.”

Graffin, who finished second in the shot put at the WIAA Division 2 state track and field meet in June, can play defensive end or tackle.

“He is a disruptor on defense,” first-year Columbus coach Andy Ryan said. “It’s challenging to block him with one guy. Having him command double teams really opens up our defense.”

Austin Peplinski, Sr., Horicon/Hustisford

Austin Peplinski was a first-team defensive lineman and offensive lineman in the Eastern Suburban Conference last year for Horicon/Hustisford, which shared the league title with Marshall and advanced to the WIAA Division 5 state semifinal.

Peplinski, who attends Hustisford, had 55 tackles, including 6 tackles for loss and 4 sacks.

“He’s a handful,” first-year Horicon/Hustisford coach Tim Meyer said. “He is surprisingly quick. He got in the backfield a lot more than I think people expected. He blocked punts and knocked passes down. He gets sacks. He is one of those people you have to account for. You can’t fall asleep on him. He’s too good.”

Peplinski is eager to guide the younger players while showing what he can do as Horicon/Hustisford moves to the Capitol Conference.

“I want to play my game from the beginning and keep getting better,” Peplinski said.

Logan Goodrich, Sr., Wisconsin Dells

Senior linebacker Logan Goodrich’s intense approach sets the tone for Wisconsin Dells.

The 6-5, 175-pound Goodrich was a unanimous first-team selection as an inside linebacker and also was a first-team choice on offense as a guard in the South Central Conference last year.

Goodrich again should be a formidable presence on the Chiefs’ defense after leading the team with 102 tackles last year. He had 8 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

“He really takes pride in his football ability and wants to be the best player on the field at all times,” Wisconsin Dells coach Mike Janke said. “He plays with a lot of intensity and it definitely shows up in the box score with rush yards (for the other team) and defensive tackles.”

Max Kreuziger, Sr., Portage

Portage senior Max Kreuziger patrols the Warriors’ defense from his safety position and has a knack for being around the ball.

Kreuziger was second on the team in tackles last season with 72 (49 solo) and had one interception. He was an honorable-mention pick in the Badger Small Conference last season.

“Max has been an outstanding safety for us,” Portage coach Chris Rice said. “He has received an offer to play at UW-Oshkosh next year and has shown exceptional leadership in the weight room all season. Ideally, we don't want Max to be our leading tackler since he's a safety — having your safety as the top tackler often indicates issues in the defense. However, we do want Max to be the leader of our defense this year.”

Jackson Puttkamer, Sr., Baraboo

Senior Jackson Puttkamer was a second-team all-conference selection as a linebacker and as a running back in the Mississippi Valley Conference last season and figures to be an important two-way player for Baraboo this year.

He’s one of four returning starters on defense, teaming with Jordi Beale to lead the linebacking corps.

Puttkamer — who had 69 tackles, including 36 solo, and an interception and a forced fumble — is adept at reading the opposing offense’s plays and making plays on the ball carrier, Baraboo coach Steve Turkington said.

He’s also expected to be one of the Thunderbirds’ top running backs.

Lee Sports Wisconsin reporter Sean Davis contributed to this report.