VIDEO: https://wisconsin.rivals.com/news/week-2-in-state-blitz-wisconsin-commit-cj-goetz
Strengths: I'll start by saying this wasn't CJ Goetz's most productive outing. When I saw him around this time last year, he had an excellent game against Waukesha South, and it was at that point where I felt he was a kid who would earn an offer from Wisconsin at some point. That said, the three-star prospect is still my top-rated player in the 2018 in-state class. He played both sides of the ball Friday night - inside and outside backer; tight end and even wide receiver - and was even in on some special teams. His ability to get into the opposing backfield was impressive; Goetz did this as a blitzing linebacker and with his hand in the ground as a defensive end.
The one thing that jumped out to me was Goetz's closing speed from his linebacker position. Whether it's in pursuit of a running back or breaking through the line on a blitz, Goetz, listed a 6-foot-4 and 234 pounds, eats up a ton of space in a short amount of time. And once he's engaged, the Wisconsin commit doesn't miss tackles.
Another thing that pops out with Goetz is his strength. A couple times he was able to get an arm out while engaged with a blocker and bring the running back down. And when he's locked up in a pile, it almost always moves in his favor.
Physically, Goetz is ahead of the curve. He's not someone who is going to need to pack on weight when he arrives at Wisconsin. He's thick like a middle linebacker but has the agility to play on the outside, where he's expected to begin for the Badgers.
Areas of improvement: As much as I love Goetz's closing speed, there were a handful of times where he over-pursued. If he can continue to play at that speed but break down and make the tackle, it will take his game to the next level. He also had a few drops on tough balls Friday night, but that shouldn't concern anyone because his future home is outside backer.
Outlook: It's tough to say what Wisconsin's need at outside linebacker will be next year, but the staff will have to replace two starters. I'm not sure Goetz is someone who can crack the two-deep there, but he can probably give you immediate help on special teams. Because of where he stands physically, his body isn't going to transform after a redshirt season. By no means is Goetz a finished product, but you don't have to project as much with him in comparison to other athletes in Wisconsin's 2018 class (ie: Mason Platter, for example).
Wisconsin comparison on current roster: Last week I wrote that Mason Platter was more TJ Watt than he was Vince Biegel. Well, I'd say Goetz is more Biegel than he is Watt because of his energy and style of play. But in order to address the topic more accurately, my comparison on the current roster is Jack Cichy. Goetz and Cichy both have the ability to play inside and outside, and I thought Goetz's body makeup and play on the field most resembles Cichy on the current roster.
Final note: This is un-Goetz-related, but if you love looking toward the future, keep an eye on Memorial defensive end JC Latham. The freshman is listed at 6-foot-6 and 233 pounds and definitely passes the eye-ball test. He only played a handful of snaps Friday night but he has Division 1 potential written all over him.
Let me know what your thoughts are.
Strengths: I'll start by saying this wasn't CJ Goetz's most productive outing. When I saw him around this time last year, he had an excellent game against Waukesha South, and it was at that point where I felt he was a kid who would earn an offer from Wisconsin at some point. That said, the three-star prospect is still my top-rated player in the 2018 in-state class. He played both sides of the ball Friday night - inside and outside backer; tight end and even wide receiver - and was even in on some special teams. His ability to get into the opposing backfield was impressive; Goetz did this as a blitzing linebacker and with his hand in the ground as a defensive end.
The one thing that jumped out to me was Goetz's closing speed from his linebacker position. Whether it's in pursuit of a running back or breaking through the line on a blitz, Goetz, listed a 6-foot-4 and 234 pounds, eats up a ton of space in a short amount of time. And once he's engaged, the Wisconsin commit doesn't miss tackles.
Another thing that pops out with Goetz is his strength. A couple times he was able to get an arm out while engaged with a blocker and bring the running back down. And when he's locked up in a pile, it almost always moves in his favor.
Physically, Goetz is ahead of the curve. He's not someone who is going to need to pack on weight when he arrives at Wisconsin. He's thick like a middle linebacker but has the agility to play on the outside, where he's expected to begin for the Badgers.
Areas of improvement: As much as I love Goetz's closing speed, there were a handful of times where he over-pursued. If he can continue to play at that speed but break down and make the tackle, it will take his game to the next level. He also had a few drops on tough balls Friday night, but that shouldn't concern anyone because his future home is outside backer.
Outlook: It's tough to say what Wisconsin's need at outside linebacker will be next year, but the staff will have to replace two starters. I'm not sure Goetz is someone who can crack the two-deep there, but he can probably give you immediate help on special teams. Because of where he stands physically, his body isn't going to transform after a redshirt season. By no means is Goetz a finished product, but you don't have to project as much with him in comparison to other athletes in Wisconsin's 2018 class (ie: Mason Platter, for example).
Wisconsin comparison on current roster: Last week I wrote that Mason Platter was more TJ Watt than he was Vince Biegel. Well, I'd say Goetz is more Biegel than he is Watt because of his energy and style of play. But in order to address the topic more accurately, my comparison on the current roster is Jack Cichy. Goetz and Cichy both have the ability to play inside and outside, and I thought Goetz's body makeup and play on the field most resembles Cichy on the current roster.
Final note: This is un-Goetz-related, but if you love looking toward the future, keep an eye on Memorial defensive end JC Latham. The freshman is listed at 6-foot-6 and 233 pounds and definitely passes the eye-ball test. He only played a handful of snaps Friday night but he has Division 1 potential written all over him.
Let me know what your thoughts are.
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