FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE
Deon Dorvil, Edina, sr., DL: 5-11, 290, DT. Speed and strength in a stout, immoveable frame. A great two-gap player who can occupy two lineman and still slide off and make tackles. Stunning initial burst surprises opponents.
Daulton Olinger, Spring Lake Park, sr., DL: 6-0. 260, DT. Two-time All-Metro selection. North Suburban Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Throw-back player with a classic gritty, physical style. Had 70 tackles and 8 sacks.
Shaun Schindler, Hutchinson, sr., DL: 6-4, 215. A physical freak with sub-4.7 speed in the 40, tremendous leaping ability and the strength to shed larger blockers. Had nine sacks and averaged 18 yards per punt return.
Birk Olson, Monticello, sr., DL: 6-3, 235. Mississippi 8 Conference MVP. A crushing defender who controls his side of the field. Had 58 tackles, 7.5 sacks, seven QB hurries and four forced fumbles. Has offers from Cornell and Princeton.
Joe Schiller, Totino-Grace, sr., DL: 6-2, 245, NG. The 2011 Class 2A wrestling champion at 195 pounds. Great with his hands in playing off blocks. Anchors the metro's top defensive front. Can collapse a line if needed.
Jack Cotrell, Eden Prairie, sr., LB: 6-4, 215 pounds. Committed to Boston College, where he projects as a DE. Rangy with good top-end speed but strong enough to take on blockers at the point of attack. A sure tackler and above average in pass coverage.
Alex Wood, Lakeville North, sr., LB: 6-0, 195. A big hitter who plays sideline to sideline. Leader of a defense that has held seven of 11 opponents to 10 points or less. "One of the best leaders I have been around," said coach Brian Vossen.
Chris Wipson, Wayzata, sr., LB: 6-2, 217. Plays at a fast tempo and has a knack for blitzing. Intelligent and instinctual, with excellent timing. Committed to Minnesota before a knee injury ended his season.
