On defense, the last but not least position to recognize without offers are the defensive linemen in the section. The spotlight will comprise of both defensive ends and tackles.
For these five seniors, a few are two-way players and presented in their film.
<strong>Jesus Garcia – McNair – Defensive End</strong>
<em><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/jesus-garcia/TTODdYeyEeeT-Oz0u-e-FA/football/stats.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2019 Stats</a></em>
Garcia can do a little bit of everything. He can record picks, sacks, stop the run game, and deflect passes, punts, and kicks. When coming off the line, he uses his strength and lateral movement to get to the ball. With these skills, Garcia led the McNair Eagles in sacks and all juniors in sacks per game within the section. He also finished second in the San Joaquin Athletic Association league in tackles for loss behind teammate Nehemiah Faatau (2020 class).
<a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2CGn18">Watch the Tape</a>
<strong>Zachary Ta'amu – Edison – Defensive Tackle</strong>
<em><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/zachary-taamu/qOEvL5GREeeT-Oz0u-e-FA/football/stats.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2019 Stats</a></em>
On a defense that only allowed on average 8.7 points in the regular season and a team with back-to-back nine-win seasons, Ta’amu played an essential part keeping the Edison Vikings a top program in the district. Ta’amu plays with intense physicality and power that forces opposing linemen to double-team. His pass-rush versatility is extraordinary with strong tackling ability. He is also a two-way standout as a guard with good hand placement to keep blockers away from his quarterback or running backs.
<a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10012112/Zachary-Taamu">Watch the Tape</a>
<strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2020/07/5-defensive-tackles-from-the-sac-joaquin-section-you-should-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jalen Bryant</a> – Inderkum – Defensive Tackle</strong>
<em><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/jalen-bryant/nV9BILcQEemA0ZFtwg1OMQ/football/stats.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2019 Stats</a></em>
Bryant’s skills have him stand out as one of the best defensive tackles in the Sacramento Metropolitan Area. From the quickness of his first step and power from the point of attack, he shows relentless effort every play. He has toughness, a heads-up mindset against the run, and displays the capability to change directions to make a play with a strong tackle. With 88 tackles, Bryant was second in tackles behind teammate Michael People (2020 class) within the Capital Valley Conference. Bryant also has strong pass-rush ability finishing within the top 3 for total sacks and yards lost within the league. All his accomplishments and performance on the field did not go unnoticed as Bryant was named an All-League defensive player and All-Metro honorable mention as a lineman.
<a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2CV2WM">Watch the Tape</a>
<strong>Marche Bullard – Enochs – Defensive End</strong>
<em><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/marche-bullard/k3HwzecXEeiAxKkkK9HIDg/default.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MaxPreps Profile</a></em>
Bullard may be the top returning defensive end in the district this season. He has a quick first step and a strong point of attack as a pass rusher. As an elite edge rusher, offensive tackles must come ready on every play. He is a strong tackler on running backs resulting in lost yardage. On quarterbacks, he creates pressure, can strip the ball, and deflect passes. According to the film, Bullard also recorded multiple sacks last season. He was named Central California Athletic League’s Defensive Lineman of the Year and <a href="https://www.modbee.com/article238566643.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">All-District team on defense</a>. He was just one of two juniors in the district to receive the honor.
<a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11696678/March%C3%A9-Bullard">Watch the Tape</a>
<strong>Kelvin Jackson – Center – Defensive End</strong>
<em><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/kelvin-jackson,-ii/Mn7icI0YEeeT-Oz0u-e-FA/football/stats.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2019 Stats</a></em>
After being named Pioneer Valley League Defensive MVP and earning All-Metro first-team defense, Jackson has the potential to be one of the top defensive players in the section this season. He is fast off the line and utilizes his size to create space against offensive lineman. His athleticism also includes good footwork to get to the ball carrier and being a consistent strong tackler. Jackson’s performance helped the Center Cougars record four shutouts and allowing only a little under 10 points a game in the regular season. Make sure to watch all of Jackson’s three tapes on Center’s profile as he also shows that he can shine as an offensive guard for the Cougars.
<a href="https://www.hudl.com/team/v2/33463/Boys-Varsity-Football">Watch the Tape</a>
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