Top Defensive Standout Performances

Matt DeBary September 22, 2020 @ 03:35 PM

It’s easy to highlight the offensive players after games. Teams are becoming more flashy and everyone loves watching a good shootout. It’s the defenders who don’t get as much love. The gritty, hard-nosed players defending their end-zone don’t make as many highlights plays, simply because they play defense. Over the weekend though, multiple defenders stood out and made a game-changing type of impact for their team. Here are a dew defensive standout performances from week 3 in the peach state.   Leebeus "LT" Overton - Milton He may only be a sophomore, but the 6-foot-4 240-pound Milton defensive end has already proved to be one of the state’s top players. He was absolutely dominant last Thursday night in the season opener, making an impact on just about every play throughout the game. He knows how to get after the passer, and he excels against the run as well. He pushed around one of the state’s top offensive tackles, making his performance even more impressive. Overton had a lot of hype around him in the offseason and he more than lived up to the hype with his 6 tackle, 2 sack, one TFL performance. Overton will be one of the highest-ranked 2023 prospects in the country.   [player_tooltip player_id="33675" first="Chief" last="Borders"] - Heard County It’s been a WILD offseason for the new Heard County defender. The big 6-foot-4 230-pounder transferred from McEachern to Carrollton, but the GHSA didn’t allow him to play due to transfer rules and deemed him ineligible. He made a last-minute effort to Heard County and started his senior season off with a bang. The University of Florida commitment recorded 12 tackles, 2 sacks, 5 QB hurries, and 4 TFLs in a 35-20 win over Manchester. Borders is one of the best prospects and overall athletes in West Georgia. He runs well, knows how to tackle, and is athletic to turn around and play some receiver or tight end on offense. He might do a little bit of everything for Heard County this year, but the way he roams the field at linebacker will give the Braves one of the best defensive units in the region.   [player_tooltip player_id="34051" first="Aaron" last="Gates"] - Trinity Christian If there’s one 2023 prospect on the verge of breaking out, it’s Gates. The Sharpsburg native had the game of his life this past weekend, recording FOUR interceptions and returning one back for a touchdown. He does a great job of reading the quarterback and breaking on the ball when it’s in the air. If you miss a throw in his direction, Gates will find it and make a play. He has great reaction time, he’s physical, and he’s a true playmaker on the defensive side. Gates, like Borders, can also turn around and play some receiver if he needs too. He has a good frame and length at 6-foot-0 180-pounds and will continue to grow and put on more muscle over the years.