7A Playoffs: 2nd Round Defensive Standout Performances
The second round of the playoffs included some close games and outstanding performances. West Forsyth (9-3) won a defensive game against North Gwinnett (9-4), 17-16. Both Lowndes 9-1) and Milton (11-0) won their games by only a single possession. These…
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Continue ReadingThe second round of the playoffs included some close games and outstanding performances. West Forsyth (9-3) won a defensive game against North Gwinnett (9-4), 17-16. Both Lowndes 9-1) and Milton (11-0) won their games by only a single possession. These close games were the results of many great individual defensive performances. Multiple prospects flashed and caught my attention in the second round. Let’s take a look at 5 players that stood out on the defensive side of the ball.
Thomas Davis, OLB, Class of 2021, Lowndes
Davis put on a great performance against North Cobb, finishing the day with 7 solo tackles, 11 total tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, and 1 sack. He wreaked havoc on North Cobb’s offensive line. His general speed is good, he was able to close in on ball carriers and finish tackles. His speed of the line was impressive, multiple times he got into the backfield before offensive linemen could even get their hands on him. Excels at twisting and turning his body to get through the offensive line. Benefits from having the build of a linebacker, allows him to excel as a pass rusher. Did not see him much in coverage this game. Needs to continue to build muscle to excel at the next level but definitely has the potential to. He was a difference maker in the second round of the playoffs. His performance definitely had to please the Miami Hurricanes, the team he’s committed to.
Kobe Haynes, SS, Class of 2021, West Forsyth
Next, we’re going to take a look at Haynes, he tallied 5 solo tackles, 11 total tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, and 1 interception. He played at linebacker and strong safety and excelled at both. When at linebacker, he showed good run support instincts. Very little hesitation in his movement and has a good understanding of pursuit angles. Showed off his speed as he quickly met running backs at the line of scrimmage and in the backfield. His 2 sacks were impressive and a reason West Forsyth was able to come back and win. When at safety he did a good job playing the deep zone and keeping receivers in front of him. He was able to capitalize on a bad decision by North Gwinnett’s quarterback and got an interception. One of the top defensive performances in the second round. I’m surprised he does not have more offers but feel like it’s a result of him being undersized for the next level. However, with his skills, he should be able to compete at the high DII level if he builds more muscle and gets stronger.
LT Overton, DE, Class of 2023, Milton
While he’s only a sophomore, LT Overton is a beast and displayed that against Archer. He finished with 7 solo tackles, 10 total tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, and 4 sacks. His versatility on the defensive line was on display as he played at the interior and edge, excelling at both. Possesses a great combination of size and speed. Did a great job coming from the backside and making tackles. He bullied his way into the backfield numerous times, blowing plays up. He had the definition of a standout performance this week. Good hands, he was able to engage linemen and broke away when a ball carrier approached. High motor player, even on plays where he did not make the tackle his presence was felt. A key factor in Milton’s win against Archer and was a big reason Archer only scored 9 points. After seeing him play last week, it is no surprise he is already getting offers. He has a high ceiling and is definitely a prospect I look forward to seeing continue to develop.
Bryghton Peters, CB, Class of 2022, Norcross
Peters had himself a game against Roswell, he had 2 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 3 pass deflections. Did a good job in man coverage, displayed the speed necessary to keep up with wide receivers. Has a high football IQ. Did a great job putting his hands up, on a deflection in the endzone, making sure not to draw the pass interference call. Good enough hands for a defensive back; dropped a pick in the endzone but still finished with 2 interceptions. One was a nice 50/50 ball towards the sideline, where high pointed the ball. The other was an inaccurate throw, he broke off his man and made a slide line catch. While he does not appear to have any offers yet, if he can make his performance against Roswell a recurring thing for the rest of these playoffs and next year, I expect that to change. His breakout performance last week was crucial in limiting Roswell to 20 points.
TJ Spradley, CB, Class of 2021, Colquitt County
Spradley played so well against Walton that he was awarded Colquitt County’s defensive player of the game. He finished the game with 5 solo tackles, 7 total tackles, 1 interception, and 2 pass deflects. He had a great performance and made an impact on the game. Good football instincts, he quickly saw the throw coming on his interception and broke on the ball, getting a pick six. Sound tackler, did a great job wrapping up players and bringing them to the ground. Seeing some of his tackles, it is not surprising that he finished the game with 7 tackles as a defensive back. Similar to LT Overton, he has a high motor and plays through the whistle. There was a play where the quarterback caught his own pass and took off and he reacted quick enough to tackle him before he could break loose down the sideline. Spradley had a breakout performance that helped guide his team to victory. Kent State has to be happy with the player they are getting.