Returning Tackle Leaders in South Georgia

Even in a shortened Covid season, there were plenty of defenders who were able to have monster seasons last year. Players from across the state eclipsed the impressive 100-tackle mark on the season, and some were able to do it in style. In South Georgia, where running the football is always a priority, multiple players saw their stock take off after making tackle after tackle each and every game. Here are a few top returning tackling leaders from South Georgia to know for the 2021 season... &nbsp; <strong>Ty Anderson - Thomasville</strong> The Thomasville Bulldogs are one of the top programs in all of South Georgia, and they have one of the best returning defenders in the area coming back this fall. Anderson was as productive as it gets last year, flying all over the place and combining for 127 tackles (9.7 per game) and 17 TFLs to go along with two sacks. He dissects plays well, he’s a leader on that side of the ball, and he has a knack for finding the football. He led the Bulldogs to an 8-5 record and starred on a defense that held 9 opponents to 20 points or less last fall. He's tough, physical, and can be an intimidating defender for opposing offenses. The 6-foot-0 200-pounder holds a number of D1 offers including ones from Georgia Tech, Indiana, Cincinnati, Louisville, among others. &nbsp; <strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/local/player/stats.aspx?athleteid=666dbd25-262b-4e66-8d67-7f2d41f42b46&amp;ssid=a9cbf684-16ef-4997-9539-15fefe9df410"><span class="first-name">Donelius</span> Johnson</a> - Pierce County</strong> It was a near perfect 2020 season for the Pierce County Bears, and it ended with a 3A state championship OT win over Oconee County. The biggest reason for that state title was because of their outstanding defense, and it was led by junior <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/local/player/stats.aspx?athleteid=666dbd25-262b-4e66-8d67-7f2d41f42b46&amp;ssid=a9cbf684-16ef-4997-9539-15fefe9df410"><span class="first-name">Donelius</span> Johnson</a>. The 6-foot-0 215-pound linebacker led the defense all season with his 113 tackles. He also proved that he could after the passer after sacking the QB 12 times. He has a true nose for the football and leaves a mark when he meets the ball carrier. He's a smart, instinctive player who helped stop the run and the pass all season. He's versatile, athletic, and one of the best defenders in the entire region. His best games came late in the season and he came up big throughout the playoffs. Johnson made 50 total tackles in the final three games of the season, including 13 in their state-championship victory. &nbsp; <strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/local/player/stats.aspx?athleteid=e56b5716-b10f-445e-ae98-0b29b0bc7d30&amp;ssid=a9cbf684-16ef-4997-9539-15fefe9df410"><span class="first-name">Tank</span> Morris - Toombs County</a></strong> One of the top 2023 defenders in South Georgia, Tank Morris plays just like his first name. Morris is a relentless competitor who loves to fly around the field. He's quick, agile, smart, and knows how to wrap up and finish a tackle. He plays hard, tough, and with passion. He played really well for a sophomore last season and finished with 113 tackles on the season. He gets tackles in bunches because he always finds a his way to the ball carrier. Look for Morris to have an even bigger season as a junior this fall.