5A Preseason All-State Defensive Team

&nbsp; <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>DEFENSIVE LINE</strong></span></em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128278" first="Adrian" last="Griffin"]- </strong>|6’4 260| |Fairfield| Griffin has steadily become a huge leader on the Fairfield defensive line. As a sophomore, Griffin played incredibly when lined up at any spot on the line. Griffin has a huge frame that lets him overpower offensive lineman, his bull rush has shown to be extremely effective with how he stuffs the run and rushes the passer. Currently, Griffin has received offers from Kentucky, Tennessee, Maryland, and more! <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="132047" first="Malik" last="Blocton"]- </strong>|6’4 245| |Pike Road| [player_tooltip player_id="132047" first="Malik" last="Blocton"] proved that he was one of the best freshman defensive linemen in the 5A last year. Blocton has great size and length, using his long arms to rip by offensive tackles, as he creates pressure that can take over the game. Heading into his sophomore year, Blocton has received offers from UAB, Eastern Kentucky, and more! <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125532" first="Jaquavious" last="Russaw"]- </strong>|6’3 230| |Carver| Russaw continues to terrorize 5A offenses, and he shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. With a sophomore season featuring 41 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks, Russaw seems to always find a way to make crucial plays for his team. Using his speed and flexibility, Russaw is able to bend around the edge extremely well, creating consistent pressure. Currently, Russaw has offers listed from Auburn, LSU, Texas A&amp;M, and more! <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="132043" first="Kavion" last="Henderson"]- </strong>|6’3 223| |Leeds| Henderson is another 2024 defensive linemen that showed the 5A what he was capable of last fall. Henderson possesses a great frame and positional speed, which makes him unstoppable when he is rushing the passer. Henderson has a great skill set and motor, proving that he can play very well against both the run and pass and not get tired easily. Henderson has been getting tons of national attention recently, with offers coming from Georgia, Michigan, Tennessee, and more. &nbsp; &nbsp; <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>LINEBACKERS</strong></span></em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="126088" first="Karmelo" last="Overton"]- </strong>|6’2 215| |Carroll| Overton has become an incredible sideline to sideline linebacker that is always around the ball. When against, the run, Overton meets the running back with force, stopping him dead in his tracks. While in pass coverage, Overton is able to track the quarterback’s eyes and use his hands to both break-up and intercept passes over the middle. Currently, Overton lists offers from Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia Tech, and more. <strong>Zavier Hamilton- </strong>|6’1 200| |Andalusia| Hamilton is the type of player that every coach dreams of having on their team! Lined up at RB, WR, S and LB, Hamilton seems to have found his home at middle linebacker. With great burst and acceleration, Hamilton flies across the field to meet the ball carrier, constantly causing chaos. Hamilton has great instincts, always knowing what to do on each play, making the middle of the field off-limits. As a sophomore, Hamilton has received offers from Auburn, LSU, Georgia and more! &nbsp; <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>DEFENSIVE BACKS</strong></span></em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125524" first="DaKaari" last="Nelson"]- </strong>|6’3 190| |Selma| Nelson has become one of the top in-state defensive back prospects, and he is only headed into his junior season. Nelson possesses great vision, instincts, and hands, that make quarterbacks think twice when throwing his way. Nelson has a knack to break up and intercept passes, constantly helping his offense back out onto the field. Nelson has garnered a lot of national attention the past year, with offers from Michigan, Auburn, Mississippi State, and more. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125434" first="Stevenson" last="Hodges"]- </strong>|6’1 180| |Central (Tuscaloosa)| Hodges has steadily progressed into a great defensive back prospect during his time at Central. Hodges is a great asset in both run and pass defense, using his size to his advantage to cover and make great tackles in both aspects. Hodges heads into his senior season at Central with offers from Arkansas State, Coastal Carolina, Western Kentucky, and more. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125429" first="Laquan" last="Robinson"]- </strong>|6’2 195| |Greenville| Robinson has quickly become one of the state’s best defensive backs as he heads into his final season at Greenville. Robinson excels in coverage, whether he is assisting in doubling one receiver or on his own, Robinson locks down his side of the field with ease, daring quarterbacks to throw his way. Robinson currently lists offers from Auburn, Ole Miss, Florida State, and more!