6A Preseason All-State Team: Defense
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Defenses in 6A are as tough as ever this upcoming season. Across the state, every single team looks like it has at least one dominant player who can rush the passer, tackle anything in the open field, or come down with an interception. That makes creating our 6A All-State preseason team even more difficult! This year’s defensive crop in 6A could be one of the best of all time. Check out the names of those who made this year’s preseason team below!
DEFENSIVE LINE
Zxavian Harris Zxavian Harris 6'6" | 310 lbs | DL Germantown | 2022 State MS | Germantown
The Ole Miss commit has been no stranger to hearing his name called on all-state teams before. Harris is one of the most dominant defensive linemen in all of Mississippi. He has great initial twitch off the ball, athleticism in space, and strength when engaged with blockers. Look for this guy to cap off an incredibly impressive high school career and play early for the Rebels in 2022.
Aaron Bryant Aaron Bryant 6'4" | 300 lbs | DL Southaven | 2022 State MS | Southaven
Bryant is one of the most impressive pass rushers in 6A. The interior lineman knows how to use his hands and ability to bend to come up with some big time TFLs and sacks for Southaven. Players like this don’t come around very often and colleges around the nation have taken notice of that. Bryant lists offers from Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Tennessee among others.
Jacarius Clayton Jacarius Clayton 6'5" | 255 lbs | DL Tupelo | 2022 State MS | Tupelo
Another Ole Miss commit checks in on the list. Clayton is a long and athletic defensive end capable of playing multiple positions. His best ball comes as an edge rusher, but he is fully capable of playing tackle as well. Clayton has great burst off the ball and a variety of pass rush moves to get to the quarterback. Watch for him to impress for the Golden Wave.
RJ Moss RJ Moss 6'4" | 250 lbs | DL Biloxi | 2022 State MS | Biloxi
A recent Mississippi State commit, RJ Moss RJ Moss 6'4" | 250 lbs | DL Biloxi | 2022 State MS checks in on the list as the other defensive end for this talented d-line. Moss is a similar player to Clayton who has great length and explosion off of the ball. He has violent hands and is a force against the run as well. Looking for him to keep up the same intensity he has played with the past 3 seasons.
LINEBACKERS
Raymond Collins Raymond Collins 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Harrison Central | 2022 State MS | Harrison Central
Collins boasted incredible production in 6A last season with over 150 tackles, 7 sacks, and 1 INT. A big traditional MIKE, Collins brings a physical presence to the Harrison Central defense that opposing coaches must gameplan for. It is much safer to run opposite of this guy, but watch out for him because he has the speed to chase anything down. Lists no offers currently, but that should change this year.
Alex Sanford Alex Sanford 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Oxford | 2023 State MS | Oxford
Sanford checks in as a junior on this all-state team after a geat sophomore season. Rarely do you see backers in 6A have so much success early on in their careers, but Sanford did exactly that. The leader of the Oxford defense has had a great offseason and will look to prove that he is one of the best linebackers in the entire state this season. Lists an offer from Ole Miss.
Zion Edwards Zion Edwards 6'0" | 195 lbs | LB Petal | 2022 State MS | Petal
Last season, Edwards missed 6 games due to injury, but is limited tape showed he was extremely talented and that Petal missed a step without him. Edwards is a hyper-athletic hybrid backer who fits any modern defense. He blitzes well and can cover a ton of ground quickly. Looking for him to have a big time bounce back campaign as a senior.
Jalyn Nickelberry Jalyn Nickelberry 6'3" | 225 lbs | LB Pearl | 2022 State MS | Pearl
Nickelberry is another hybrid type player who can play multiple positions. His best fit is as a outside linebacker who can stick his hand in the dirt at times. Nickelberry has impressive strength off the edge and knows how to set and fill against the run well. Watch for him to continue dominating as he did last season.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Marquez Dortch Marquez Dortch 6'0" | 160 lbs | ATH George County | 2022 State MS | George County
The Ole Miss commit has been one of the most electric players in all of Mississippi over the course of his career. Dortch plays well on both sides of the ball, but will find his future home most likely as a corner or safety. He has great ball skills and truly amazing speed and transition in coverage. Early playing time candidate for the Rebels.
Jerry Johnson Jerry Johnson 5'11" | 180 lbs | ATH Pearl | 2022 State MS | Pearl
Similar to Dortch, Jerry Johnson Jerry Johnson 5'11" | 180 lbs | ATH Pearl | 2022 State MS is another speedy corner who plays wide out as well. Johnson has great hips and can play man and zone coverage efficiently. No player in the state can burn this guy deep as he has impressive recovery speed. Watching for him to shine on offense and defense this year. Lists offers from Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and Southern Miss among others.
Dontavious Howard Dontavious Howard 5'10" | 165 lbs | DB Oak Grove | 2022 State MS | Oak Grove
The state championship winning defensive back can play either safety or corner at the next level. Howard has impressive length for the position and knows how to use it to be successful on the field. He can jar balls loose and out jump wide outs for the football in the air. Howard holds offers from Co-Lin and Northwest CC.
John Slaughter John Slaughter 6'2" | 180 lbs | DB Southaven | 2023 State MS | Southaven
One of the best ball hawking safeties in all of 6A, Slaughter finds himself on an all-state list for the first time this season. As a sophomore, he was dominant in coverage but also was a physical presence in the box. This guy can truly do it all. Watching for him to be a productive member of an already good defense at Southaven. Lists offers from Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Michigan, and Arkansas State among others.
Rashard Daniels | Horn Lake
In coverage last season, Daniels allowed a grand total of zero touchdowns on his side of the field. Although he isn’t always the biggest guy on the field, Daniels loves contact and is an aggressive tackler when the ball carrier comes his way. The senior defensive back has good speed and knows how to track the ball in the air. Lists offers from Campbell and Austin Peay.