2023 Tackle Machines in North Georgia
In the state of Georgia, if you can’t tackle, you aren’t playing on defense. In an ear of high-passing attacks in Georgia, it’s important to have defenders who can also tackle well in space and help slow down the rushing…
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Continue ReadingIn the state of Georgia, if you can’t tackle, you aren’t playing on defense. In an ear of high-passing attacks in Georgia, it’s important to have defenders who can also tackle well in space and help slow down the rushing attack. Some of the state’s best tacklers from the 2021 season came from linebackers in the 2023 class, and many of them are seeing their stock rise quickly because of their exceptional season.
Whit Weeks – Oconee County
One of the top athletes in the Athens are, Weeks capped off great junior season where he’s made an impact in all three phases of the game. He’s an outstanding linebacker who has made a combined 134 total tackles during the season. He’s instinctive, he strikes, and he’s one of the smartest players on the field. He gets into the backfield in a hurry and uses his hands well to get off blocks. He’s got good size at 6-foot-2 205-pounds. He plays hard, he’s tough, he’s physical, and he lead a very strong Oconee County defense all season. There aren’t many linebackers who have the same size, instincts, toughness, and big-play ability like Weeks, and it’s led to an offer from the USC Trojans.
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Dee Crayton Dee Crayton 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB Denmark | 2023 State GA – LB – Denmark
One of the most dynamic players his 7A region, Crayton is an impressive two-way player from Forsyth County who was a tackling machine so far this season. The 6-foot-2 215-pounder is extremely versatile and can line up at middle linebacker, outside linebacker, and blitz from anywhere eon the field. He has a nose for the football and has enough speed to go sideline to sideline to get to the ball carrier. He’s great at getting after the passer but is reliable when dropping back into coverage as well. Crayton earned an offer recently from Miami this week and we expect more offers to continue to roll in. The7A Region 6 Defensive Player of the Year made 91 tackles, 14 TFLs, and made four sacks on the season, leading a Danes defense that was one of the state’s best among all classifications.
Shakai Woods Shakai Woods 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB Douglas County | 2023 State GA – Douglas County
Not only was Woods one of the more productive linebackers in the 2023 class, he was one of the most productive across the state last fall as a junior. A bigger, thicker middle linebacker at 6-foot-1 240-pounds, Woods is strong with great instincts who happens to be one of the surest tackles you’ll find across the state. He’s physical, delivers a big blow, and can stuff the run in the trenches. He’s a physical defender in the run game, totaling an impressive 180 tackles on the season, but he’s also great in coverage, earning two pick-6s this past season against the pass. He’s quick for his size, has natural instincts, and can make a play on the ball when it’s in his area. He’s as productive as any in the 2023 class and he could see his stick continue to rise this offseason.
Jalen Smith – Grayson
Just a junior, Smith tackled just about everything in sight this season, making 173 tackles, leading the team by a mile. He’s a quick-reacting linebacker who closes well on the ball carrier. He’s instinctive and has a true nose for the football. The 6-foot-2 205-pounder roams the field at middle linebacker and shows quickness and burst to the ball. He’s a sure tackler and can by physical in the run game. He’s also reliable in coverage, giving him an opportunity to make plays in a number of different ways. In addition to his 173 tackles, Smith has 14.5 TFLs, and 10 sacks.