Leading 2024 Returning Tacklers in Savannah

The state of Georgia is always full of top-notch defenders, and we're seeing many in the 2024 class who racked up tackle after tackle last fall in the peach state. Specifically, there are many in the Savannah area who stood out across the state as they made a big impact as a sophomore. Here are some of the top returning tacklers in Savannah for the 2024 class... &nbsp; <strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/local/player/stats.aspx?athleteid=142c5e11-bac7-43cb-971e-346df90c5ae1&amp;ssid=97e3f828-856d-419e-b94f-7f41319fe3d3"><span class="first-name">Antonio</span> Butts Jr.</a> - Calvary Day</strong> An instinctive middle linebacker out of Calvary Day, Butts Jr was one of the leading tackles in the entire 2024 class last year. He may not be the biggest, strongest, or fastest linebacker, but he plays like a heat-sinking missile and can get into the backfield in a hurry. He's extremely productive, making 132 tackles last fall as a sophomore. He's reliable in coverage, reads the QB well, and knows how to play the ball in the air. He plays like an upperclassman already and plays the middle of the field like a veteran. The 5-foot-11 200-pounder was a two-way standout who did a little bit of everything for Calvary Day, and he did it in only his second high school season. He's a sure tackler, making 11.5 tackles in the backfield and picking off four passes in coverage. He's a 2024 linebacker to know about over the next two years. &nbsp; <strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/local/player/stats.aspx?athleteid=90a6090b-650a-4593-8800-77eeb8e52b4a&amp;ssid=97e3f828-856d-419e-b94f-7f41319fe3d3"><span class="first-name">Bryce</span> Baker</a> - Benedictine</strong> One of the more productive defenders in the area, playing for a winning program, Baker made an immediate impact as a sophomore last year, making 129 total tackles, 12 TFLs, three sacks, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. He can read an offense, dissect plays, and can explode into the backfield to make a play. He's quick, instinctive, and knows how to deliver a big hit when it's needed. He plays above his age and appears to know the game very well for his age. If you don't block him, he's going to blow up any particular play. He's a playmaker against the pass as well, and if the ball if throw in the middle of the field, he's going to attempt to make a play on it. He's fun to watch, tackles well, and could see some college interest come his way this spring after a breakout sophomore season. &nbsp; <strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/local/player/stats.aspx?athleteid=85db2609-a9d2-4aa5-b57f-a90c141f0707&amp;ssid=97e3f828-856d-419e-b94f-7f41319fe3d3"><span class="first-name">David</span> Bucey - Savannah Christian</a></strong> One of the better two-way players in the area, Bucey can play QB, RB, WR and wherever you need on defense. The 6-foot-0 185-pounder is one of the hardest hitters in Savannah who can play multiple positions on defense. He's tough, physical, and has an outstanding sophomore season where he made 108 tackles, 9 TFLs, an INT, and multiple QB pressures. He moves well laterally, can get off blocks, and knows how to finish tackles. He can play on the edge, in the middle of the field, and can help against the pass as well. He's a strong athlete and played above his age last season. Look for him to continue playing both ways and possibly see some D1 interest come his way. He has a great sophomore season, and he's only getting better. &nbsp; <strong>Wilkes Albert - Benedictine</strong> Another Benedictine standout, Albert may not be a flashy linebacker, but he's extremely productive and knows how to tackle. He gives plenty of effort and does a nice job of running down the ball carrier. He's tough, strong, and does his job each and every play. He's always around the football. He made tackle after tackle all season, making 105 tackles on the season. He guards the middle of the field and shows strong instincts and physicality for his age. He made over 100 tackles as a sophomore, so he's one to know about for the next two seasons.