2025 Tackling Machines To Know

Each year we see younger and younger prospects across the peach state earn major varsity minutes on the gridiron. Kids are more prepared heading into high school and it's led to early playing time for plenty of freshmen. We saw multiple 2025 prospects earn major playing time last year, especially on defense, and quite a few left their mark in year one. Here are some leading tackles to know from the 2025 class... &nbsp; <strong>Elijah Griffin – DE – Savannah Christian</strong> One of the top overall defenders in South Georgia, the Savannah native had an outstanding freshman season last fall and already owns major D1 offers. He has great size and an excellent frame at 6-foot-5 270-pounds and can overpower older offensive linemen on a consistent basis. His length and raw strength allow him to get off blocks and he does a great job of closing on the QB. He's quick for his size and he already knows how to deliver a big hit when he meets the ball carrier. Watching him play, you’d never know he was just a freshman, but he is. He’s totaled over 69 tackles and made 8 TFLs to go along with 3.5 sacks. He’s a prospect to keep a close eye on over the next few years and has five-star potential down the road. &nbsp; <strong>George Hill - LB - Riverdale</strong> A quick, instinctive linebacker, Hill saw plenty of time on the field as a freshman and more than held his own. His knack for dissecting plays for his age is really impressive, and he showed above average strength for his class. He takes on blocks well, and if he gets into the backfield untouched, he's like going to make a play. He didn't make a ton of flashy plays, but that's to be expected for someone his age. He's a strong tackler and was extremely productive for a young linebacker. He's only going to get bigger, and with more experience, Hill could turn into a solid D1 prospect down the road. &nbsp; <strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/local/player/stats.aspx?athleteid=a690e469-4c28-4b50-9f38-d85c06cd8284&amp;ssid=97e3f828-856d-419e-b94f-7f41319fe3d3"><span class="first-name">Dan’quavious</span> Cummings</a> – DE – Thomson</strong> Down towards the Georgia/Florida state line is where you’ll find one of the top young defenders across the state. Cummings, a freshman already put together well, was extremely productive at the varsity level last fall as a freshman. He’s instinctive and quick off the edge for someone his size and he made a lot of plays against older players. The South Georgia defender can play both defensive end and linebacker, with the ability to turn around and play tight end on offense as well. He’s impressive physically and he’s athletic for his size, totaling 63 tackles on the season. He proved he can get after the passer with 6 sacks already on the season to go along with 6 more QB hurries and 13 TFLs. Look for him to continue making lots of plays over the next four years. &nbsp; <strong>Santonio Jones - Safety - Langston Hughes</strong> Another sure-tackling defender, Jones is an Atlanta-area safety who played early on for one of the top teams in the area. Langston Hughes is an incredibly talented team who barely lost in last year's state championship game. On a talented roster, Jones still found a way to make an impact as a freshman. He's a physical defender who can take on blocks and locate the ball carrier. He's quick, instinctive, and like most freshmen, he's only going to get better. As a freshman last fall, Jones made 58 total tackles, 4 TFLs, 1 INT, 1 sack, and 2 deflected passes. There's a lot of potential in his game and he's expected to have a very impactful career over the next few years.