Small-Town Breakout Defensive Prospects in 2A
No matter what classification it is, there’s always plenty of talent across the peach state. From small-town single A programs all the way up to the big 7A schools, there is talent all across Georgia every year. There are plenty…
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Continue ReadingNo matter what classification it is, there’s always plenty of talent across the peach state. From small-town single A programs all the way up to the big 7A schools, there is talent all across Georgia every year. There are plenty of prospects in 2A who sometimes get overlooked, so here are a few breakout candidates to know about in the small-town 2A programs this fall…
Kellon Middleton – DB – Brantley County
A true do-it-all athlete for Brantley County, Middleton is a hard-nosed kid who can make a big impact in all three phases of the game. He has good size and has natural ball skills which translate well as both a receiver and a defensive back. It also allows him to make an impact on special teams and in the return game. He’s a true weapon on offense at both running back and receiver, but he’s one of the area’s best defenders as well. If he’s able to get an opportunity to play at the next level, there’s a good chance it will be as a safety. He’s a high-character team captain and he likely won’t leave the field this fall as a senior. Ad a defender, Middleton is a sure tackler with a nose for the football. He also knows how to deliver a big hit, forcing three fumbles last year in addition to his 60+ tackles. He’s excellent against the run and knows how to sneak his way into the backfield. He takes great angles to the ball and has a natural defensive mindset. He’s absolutely a breakout candidate to know for the 2022 season.
Tank Morris – Toombs County
A hard-hitting inside linebacker with speed, Morris is a prototypical inside linebacker who knows how to run and gets to the ball carrier in a hurry. He shows great instincts, he’s physical, and he hit up the state sheet last year as a junior. The 5-foot-10 195-pounder was one of the most productive linebackers in 2A last year, making 108 total tackles and 23 TFLs, living in the backfield all season long. He beats angles to the ball carrier and doesn’t miss many tackles. He’s a force to deal with and covers a lot of ground. He roams the middle of the field and always finds his way to the ball. The small-town defender from Lyons aslo intercepted two passed last year and forced four fumbles, showing he can create a turnover on any particular play. He’s fun to watch and deserves some recognition heading into his senior season.
Kadarius Bailey – Columbia
A true game-changer on defense, it’s hard to find a more productive defender across 2A from the 2021 season. The Decatur native has great size and length at 6-foot-1 185-pounds and showed impressive ball skills last year. He’s smart, instinctive, and tracked the ball carrier as well as any defensive back in the area. He’s long, athletic, and he’s a sure tackler who knows how to pop the ball loose. He was extremely productive last year, making 114 tackles which was one of the most for any returning defender from 2A last year. He also made 9 TFLs and forced four fumbles on the season. He knows how to strike and can run down the ball carrier from anywhere on the field. Bailey made 10+ tackles in six games last year including a 20-tackle performance in a big win over Washington. He appears to have D1 talent and will be a top defender to know about in 2A.
Elijah Gunn – DL – Callaway
The Cavaliers always have their eye on a state championship, and they have plenty of talent to help them attempt to get there once again in 2022. Defensively, senior Elijah Gunn will help lead the way, coming off a big junior season where he made 5.5 sacks and 14 TFLs. He’s a wrecking ball in the middle of Callaway’s defensive line who shows impressive quickness at 6-foot-2 280-pounds. He’s quick off the ball and does a good job of using his quick hands to get off blocks and make a play in the backfield. He can also get after the passer from the interior and knows how to knock the ball away from the ball-carrier. If you don’t block him correctly, he’s going to embarrass you. He has plenty of strength, but his quickness and consistent motor at 280-pounds is what makes him one of the top interior defensive linemen in West Georgia for the 2023 class. Look for him to dominate as a senior in hopes of leading Callaway to another special season.