Team Preview: Will Southern Durham Defense Repeat?

Photo: PRZ Prospect Tour

Ed Brooks

July 9, 2022 @ 06:00 AM

I have begun team previews of some of the top teams in the Raleigh/Durham region.  There are a lot of talented players throughout the region.  The previews will highlight the recruits on the teams featured.  A high level of competition is expected as the high school season starts in late August. Jordan McClure (6'0" 190, QB) will direct the run-oriented offensive unit.  He will be handing the ball off to Tiakeise Brickous (5'11" 190, RB) who will ignite the running attack and carry the load.  Tiakeise finished last season with 455 rushing yards and 5 rushing TDs.  [player_tooltip player_id="355122" first="Justin" last="Baskerville"] (5'10" 175, Slot WR) will be the primary target when Jordan decides to throw the ball.  Justin finished last season with 331 receiving yards and 3 TDs.  [player_tooltip player_id="355111" first="Benjamin" last="Hicks"] (6'3" 270, OL) and [player_tooltip player_id="355112" first="Oliver" last="Cherry"] (6'4" 270, OL) are both technique-sound offensive linemen who will control defenders while opening lanes for the running backs.  Benjamin and Oliver will anchor the offensive line. Southern Durham has one of the top defensive units in the state.  [player_tooltip player_id="290897" first="Jaybron" last="Harvey"] (6'4" 220, DE), [player_tooltip player_id="144699" first="Anthony" last="Mebane"] (6'4" 245, DE), and [player_tooltip player_id="355126" first="Khalil" last="Muhammad"] (6'3" 270, DL) will anchor the defensive line.  Jaybron finished last season with 129 total tackles, 35 of the tackles were for losses.  Anthony finished last season with 117 total tackles, 27 of the tackles were for losses.  Jaybron and Anthony will be difficult to block and will draw double teams in attempts to slow them down.  [player_tooltip player_id="355109" first="Dontray" last="McClain"] (5'11" 215, LB), [player_tooltip player_id="355108" first="Avery" last="Hall"] (6'3" 220, LB), and [player_tooltip player_id="355107" first="Jamarcus" last="Nance"] (6'3" 245, LB) will anchor the second level of defense.  Dontray, Avery, and Jamarcus are physical tacklers who move well laterally to make stops.  [player_tooltip player_id="355114" first="Zion" last="Black"] (6'0" 175, DB), [player_tooltip player_id="355117" first="Jordan" last="Glover"] (6'3" 190, DB) and [player_tooltip player_id="355120" first="Tyler" last="Lee"] (5'11" 175, DB) will anchor the defensive secondary.  Zion, Jordan, and Tyler are technique-sound defensive backs with good speed who make it difficult for receivers to complete catches.  Southern Durham is expected to defend the conference crown, regional crown, and advance into the state playoffs.