2024 North Georgia Defenders On The Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're a college coach looking for an impactful linebacker, North Georgia is a great place to start looking. There are plenty of big-time defenders who had breakout seasons in 2022, and a lot of them could see their recruitment take off soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look at who they are…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jack Lawson - Milton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A breakout linebacker in the area and one of the top underrated 2024 linebackers heading into 2023, Lawson was a tackling machine as a junior this fall for one of the top 7A programs in the state. In 14 games this past season, the versatile 6-foot-1 185-pounder made 142 tackles and 10 TFLs. He has a great motor, can attack the quarterback, and can deliver a big hit when he meets the barrier carrier on the run. He plays with aggression and it led to 10 tackles per game last year. He was excellent against the run, but he also showed promisee in coverage, breaking up six passes on the season. He helped lead a terrific Milton defense throughout the season and will be one of the leaders next year as a senior. He's coming off a breakout junior season and still has his best football ahead of him. With a strong off-season, Lawson could see some D1 interest come his way down the road. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Trey Patterson - North Hall</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A versatile linebacker with an impressive motor, Patterson has a nose for the football and was a consistent run defender all season long for North Hall in 2022. His size may not blow anyone away, but he does his job every play, and it's led to a lot of tackles. He was constantly around thee football and knows how to play tough. He hits hard, gives maximum effort, and has a true nose for the football. Patterson made 106 tackles on the season including a massive 20-tackle game against Chestatee. Through his first ten games of the season, Patterson made 8+ tackles in eight of them. He was a consistent run defender all season long and has a chance to light up the state sheet again in 2023 as a senior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cameron Robinson - St. Francis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top two-way prospects on the rise in North Fulton, the playmaking receiver/defensive back was a tackling machine for the Knights last season defensively, making 106 tackles while picking off two passes and forcing three fumbles. He also deflected nine more passes as a junior last fall. He's an excellent athlete who can change directions on a dime, and his size and length at 6-foot-0 180-pounds makes him a promising cornerback prospect. He's fluid in coverage and knows how to turn around and locate the football in the air. He also does a great job of coming downhill and helping out against the run. He covers a lot of ground and has no problem getting the ball-carrier to the ground. He's dependable in coverage but he brings a physical presence as well. Look for him to see some serious D1 interest and possible offers come his way in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->