Grimsley vs. New Bern 4A State Championship – Defensive Standouts
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I was on the sidelines for the State 4A Championship Game at UNC Kenan Stadium. A matchup between Grimsley’s high-powered offensive unit and New Bern’s high-powered running attack. Grimsley and New Bern both have two of the top defensive units…
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Continue ReadingI was on the sidelines for the State 4A Championship Game at UNC Kenan Stadium. A matchup between Grimsley’s high-powered offensive unit and New Bern’s high-powered running attack. Grimsley and New Bern both have two of the top defensive units in the state. Grimsley defensive unit is led by Jamaal Jarrett, one of the top defensive linemen in the country. New Bern defensive unit is led by KJ Sampson, one of the top defensive linemen in the country.
Grimsley
Nate Dupuis – DE, 6’1″ 205. Nate displayed quickness out of his stance to make contact with blockers while moving past them for stops. He displayed good technique and speed to close in quickly on the ball carrier.
Bryce Davis Bryce Davis 6'2" | 190 lbs | LB Monroe | 2023 State NC – DE, 6’3″ 230. Bryce displayed quickness out of his stance to make contact with blockers while moving past them for stops. He displayed good technique and good use of hands to control blockers while moving into the backfield to pressure the quarterback.
Jamaal Jarrett Jamaal Jarrett 6'6" | 355 lbs | DL Grimsley | 2023 State NC – DT, 6’6″ 355 (No. 3 DL, No. 9 Overall). Jamaal displayed good footwork and great technique to control blockers while moving past them for stops. He displayed upper body strength and great use of hands to overpower blockers and disrupt the play. Jamaal moved well in tight spaces to shut down inside running plays. The Georgia commit was double-teamed throughout the game and was difficult to contain.
Andre Hill Jr. Andre Hill Jr. 6'3" | 305 lbs | DL Grimsley | 2025 State NC – DT, 6’3″ 315 (No. 22 DL, No. 169 Overall). Andre displayed good footwork and great use of hands to control blockers while moving past them for stops. He displayed quickness and upper body strength to overpower blockers and disrupt the play. Andre moved well in tight spaces to shut down inside running plays.
Terrell Anderson Terrell Anderson 6'3" | 185 lbs | WR Grimsley | 2024 State NC – OLB, 6’3″ 195 (No. 7 WR, No. 15 Overall). He plays on both sides of the ball for his team. Terrell Anderson Terrell Anderson 6'3" | 185 lbs | WR Grimsley | 2024 State NC displayed good lateral movement and speed to cover a lot of ground quickly to close in on the ball carrier. He displayed good technique on tackles made in the open field.
Khalil Stimpson – LB, 6’0″ 215. Khalil displayed good lateral movement and speed to cover a lot of ground quickly to close in on the ball carrier. He displayed good technique on tackles made in the open field.
Nick Caldwell Nick Caldwell 5'10" | 165 lbs | DB Grimsley | 2023 State NC – CB, 5’10” 165 (No. 47 DB, No. 364 Overall). Nick displayed the ability to change directions quickly while closing in on the ball carrier. He plays at a high-energy level and displays good technique on open-field tackles.
New Bern
KJ Sampson KJ Sampson 6'4" | 285 lbs | DL New Bern | 2023 State NC – DT, 6’4″ 285 (No. 1 DL, No. 2 Overall). KJ displayed great footwork and great technique to control blockers while moving past them for stops. He displayed quickness and great use of hands to move past blockers and disrupt the play. The Florida State commit was double-teamed throughout the game and was very difficult to contain.
Taevion Cox – DT, 6’3″ 290. Taevion displayed good footwork and good technique to control blockers while moving past them for stops. He moved well in tight spaces to shut down inside running plays. Taevion displayed upper body strength and quickness to overpower blockers and disrupt the play.
– OLB, 6’1″ 210 (No. 10 DL, No. 47 Overall). No’Tavien displayed good lateral movement and speed to cover a lot of ground quickly to make stops. He displayed patience to let the play develop and reacting quickly to close in on the ball carrier. No’Tavien finished the game with a team-high 11 total tackles.
Will Brimmer Will Brimmer 6'3" | 200 lbs | DL New Bern | 2023 State NC – DE, 6’3″ 200 (No. 28 DL, No. 167 Overall). Will displayed quickness out of his stance to make contact with blockers while moving past them for stops. He displayed good technique and good use of hands to control blockers, moving into the backfield to pressure the quarterback.
Ivion Smith Ivion Smith 5'10" | 165 lbs | ATH New Bern | 2025 NC – CB, 5’10” 165. Ivion displayed the ability to change directions quickly and speed while covering receivers. He displayed good technique and physical play, making it difficult to complete a pass against him. He did a great job containing two receivers with Power5 offers throughout the game.
Currine Henry – CB, 5’8″ 140. Currine displayed the ability to change directions quickly and speed while covering receivers. He displayed good technique and speed while in man-coverage, making it difficult to complete a pass against him. He did a great job containing two receivers with Power5 offers throughout the game.
New Bern’s defensive unit contained Grimsley’s high-powered offensive unit throughout the game.