Top 2024 Under The Radar Defenders in 5A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Which 2024 defenders in 5A are on the verge of seeing their stock rise? Who could have a breakout senior season in 2023?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone has all the details below...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Creighton Horst - LB - Statesboro</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Statesboro Blue Devils are known as one of the toughest and most physical programs in South Georgia, and they've got a tough, bruising linebacker in Creighton Horst who is coming off a very strong junior season. The 6-foot-1 220-pounder is as physical as it gets and reacts quickly off the snap. He does his job consistently and loves sneaking into the backfield to make a big play. He was a true game-changer on defense and dominated games at times, making 11+ tackles in four games on the season. He made 17 tackles against Effingham County, 16 tackles against Wayne County, and 18 tackles against Burke County. He's an old-school linebacker who has no problem throwing his head in the trenches to make a tackle. He's tough as it gets, and proved to be one of the most productive linebackers in the area last year as a junior. He finished the season with 93 tackles, 7 TFLs and two sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/athlete/15368292">[player_tooltip player_id='1077508' first='Uche' last='Iloh']</a> - EDGE - McIntosh</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A two-sport size with plenty of length and a promising frame, the big junior EDGE defender is a stout basketball player with good footwork and above-average athleticism. Still somewhat of a raw football player, the Atlanta-area defender was extremely productive last season, making 90 tackles while living in the backfield with 16 TFLs. He gets off blocks with ease and uses his length to swat away blocks from smaller opposing tackles. He brings a big, physical presence and had his way with opposing linemen all season long. He's not easy to block one on one and he really shined all season long. He made at least 8 tackles in 8 games last year while notching 10+ tackles in three games, an impressive feat for any defensive lineman. The 6-foot-7 235-pounder still has the frame too add more muscle and mass over the next 9 months in preparation for a monster senior season in 2023. He made 10 sacks last year as a junior and could eclipse that mark with ease in his final year next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mataye Youman - Harris County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A stout, physical, instinctive linebacker out of West Georgia, Youman is a load at middle linebacker at 5-foot-10 235-pounds who knows how to wrap up and drive the ball-carrier backwards. He's quick, active, and can dissect plays before they happen. He's a slippery defender who knows how to elude blocks and get into the backfield. He's a strong linebacker who was named 5A Region 3 Defensive Player of the Year after making 87 tackles on the season. He was consistently productive all season long and had multiple monster games including a 20-tackle game against Northgate. He's one of thee best linebackers in the area, and after a big junior season, he has the chance to see some big D1 interest come his way. He's put together physically, attacks the ball-carrier, and he's a sure tackler. Look for him to lead the Harris County defense once again as a senior in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->