Top Returning 2024 North Georgia Tacklers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are some of the top returning tacklers in North Georgia for the 2024 class?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone takes a look...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='869958' first='Jack' last='Lawson'] – Milton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He may not have a giant offer list this second, but [player_tooltip player_id='869958' first='Jack' last='Lawson'] is still one of the more underrated linebacker not only north of Atlanta, but across the state in the 2024 class. At powerhouse Milton High School, the tough, instinctive 6-foot-1 185-pounder was a tackling machine, making 142 tackles and 10 TFLs during an impressive junior season. Lawson has a great motor, the ability to rush the quarterback, and knows how to deliver a big hit on the ball-carrier. He has a true nose for the football and consistently found his way to the ball-carrier. He's as consistent as it gets, averaging about 10 tackles per game last fall. He excelled against the run, but he also showed promise 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. A 2nd-team All-Region selection last year, look for Lawson to light up the stat sheet once again as a senior this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='137459' first='Ashton' last='Woods']&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.prepredzone.com/player/ashton-woods/"></a>&nbsp;<strong>– Walton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more talented and productive defenders in all of Cobb County, the big 6-foot-3 210-pounder tackled everything in sight last year, making 128 tackles, five sacks, 12 TFLs and 1 INT. A versatile linebacker who can stop the run and make plays in coverage, Woods one one of the most productive linebackers across the 2024 class in Georgia last year. A smart, reliable defender, Woods will hop to lead the Walton Raiders to a deep 7A playoff run in 2023. As a prospect, Woods reacts quickly against the run, shows toughness, and knows how to make a secure tackle. His raw strength allows him to shed blocks, and if he's not blocked properly, he's going to make a big play. He's a true leader on defense who continues to put on more muscle and play faster. He's had an outstanding high school career so far and has the potential to be one of the leading tacklers across Georgia once again during his senior year. Woods is committed to play for the North Carolina Tar Heels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='661349' first='Noah' last='Classen'] – <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ga/rabun-gap/rabun-gap-nacoochee-eagles/">Rabun Gap-Nacoochee</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another extremely underrated linebacker in North Georgia, way up in the mountains, Classen a playmaking linebacker with great instincts and natural toughness at 6-foot-1 225-pounds. He's built well physically and showed last year he loves contact. He loves to compete, runs well for his size, and as sure a tackler as there is in the area. He knows how to strike the ball carrier, and if the ball-carrier doesn't secure the ball properly, Classen is going to knock it loose. He shows a high football IQ, understands his role, and does a great job of making a tackle in the open field. He made plenty of them last year, ending his junior season with 130 total tackles. He lived in the backfield, making an impressive 16 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. In addition to being consistent against the run, the playmaking linebacker also showed he can get after the quarterback, making nine sacks on the season. He's a breakout linebacker candidate to know in North Georgia for the 2023 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->