#TN2024 Defensive Stockrisers: Week 6
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After another week of high school football action, it’s time to visit the state of Tennessee to highlight some highly explosive playmakers on the defensive side of the ball that have made their presence known on the field in week…
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Continue ReadingAfter another week of high school football action, it’s time to visit the state of Tennessee to highlight some highly explosive playmakers on the defensive side of the ball that have made their presence known on the field in week six of competition. Today, we will be focusing our attention to some explosive senior prospects that should be worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses. Without any further ado, here’s my list of some #TN2024 defensive stockrisers to watch for in week seven.
At the top of my list of notable performers is Kaleb Beasley Kaleb Beasley 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB Lipscomb Academy | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-1, 175-pound defensive back at Lipscomb Academy. Beasley has been a defensive gamechanger for the Mustangs down the stretch, recently helping his teammates defeat Ensworth 24-10. What makes Beasley so efficient is his explosive footwork and speed, staying with receivers in the backfield to shut down passing lanes. Beasley additionally impresses with his physicality in coverage, pushing the offense around to get in front of the ball and pick off the quarterback. Beasley also stands out with his ability to quickly drop playmakers after catches and prevent them from breaking free into the open field with his aggressive coverage.
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I am additionally impressed with Grace’son Beach Grace’son Beach 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Pearl Cohn | 2024 TN , a 6-foot-1, 215-pound linebacker at Pearl Cohn High School. Beach made his presence known defensively for the Firebirds last week, helping his teammates to a 55-0 blowout win over Station Camp High School. In addition to great size, speed and stopping power, what stands out most about Beach is his footwork and ability to dodge and weave the offense. Beach has proven he can find ways to beat the offensive line, apply heavy defensive pressure and force the quarterback to throw the ball away. Beach’s ability to read the offense and consistently keep the offense behind the line of scrimmage is another aspect of his playstyle that has made a big difference this season.
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Claiming the number three spot on my list is D.J. Curll D.J. Curll 6'2" | 205 lbs | LB Centennial | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-2, 200-pound linebacker at Centennial High School. Curll was a crucial defensive weapon for the Cougars in week six, contributing to a close 17-14 win over Nolensville High School. In addition to outstanding size and speed, what impressed me most about Curll was his overall defensive awareness, physicality and relentless stopping power. Curll broke up more than a few dangerous passes, showcasing his ability to apply pressure and consistently attack playmakers along the edge. Another aspect of Curll’s playstyle that stands out is his ability to read the offense like a book and remain prepared to attack the pocket and disrupt the passing game.
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Another skilled prospect to keep an eye on is Rocco Abbagnaro Rocco Abbagnaro 6'4" | 280 lbs | DL CPA | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-4, 260-pound defensive lineman at Christ Presbyterian Academy. Abbagnaro has been a defensive gamechanger for the Lions throughout this season, recently helping his teammates to a 41-14 rout of Goodpasture Christian Academy. What stands out most about Abbagnaro is his size, speed, physicality and quick execution off the snap, stunning the offensive line with his strength, ability to hit playmakers quickly and his ability to create disorganization in the pocket. Another aspect of Abbagnaro that makes a difference is his ability to keep the offense behind the line of scrimmage, applying pressure, getting to the quarterback and making crucial stops.
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Coming in at number five on my list is Jackson Bandy Jackson Bandy 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Nolensville | 2024 State TN , a 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker at Nolensville High School. Despite falling 17-14 to Centennial last Friday, Bandy showcased his defensive aggression and playmaking ability through four quarters. In addition to excellent size, speed and quick execution, Bandy impressed me with his strength and physical edge, showcasing his ability to blast past defenders and apply pressure. Another aspect of Bandy’s playstyle that stood out was his electric speed, toughness and his ability to disrupt the offense in both the pocket and along the edge. Bandy also has outstanding positioning and awareness, utilizing bursts of speed to catch the defense off guard, down playmakers and get to the quarterback.
Another prospect worth watching for is Kani’ Johnson Kani’ Johnson 5'11" | 185 lbs | ATH Centennial | 2025 State TN , a 5-foot-11, 185-pound athlete at Centennial High School. Johnson was one of the more noticable defensive talents on the Cougars’ roster in last week’s 17-14 win over Nolensville High School, showcasing his versatility on both sides of the ball. On the defensive end, Johnson’s ability to attack the offense from along the edge and his ability to shut down deep passing was one of the most impressive facets of his playstyle. Johnson’s footwork and speed also helped to pressure playmakers in the pocket. Johnson additionally stood out due to his execution, ability to muscle past the defensive line and his commanding strength on tackles.