#TN2024: Early Season Breakthrough Performers (Defense)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Through three games of the 2023 high school football season, these defensive prospects have taken their games to another level and near dominated the playing field thus far. Much work is left to go but early on, these players below are defenders that college coaches need to take a deeper look at. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Prospects </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["332297"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThe Blue Tornadoes have come out for the 2023 season with a bang, especially their defense that is shutting down opponents and allowing their offense plenty of snaps. A big reason for the undefeated start and stellar play on the defensive side of the ball has been Marie-Dogui. This 6'2 235 pound edge rusher has been near unblockable, using his upper body strength, powerful hands and bend to cause havoc in the opposition's backfield. He is strong versus the run as he sets the edge well but has a burst and power about himself that I like for rushing the passer. Marie-Dogui is currently committed to Colgate and they are getting a steal but part of the reason why this native Canadian isn't highly thought of is because of his size. Let me tell you that this guy can play and I think his best football is ahead of him.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64f894d6c127f"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/PaulMarieDogui/status/1695484433443197241?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/PaulMarieDogui/status/1695484433443197241?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["400655"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eAlready committed to Charlotte, Beach might see his stock grow higher over the coming months, especially if his early game play over the last three games is any indication. The Firebirds stud linebacker has increased his burst and overall speed but it's his recognition skills that are standing out the most to me. Beach diagnoses the play well then attacks with aggression and violence. He fits the role of middle linebacker perfectly but Beach is also athletic enough to move around to play in coverage if needed. So far through the early season, the Firebirds defense has been lights out, going against top level talent and Beach has been a big reason why. If this Mid-Tennessee talent continues to play like he is now, Beach will be in consideration for some defensive player of the year honors.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["286596"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eFast and aggressive off the edge with a controlled violent mindset, Helton has been excellent through three games of the 2023 season and a prospect that is trying hard to make college coaches recognize his potential. One of the top pass rushers coming out of the greater Memphis area for the ‘23 season, Helton has been hard to block thus far due to his bend, burst and speed around the edge as well as the physicality he brings to the field each and every game. Where I think Helton has improved is with his overall football knowledge but also his lower base agility that is allowing him to play more in open space. If the Owls senior defender can keep stacking on strong performances as well as continue to enhance his talents, Helton could become a sleeper D1 prospect due to his ability to cause havoc in the opposition's backfield. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64f894d6c1359"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/GavinHelton8/status/1697983366274961795?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GavinHelton8/status/1697983366274961795?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["277761"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eComing into his senior season, Curll had big expectations for himself to breakout and make a name for himself, especially after missing the entire 2022 football year and so far this Cougars linebacker has done just that by playing stellar ball and proving his potential for the next level. Curll has been playing like a man on fire, an aggressive competitor that has displayed excellent physicality along with increased burst and speed. He has also leaned into the small details of football as well. Curll has shown nice arm extension when taking on blocks then releasing to explode towards the ball. The Cougars senior defender does well at working off the edge, whether that be releasing into space to play in coverage or rush the backfield. Curll is versatile enough to play on the outside or slide to middle and work against the run. This Mid-TN product has taken his game to another level thus far, placing himself on the map as a legit FCS, possible D1 recruit. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64f894d6c141e"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Dj3k_9/status/1692960069745307668?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Dj3k_9/status/1692960069745307668?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["286599"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThis may be the prospect on this list that has taken the biggest steps towards becoming a true D1, Power Five guy as Williams has been sensational, making plays on both sides of the ball and displaying game changing abilities on a consistent basis. The Warriors senior two-way talent has displayed an increase in “want to” so far this season and you can tell by how he plays. Williams is a playmaker at receiver with breakaway speed but he is also a hard hitter on defense who plays sideline to sideline. He continues to show upside for either side of the ball but with how he shows speed and violence on defense, playing in the secondary is where I like him best. Either way, Williams has proven to me he is legit and someone to watch over the coming months to see his stock soar.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["372306"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eA heat seeking missile with bad intentions, Williams is one of the biggest hitters from the safety position within the #TN2024 class and so far through his senior season, the Firebirds senior has been sensational, taking his game to another level and showing why he is a legit D1 recruit. Aggression, football smarts and violence are three traits you immediately see when you turn on the tape. Williams is playing like his hair is on fire right now, showing up around the ball on a consistent basis while being that playmaker from his safety position. The Firebirds defender shows excellent closing speed and he definitely finishes through the play. He might be a tad undersized for some coaches' liking but trust me this guy is a baller that simply knows how to play football and do so at a high level.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64f894d6c14e1"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JaquisWilliams9/status/1697992383684657482?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JaquisWilliams9/status/1697992383684657482?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["433144"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThe Owls defense has been lights out thus far through the early season and Shaw has been a major factor. This 6'1 broad shouldered, well built safety has been making plays all over the field, doing so by picking off passes, making hard hits close to the line and contributing in big ways on special teams. Shaw is an athletic, versatile football player that shows increased football knowledge as well as enhanced speed that shows up on his early clips. He brings value to the defensive side of the ball as someone that is slowly upside to remain on the back end at safety but Shaw is a big guy that plays physical, so I could see him transitioning in college to linebacker or the new “Star” position. If this Memphis area prospect can continue this high level play while also continuing to develop his skills, his recruitment could take off come this Winter. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64f894d6c155e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Standouts: </strong>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331623' first='Jake' last='Moore'] </strong>- MBA, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='864980' first='Ryan' last='Scott'] </strong>- Knox. West, (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149845' first='Kaleb' last='Martin'] </strong>- Bradley Cent., (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='316773' first='Dominic' last='Reed'] </strong>- Centennial, (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149164' first='Sam' last='Tummins'] </strong>- Bearden</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":750945,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/makshaw.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-750945" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->