Week 3 Review: Notable Defensive Game-Changers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Throughout the week following Friday HS Football Game Day, Prep Redzone scout Drew Johnson will be highlighting some of the standouts and notable performances from the weekend. Teams around the state kicked off week three and there were some "Game Changers" and Notable Prospects to make note of.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px"><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='953768' first='Jarquez' last='Carter'] | DT | Class of 2025 | Newberry | @JarquezCarter</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Carter has developed into a true Power 5 prospect since first laying eyes on him a year ago. He's a bull in the trenches which</em> makes it tough for opposing offensive linemen<em> because of his quick first step and good hand work. Has picked up some big-time offers and should only trend up as his senior session progresses. Carter recorded 8 tackles with 6.0 of those being tackles for loss in a 41-13 win over Westpoint. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Film: </em></strong><a href="https://x.com/jarquezcarter/status/1697979506160468238?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ"><strong><em>https://x.com/jarquezcarter/status/1697979506160468238?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</em></strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px"><strong><em>Michael Mcclenton | DE | Class of 2026 | @michaelmcclent5</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Not many words to describe how good of a start this rising sophomore has had, leading the state in both total tackles and tackles for loss through three weeks. He put on another dominant performance on Friday in a 17-8 win over Evans, recording 24 total tackles with 4.0 TFL. He's the Real Deal. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Film: </em></strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18295377/64fc635b90ef1e122875e258"><strong><em>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18295377/64fc635b90ef1e122875e258</em></strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px"><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='283732' first='Elijah' last='Dias'] | LB | Class of 2026 | Auburndale | @twin_frmpolk</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Dias has been stamped as a top prospect in Polk County regardless of position as his upside is trending towards Power 5 potential. He's a beast with a high motor and good IQ for the position. Dias led the Bloodhounds' defense in 39-20 win against Kathleen, recording 15 total tackles with 4.0 tackles for loss to add.&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Film: </em></strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17830496/64f52feadfd9e0087c34a5df"><strong><em>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17830496/64f52feadfd9e0087c34a5df</em></strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px"><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='951502' first='Jerard' last='Smith'] | LB | Class of 2024 | Dr. Phillips | @onerealsmitty</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Smith had one of the better stat lines on Friday despite a tough loss to Apopka. He finished the night with 19 total tackles with 2.0 TFL.&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px"><strong><em>Alfred Thomas | LB | Class of 2024 | Dr. Phillips | @AlfredThomas407</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>The teammate of Smith and another headhunter of the Panthers' defense had 19 total tackles himself to show off his reliability at the position. He's a D1 prospect that'll be productive at the next level. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px"><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1230787' first='Aden' last='Hall'] | LB | Class of 2025 | Leesburg | @_Aden_Hall</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Hall has emerged as a true defensive playmaker this season for Leesburg as he's stacked up the tackles through week 3. He recorded 16 total tackles and 1.0 tackles for loss in a 41-0 win over Mount Dora. Should begin seeing an uptick in college interest with more consistent production.&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>*In 3 Gms 35 Tkls, 5 TFL, 1 SK</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Film: </em></strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16136270/64fc4d198cd46b1038b0b41e"><strong><em>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16136270/64fc4d198cd46b1038b0b41e</em></strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px"><strong><em>Hunter Zirkle | LB | Class of 2024 | Desoto County&nbsp;</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Zirkle has been very productive to start his senior season showing that he can play at the next level despite the tough start for Desoto County. Zirkle had 13 total tackles, 2 sacks, 2.0 tackles for loss, 3 QB pressures with 1 carry for 34 yards and a touchdown on the offensive side. He's been a true playmaker for the Bulldogs. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Film: </em></strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17696804/64fcb7803dea820a10dd4d71"><strong><em>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17696804/64fcb7803dea820a10dd4d71</em></strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px"><strong><em>Nick Chandler | LB | Class of 2024 | Eustis | @nick_chandler12</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Chandler was selected as a Defensive Player of The Week for his week 3 performance in a 42-20 win against Tavares. He finished the night with a productive 14 total tackles and a fumble recovery to add, good enough to earn his name on the standout list.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->