Touchstone Energy Bowl Breakdown: Midlands Defensive Selections

Here's a look at the nine defensive players from the Midlands selected to this year's Touchstone Energy Bowl on Dec. 9 at Doug Shaw Stadium in Myrtle Beach:   SKILL POSITION PLAYERS   [player_tooltip player_id='139316' first='Zai' last='Offord'] DB, Gray Collegiate (pictured)   The son for former South Carolina and NFL safety Willie Offord has made a name for himself as a wide receiver. At 5-foot-10 and 164 pounds, the South Carolina State commit possesses long arms and breakaway speed which makes him a favorite target for War Eagles' quarterbacks [player_tooltip player_id='232668' first='Tyler' last='Waller'] and Dre'Von Dopson. Those same skills are effective on the defensive side of the football where he has 35 tackles and two interceptions this season. He'll fit in with an athletic North secondary.    [player_tooltip player_id='267471' first='Devan' last='Crumpton'] DB, Spring Valley   A standout in track, the 5-foot-10, 144-pound senior has had back-to-back productive seasons in the secondary. As a safety last season, he tallied 73 tackles, two interceptions, six pass breakups and two forced fumbles. This season, he has 25 tackles and three pass breakups playing at cornerback. His versatility and experience will be valuable at a position with selected players who see time on the offensive side of the football.    [player_tooltip player_id='1142508' first='Isaiah' last='McClary'] DB, Irmo   The 6-foot 2, 175-pound has been a mainstay in the Yellow Jackets' secondary. A self-professed “ball hawk”, McClary provides an extra cushion at safety for an Irmo defense which has allowed a total of 53 points this season. He'll provide leadership, toughness and a “high football IQ” to the South defense.    [player_tooltip player_id='208886' first='Myles' last='Pratt'] DB, Richland Northeast   South head coach Walt Wilson gets to coach one of his top players a final time in his career. A two-year letterman, he's excelled both at strong and free safety for the Cavaliers. Pratt will play sometimes close to the line of scrimmage to make tackles and serves as another coach on the field in reading offenses.    Khalil Moody DB, Crestwood   A two-way player for the Knights who leads the team in interceptions and pass deflections to go with his four touchdowns at wide receiver. At 6-feet and 160 pounds, Moody provides another speedy defensive back with length for the South secondary. Moody has continued to build on a junior year where he didn't allow a completed pass in his coverage area.    IN THE TRENCHES   [player_tooltip player_id='448977' first='Seneca' last='Moore'] LB, Crestwood   Like teammate Khalil Moody, another two-way player for the Knights. An aggressive tackler, he had six sacks by mid-season. He has an ability to fight off tacklers to make a stop and is utilized as a fullback near the goal line.    [player_tooltip player_id='448988' first='Christian' last='Sexton'] LB, Lexington   As part of an athletic linebacking corps, the Wildcat senior stands out for his speed, intensity, and versatility. Whether lined up on the outside or inside, Sexton's athleticism stands out as he's seemingly involved with every tackle. This season, he's also seen time at running back.    [player_tooltip player_id='771217' first='Terrance' last='Wells'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1142746' first='Dakota' last='Jordan'] DL, both of Dutch Fork   Defense has allowed the Silver Foxes to remain in consideration as a contender for their Class 5A title. Jordan has played in every game this season with 27.5 tackles, seven sacks and 13 quarterback hurries. Wells has 11 hurries and 16 tackles in seven games and is one of four defensive players on the South roster nominated for the Richland County Football Player of the Year award.

Here's a look at the nine defensive players from the Midlands selected to this year's Touchstone Energy Bowl on Dec. 9 at Doug Shaw Stadium in Myrtle Beach: