Leading Returning 7A Tackles In 2025 Class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are some of the state's leading 7A tacklers in the 2025 class who will be back for the 2024 season?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone takes a look...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='670189' first='Branson' last='Brooks']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/branson-brooks/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;– Lambert</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A truly underrated linebacker out of Forsyth County who lit up the stat sheet last season as a junior, Brooks is another speedy linebacker with natural instincts, leadership, and one of the more secure tacklers across the area for the 7A class. His size and speed may not blow anyone away, but he's a natural linebacker who plays physical and has the natural feel of a linebacker. The 6-foot-1 190-pounder loves contact, plays fast, and does his job every play. He shows good pursuit of the ball-carrier with the ability to set the edge and chase down the back from behind. He hits behind his pads and has a knack for making a big tackle when the team needs it. On the season, Brooks has made 146 tackles, 8 TFLs and 6 sacks. He also made 10+ tackles in every game but one. More importantly, he's led the Lambert Longhorns to another impressive 8-2 record. He's one of the state's leading tacklers across all classifications going into next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='706633' first='Jake' last='Thorner']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jake-thorner/"><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;</strong><strong>– LB- Walton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of several outstanding Walton linebackers from this past season, Thorner was a true football magnet this past season and is one of the state's top returning tacklers coming back for the 2024 season. A tough, physical, instinctive linebacker with really good size at 6-foot-2 225-pounds, the sure-tackling 7A linebacker was one of the more productive defenders not only in Cobb County, but throughout the state in the 7A class. He made an eye-opening 129 tackles and 9 TFLs to go along with five sacks and one INT last fall as a junior. A true playmaker with a nose for the football, Thorner has helped lead a strong raider defense all the way to the 7A state championship game. A tackling machine who can leave some bruises when he hits, Thorner holds some D1-caliber offers and should see more come his way this off-season. Look for him to have a gigantic senior season for the Raiders in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='415053' first='Coleman' last='Lewis'] – Lowndes</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A dynamic two-sport athlete from South Georgia down at Lowndes, Lewis is a smart, quick-reacting linebacker who knows how to run and tackle. That's what he does. He's got a solid, lengthy frame at 6-foot-1 210-pounds, Lewis plays the game the right way and takes great angles to the ball-carrier against the run game. He's a secure tackler, making 119 total stops last year as a junior along with 12 TFLs and 2.5 sacks. He brings some versatility to the Vikings defense as he can play multiple linebacker spots. He can set the edge, attack the quarterback, and make plays in coverage as well. He's also a weapon on special teams who gives max effort every time he's on the field. He flashed D1-caliber talent and was a consistent playmaker and stout defender all season long as a junior. The Lowndes program is on the rise, and they'll need Lewis to have a big senior season next fall if they plan to get back to their winning ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->