Returning Defensive Starters to Know in 24-6A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>The returning players are poised to establish themselves as top talents in the area. Here, we spotlight individuals who will play pivotal roles in their teams' success, anchoring the defense with their exceptional skills. These players are true game-changers, and their performances demand attention.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aden Scruggs | DB | Clear Lake | 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scruggs demonstrates solid physicality and agility, effectively shedding blocks to make tackles and prevent big plays on the perimeter. He also displays strong coverage skills, maintaining tight coverage on opposing receivers and making plays on the ball downfield. Scruggs' ability to recover quickly and assert himself in one-on-one matchups sets him apart, and he is poised to make a significant impact heading into his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16358439/654fe5044ba8580f4cb2a986' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6622b860e7e15"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1421313' first='Jayveon' last='Johnson'] | OLB | Clear Brook | 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson is a relentless presence off the edge, consistently disrupting opposing offenses with his quickness and agility. His explosiveness off the snap allows him to evade blockers and penetrate the backfield quickly, creating havoc for opposing teams. Johnson's physicality and impressive closing speed further highlight his impact on the game. As he enters his senior year, Johnson will be a player to be on many radars as a player to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16431565/661ddcdc8345625eb500973e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6622b860e7e50"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1261255' first='Zach' last='Parish'] | S | Clear Springs | 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Parish is a dynamic presence on the field, showcasing versatility and intensity in both coverage and run defense. His speed and physicality allow him to excel in flying to the ball from sideline to sideline and delivering pad-popping hits. Parish's relentless pursuit and contagious energy on the field make him a standout player who consistently makes impact plays. As he continues to develop, Parish is poised to solidify his status as one of the top players at his position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17554832/65628c3c4797c708ac950888' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6622b860e7e78"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Camryn Jones | ILB | Dickinson | 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones embodies the essence of a physical linebacker, consistently wreaking havoc in opposing backfields with his disruptive play. He attacks running lanes with relentless aggression, delivering punishing hits and disrupting plays before they can develop. Jones's play recognition allows him to navigate through traffic avoiding the mess and consistently make crucial stops. As a key piece on the Gators' defensive, Jones's impact is undeniable, and his ability to dominate is instrumental to the team's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18153980/655fb82dc11b1c082c300e64' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6622b860e7e9e"} /-->