Breakout Defenders To Know From 2024 Corky Kell Classic

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These are some breakout defenders to know from last week's Corky Kell Classic....</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401475' first='Brayden' last='Rouse'] - Kell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A two-way standout bound for a breakout junior season, this promising prospect for the Kell Longhorns made a massive impact at linebacker during Kell's 29-15 week one win over North Atlanta. Rouse made 6 tackles, one INT, one PBU and one fumble recovery. A former wide receiver turned defender, Rouse brings good size and instincts to the linebacker position at 6-foot-3 205-pounds who was allover the field defensively in week one. A natural athlete with size and ball skills, Rouse showed he has a chance to have a giant junior season on defense this fall. His best football is still ahead of him, and some offers will likely come his way soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1201242' first='Casey' last='Barner'] - Douglass</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top 2028 prospects in Georgia, and possibly across the country, Barner is a quick, instinctive defensive back who made it clear in his very first game why he's one of the top young players in the state. He already holds an offer from the in-state Georgia Bulldogs, and more are coming his way sooner than later. He has a good frame already at 5-foot-11 175-pounds and played like a natural at the safety spot. He took great angles to the ball-carrier, wrapped up well, and even forced a big fumble in addition to his multiple tackles. He also ran for a touchdown offensively. Just a freshman, Barner is a top 2028 prospect to know about this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dean Paulson - North Atlanta</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A versatile, quick-reacting defender who can play both outside and inside, Paulson is a natural defender who reads the run and reacts quickly. He can fly into the backfield unblocked, but has enough quickness and natural strength to shed blocks as well as he attacks the ball-carrier. At 6-foot-1 220-pounds, he brings a stout frame and a max-effort style of play. He's off to a strong start to his senior season, making 9 tackles, one TFL and one forced fumble. His stock is on the rise, and even in a losing effort, Paulson made a big impact and really stood out with a big Corky Kell performance against the Kell Longhons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Andreco Griggs</strong> <strong>- Douglass</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A new 2026 linebacker to know in Atlanta, Griggs is an instinctive, sure-tackling linebacker on the rise who made tackle after tackle in his season-opener against Lagrange. He may not be the biggest or fastest linebacker in Atlanta, but his stock is on the rise, and he shows a natural nose for the football. He takes good angles to the ball-carrier and knows how to sneak into the backfield to make a play behind the line of scrimmage. He stood out in a big way during the first game of the Corky Kell Classic, securing 10 tackles, one sack, and another TFL during their impressive 18-3 win over Lagrange.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chase Hayden - West Forsyth</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A playmaking safety with enough versatility to play all over the secondary, Hayden is fundamentally sound in coverage who knows how to wrap up and bring the ball-carrier to the ground. He shows great instincts, ball-skills, and the ability to strike the running back behind his pads. He plays hard, is dependable in coverage, and knows how to make a play on the ball. He brings good size at 5-foot-11 190-pounds, and even in a losing effort during the Corky Kell Classic, Hayden made a consistent impact all game long. Playing against a high-powered Prince Avenue offense, Hayden made seven tackles and one INT. Look for him to have a massive senior season for the Wolverines this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->