1ST Team All Buck Sweep Sports Skill Guys (Defense)

As the football season off-season kicks off, media outlets across the region have begun to highlight the top performers with their all-conference selections. One such list comes from Buck Sweep Sports, which shines a spotlight on the talented athletes of Eastern North Carolina and the PeeDee area of South Carolina. Among the most impressive athletes featured are the first-team defensive skill players.   Some names on this list are familiar to those who follow Carolina Recruits closely, while others might be emerging talents that caught attention during their standout performances this season. This breakdown will dive into the standout first-team athletes, looking at what sets them apart in terms of stats, athleticism, and overall contributions to their teams. Whether they were making highlight-reel plays week in and week out or delivering in clutch moments, these players have proven themselves as the top of their class.   Let's take a closer look at the standout linebackers and defensive backs athletes who earned their spot among the best of the best in their conference.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Last season, I had the opportunity to watch Hassan Kornegay face off against a tough Whiteville team. Despite his team coming up short, Kornegay was clearly the best player on the field. Standing nearly 6'3" and weighing over 210 pounds, he possesses the size and athleticism of a true power linebacker. His skill set suggests he could transition into a rush edge role at the next level.   Kornegay's ability to cover the entire field is remarkable. He's a sideline-to-sideline player who excels at both run defense and pass coverage. Over the course of his senior year, he racked up 119 tackles, including nearly 30 tackles for loss, showcasing his disruptive presence. His speed, power, and instincts allow him to make an impact wherever he lines up.   As he moves forward in his football career, it seems likely that Kornegay will thrive in a rush edge position. His combination of size, athleticism, and tenacity makes him a player to watch at the next level.     Jayden may not have had a standout statistical year, but he's well known for his talents across the area. Williams was a key contributor on that Darkhorse team that made it to the State Championships last season. Now a junior heading into his senior year, Jayden was one of the few underclassmen from that Clinton team who chose to stay with the “hometeam.” It's great to see his loyalty being rewarded.     Ty Morrisay was a crucial part of James Kenan's deep playoff run this past season. He anchored the middle of the field, displaying the strength to take on guards and the speed to chase down running backs. At nearly 200 pounds, Morrisay finished the season with 134 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and an interception, proving his all-around impact on defense.     Jakarrion's season was cut short due to a district matter with his new school, Marlboro County. Despite his brief time there, Jakarrion managed to improve his profile enough to flip his commitment from Rutgers to Clemson. Before his transfer, Kenan was the starting safety for Clinton High School when they made their appearance in the state championship. Over the past two years, Kenan has consistently been one of the top prospects in high school football, regardless of the state he's played in.     Divine was one of the surest tacklers at defensive back that I've evaluated this year. The senior has great size and speed, making him well-suited to play corner at the next level. While he didn't record an interception this season—much of which can be attributed to the conference he plays in—he made a significant impact against the run. Ohiaeri finished the season with nearly 90 total tackles, a remarkable total for a defensive back.     David was primarily used as a linebacker during his junior season, but everything changed during the playoffs. While he remained dominant on the defensive side of the ball, his performance on offense was nothing short of remarkable. In the third round of the playoffs against Wallace Rose Hill, Cito recorded a season-high 17 total tackles, finishing the year with an impressive 115 tackles.   But it was David's offensive contributions that truly stood out. Over the last three games of the season, all playoff matchups, he more than tripled his production with 64 carries, 315 yards, and 4 touchdowns. By the end of the season, Zelaya finished with just under 500 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, proving his versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.     Here's a cleaned-up version of your piece:   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Tyquise was a true ballhawk for the James Kenan Tigers this season. The senior recorded 5 interceptions and added 51 total tackles, showcasing his defensive prowess. But Wilson wasn't just a force on defense—he was a playmaker on both sides of the ball, finding his way to the end zone 9 times throughout the season.

As the football season off-season kicks off, media outlets across the region have begun to highlight the top performers with their all-conference selections. One such list comes from Buck Sweep Sports, which shines a spotlight on the talented athletes of Eastern North Carolina and the PeeDee area of South Carolina. Among the most impressive athletes featured are the first-team defensive skill players.