Small-Town 2028 Defenders On The Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These small-town linebackers are bound for giant sophomore seasons this fall...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1752218"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6891460d59af4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">S small-town defender way up in the North Georgia mountains, Wallace is coming off a terrific freshman season last year where he made 73 tackles and six TFLs. He made at least six tackles in eight games and was one of the more productive linebackers in the region. He shows good instincts, tackles with pride, and will continue to put on good muscle over the years. He's a sleeper linebacker to know in the 2028 class who will be added to the next rankings update this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1752221"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6891460d59b54"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A versatile defender from Macon who made a big impact last year as a freshman, Harell is a strong athlete with good instincts in coverage and the ability to chase down the ball-carrier against the run. He plays hard, brings a promising frame, and was really active last year for a first-year player. The private school standout made 57 tackles last season while also being a weapon in coverage. His best football is ahead of him and he's in store for an even bigger sophomore season in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1752227"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6891460d59ba6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A fast-rising defensive end with good size and a tremendous motor, Atkins is a Griffin native out of Spalding High School who shined in a big way last season as a sophomore. He fired off the ball, sheds blocks, and has no problem playing hard and finding his way to the play. He knows how to tackle and made several big plays in the backfield last season. In total, Atkins made 36 tackles, nine TFLs and three sacks. He'll be added to the new rankings update when they are released again this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["892009"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6891460d59bee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A tough and physical freshman who can make a big impact on both lines of scrimmage, Jacobs was a disruptive defensive lineman who held his own in the trenches last season. He plays hard, shows strong hands, above-average athleticism, and consistently found his way to the ball-carrier. He held his own against older players all season long and should take a big step forward in his development this season as a sophomore. In 2024, Jacobs made 52 tackles and two sacks. He's one of the top 2028 defenders in the area in store for a giant 2025 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1651431"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6891460d59c32"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A do-it-all athlete from North Georgia who excelled in the secondary last season, Collins was a consistent playmaker in the defensive backfield and on offense as a pass-catcher last season as a freshman. He's quick, twitchy, and shows strong hands when making a play on the ball. One of the top young prospects in the region, Collins is coming off an impressive first season where he made 50 tackles and picked off three passes in coverage. He shows good instincts in coverage, a lean frame, and above-average ball skills. He's a natural with the potential to take his game to the next level this upcoming season as a sophomore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->