Carolina Recruits Region Player of the Year Watchlist: Defense

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Carolina Recruits Region Player of the Year Watchlist: Defense</h3>   At the midway point of the season, it's clear that some of the biggest game-changers in the Carolina Recruits Region aren't just on offense. The defenses across the 910 and 252 areas have been packed with standouts who have kept their teams in games, flipped momentum with takeaways, and dominated the trenches. From defensive linemen collapsing pockets and controlling the line of scrimmage, to linebackers flying around with sideline-to-sideline range, to defensive backs locking down top receivers and creating turnovers, these players have made their presence felt every single week. As the playoff push begins, here's a look at the defenders who have positioned themselves firmly on the mid-season Player of the Year watchlist.    Adam Oxendine (LB/EDGE, Purnell Swett, c/o 2026) has been one of the most disruptive defenders in the Carolina Recruits Region this season. At 6'2, 190 pounds, he brings both length and quickness off the edge, creating constant problems for opposing offensive lines. Oxendine already has 7.5 sacks on the year, including two separate games with at least 2 sacks, proving he's not just a one-game flash but a consistent pass-rushing threat. His ability to collapse pockets and make quarterbacks uncomfortable has anchored Purnell Swett's defense and put him firmly on the mid-season Player of the Year watchlist for front-seven defenders.     Kymani Atiles (LB, Scotland County, c/o 2026) has been nothing short of dominant through the first half of the season, emerging as one of the top linebackers in the Carolina Recruits Region. At 6'1, 205 pounds, Atiles combines size, speed, and instincts, leading the entire region with an incredible 93 total tackles. Over his last three games, he's averaged an eye-popping 21.5 tackles per contest, proving he has the motor and range to take over games from the middle of the defense. With the quickness and agility of a running back, Atiles covers ground effortlessly and is the kind of defender who will test extremely well at the next level. A sure-fire college prospect, he's cementing himself as one of the premier defensive playmakers to watch for the rest of the season.     Adrian Gaines (LB, Ashley, c/o 2026) has been the heart of the Screaming Eagles' defense, showing toughness and reliability every time he steps on the field. At 5'10, Gaines may not be the biggest linebacker in the region, but he plays with an edge and excels against the run, plugging gaps and making stops in traffic. He's piled up 76 total tackles already this season, and impressively, in a schedule packed with tough opponents, he's had only one game without reaching double-digit tackles. Gaines' consistency and physicality make him a cornerstone for Ashley's defense and a name firmly on the mid-season defensive watchlist.     Marquise James (S/ATH, Overhills, Senior) has been a tackling machine and one of the most versatile defenders in the Carolina Recruits Region. At 6'0, 190 pounds, James brings physicality to the secondary, already stacking up 66 total tackles on the season. His best outing came in a tough matchup against South View, where he exploded for 23 tackles and an interception, showing his ability to both clean up in the run game and create turnovers in coverage. James' size, production, and versatility make him a true defensive leader for Overhills and a strong candidate for the mid-season Player of the Year defensive watchlist.     [player_tooltip player_id='1743727' first='Derrick' last='Jones'] (LB, Jack Britt, Senior) has been one of the most reliable and well-rounded linebackers in the Carolina Recruits Region this season. With 63 total tackles — averaging nearly 13 stops per game — he's been the anchor of Jack Britt's defense. Jones is especially tough against the run, filling lanes and bringing a physical presence in the box, but what separates him is his versatility. He can drop into coverage and match up with slot receivers or running backs out of the backfield, making him a true three-down linebacker. His combination of production, toughness, and athleticism makes him a key leader for Jack Britt and a standout name on the mid-season defensive watchlist.     Devin Walker (S, Westover, Junior) has been a steady presence on the back end of Westover's defense, showcasing toughness and range at just 5'10, 170 pounds. Walker has already stacked up 63 total tackles, proving he's not afraid to come downhill and get involved in stopping the run. What makes him stand out, though, is his sideline-to-sideline speed, allowing him to cover ground quickly and make plays all over the field. A junior with a high motor and consistent production, Walker has firmly put himself on the mid-season defensive watchlist as one of the top safeties in the Carolina Recruits Region.     [player_tooltip player_id='1853840' first='Zalik' last='Cannady'] (DL, Wilson Prep, Freshman) has been nothing short of a revelation in his first year of high school football. At 6'2 and nearly 300 pounds, Cannady already looks the part of a dominant lineman — and the production matches. He currently leads the Carolina Recruits Region with 8 sacks, while also recording 38 total tackles from the defensive front. For a freshman, his strength, size, and ability to collapse the pocket make him nearly unblockable at times. Cannady isn't just a young standout — he's already one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the region, and his ceiling is sky-high moving forward.     Steven Elliot (EDGE, Perquimans, Junior) has emerged as one of the rising defensive playmakers in the region, showcasing both production and athletic upside. Standing out with 6.5 sacks on the season, Elliot made his biggest splash in his most recent game, where he racked up 3.5 sacks and announced himself as a force off the edge. At the next level, his frame, motor, and agility suggest he may project best as a linebacker, where his versatility will allow him to cover ground while still rushing the passer. A multi-positional athlete with a high ceiling, Elliot's combination of impact plays and athleticism make him a name to circle on the mid-season defensive watchlist.     Dezhhian Roberts (EDGE, St. Pauls, c/o 2026) is picking up right where he left off after being named his conference's Defensive Player of the Year last season. At 6'2, 230 pounds, Roberts has the size, strength, and explosiveness that make him one of the most feared edge rushers in the region. He's already totaled 6 sacks this year, including a dominant showing in his most recent outing where he notched 3 sacks. Roberts consistently draws extra attention from blockers but still finds ways to impact the game, whether by collapsing pockets or setting the edge against the run. His proven production and leadership anchor St. Pauls' defense and solidify his place on the mid-season defensive watchlist.     Chris Bispham (DL, Havelock, Senior) has been one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the state and his commitment to James Madison University proves colleges have taken notice. Through the first half of the season, Bispham has racked up 36 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks, showing his ability to both disrupt the backfield and shut down running lanes. His quickness off the line and relentless motor make him nearly unblockable, forcing opponents to game plan around him. As the anchor of Havelock's defensive front, Bispham's impact goes beyond stats — he sets the tone physically and brings leadership to a unit that feeds off his energy. He's a clear headliner on the mid-season defensive watchlist.     [player_tooltip player_id='1671981' first='Ethan' last='Wilson'] (DL, North Pitt, Senior) has been a force in the trenches and is starting to draw well-deserved attention from college programs. At 6'5, 240 pounds, Wilson has the size and athleticism to project as a disruptive playmaker at the next level, and his recruitment has begun to heat up with several new offers coming in this month. On the field, he's already posted 55 total tackles and 6 sacks, showing that he can be both productive against the run and dangerous as a pass rusher. Wilson's combination of frame, motor, and rising profile make him one of the most intriguing senior defensive linemen in the Carolina Recruits Region and a lock for the mid-season defensive watchlist.     Malik Jones (DB, Sallie B. Howard, Sophomore) has been the definition of a ballhawk in the first half of the season. At 5'7, 156 pounds, Jones may not be the biggest defensive back in the region, but his instincts, quickness, and anticipation have made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. He currently leads the entire Carolina Recruits Region with 6 interceptions, recording at least one pick in every game this season. That level of consistency is rare, especially for an underclassman, and it highlights his ability to change games with turnovers. Jones' production has firmly established him as one of the premier playmaking DBs in the area and a rising name on the mid-season defensive watchlist.     Israel Daniel (DB, Overhills, Senior) has been one of the most consistent playmakers in the secondary this season, showing a knack for finding the football. He opened the year hot with interceptions in each of his first two games, and he hasn't slowed down — recently grabbing his fifth pick of the season in a tough matchup against South View. A veteran leader for Overhills, Daniel combines experience with strong ball skills, giving the Jaguars a defensive back who can change games with takeaways. His production and steady presence make him a standout on the mid-season defensive watchlist.     Zachary Ball (DB, East Duplin, Senior) has been a steady playmaker in the secondary for the Panthers, using his size and awareness to frustrate opposing quarterbacks. At 6'2, 170 pounds, Ball brings length and range to the defensive backfield, already collecting 4 interceptions on the season. His biggest impact came in the matchup against Jacksonville, where he picked off two passes and shut down one side of the field. Ball's combination of production, size, and consistency makes him one of the most reliable defensive backs in the region and a clear name on the mid-season defensive watchlist.