Big-Time Tacklers: Class of 27 Defenders Making a Statement

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1334149' first='Drake' last='May'] – Macomb</strong> has been nothing short of dominant this fall. The junior linebacker has piled up an eye-popping 112 total tackles, averaging 14 stops per game. His ability to read plays and arrive with force has made him one of the most productive defensive players in the state, setting the tone for his unit every Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1345210' first='Mason' last='Bucon'] – Plainfield South</strong> has been a rock in the middle of a physical defense. With 92 total tackles on the year, Bucon thrives in traffic, showing the kind of instincts and motor that translate against top competition. His tackling production speaks for itself and he's been a consistent leader for the Cougars' defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mario Beasley – Belvidere</strong> has brought a spark to the defensive side of the ball. With 70 total tackles, he plays fast and physical, consistently finishing plays. Beasley's closing speed and ability to fill gaps make him one of the more underrated linebackers in the 2027 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pharell Holman – Cahokia</strong> has racked up 88 total tackles and has been flying around all season. He's a rangy linebacker with the physicality to make plays in the box and the athleticism to cover ground quickly. Holman has been a tone-setter for Cahokia's defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1334152' first='Donald' last='Collier'] – Cahokia</strong> has matched that intensity, adding 70 tackles of his own. A versatile athlete who impacts the game in multiple ways, Collier's downhill burst and willingness to mix it up have helped fuel Cahokia's defense against some explosive offenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Talon Decker – Mahomet-Seymour</strong> has been a key piece for one of the more disciplined defenses in the state. With 70 total tackles, he plays with strong instincts, closing speed, and toughness. Decker's physical presence has made him a major contributor in the Bulldogs' front seven.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hunter Meeker – GRFC Co-op (Georgetown-Ridge Farm)</strong> has quietly put together a big season in the secondary. With 72 total tackles, Meeker has shown he can come downhill and be a force against the run while also making plays on the back</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->