Carolina Recruits Week 10 Xfactors Preview Defense Pt. 2

As we head into Week 10, the defensive side of the ball will determine who walks away with key conference wins across the Carolinas. This slate features several elite defenders who have been consistent all season and are primed to make the difference under the Friday night lights. Whether it's a game-changing sack, a crucial interception, or a momentum-shifting tackle for loss, these are the defensive X-factors who will anchor their teams and ultimately decide who comes out on top in Week 10.    eleya has been the backbone of the Tigers' defense all season long. The senior defensive back leads the team with an impressive 9 tackles per game and 3 interceptions, showcasing both physicality in run support and awareness in coverage. His ability to read the quarterback and make open-field tackles has been a major reason James Kenan has remained one of the toughest defenses in the region. Expect Zeleya to once again set the tone Friday night — his playmaking instincts could be the deciding factor in another big win for the Tigers.     Only a sophomore, McPhatter has already become the unquestioned leader of Princeton's defense. His instincts and range in the secondary make him a problem for opposing quarterbacks, and his 3 interceptions this season are proof of that. Despite his youth, McPhatter plays with the poise and confidence of a veteran, consistently putting himself in position to make big plays. As the Bulldogs push toward playoff positioning, look for McPhatter's ball-hawking ability to be a major X-factor in Week 10.     Thienel has proven to be one of the most reliable playmakers in his secondary. The junior defensive back has a knack for finding the football, leading his team with 3 interceptions this season. Whether it's jumping a route or breaking up a deep pass, Thienel's awareness and timing have consistently swung momentum in his team's favor. His ability to create turnovers and close space in coverage makes him a true X-factor heading into Week 10 — the kind of defender who can change a game with a single play.     Jones has emerged as a true ball-hawking difference-maker in Lee County's secondary. The junior leads the team and the area with 4 interceptions, already establishing himself as one of the top defensive backs in the region. He's shown a consistent ability to read the quarterback, jump routes, and create momentum-shifting plays for the Yellow Jackets. As Lee County looks to close out the regular season strong, Jones' playmaking presence in the secondary will be a major X-factor in Week 10.     Williams is the definition of a complete football player — a true two-way star who impacts every snap he's on the field. The senior has been a spark for Northern Nash all season, making plays as a runner and receiver on offense, but it's on the defensive side where his presence will matter most in Week 10. His size, speed, and physicality allow him to play multiple roles — covering in space, setting the edge, and delivering big hits in open field. When the lights come on Friday night, Williams' versatility and leadership will be the X-factor that determines how far the Knights' defense can go.     Faulkner is the heartbeat of the Southern Nash defense — a physical, instinctive linebacker who sets the tone every Friday night. The East-West All-Star Game commit leads the Firebirds with 7 tackles per game, showcasing a relentless motor and high football IQ. Whether he's filling gaps against the run or dropping into coverage, Faulkner is always around the football. His leadership and consistency have been the backbone of Southern Nash's defensive success, and heading into Week 10, his toughness and energy will once again make him the true X-factor for the Firebirds.     The senior linebacker has been the tone-setter for the Rocky Mount defense all season long. Averaging 7.5 tackles per game, Lee-Jones plays with great instincts and a physical edge that anchors the Gryphons' front seven. Whether he's shooting gaps to stop the run or dropping back in coverage, he's always around the football. As Rocky Mount heads into the toughest stretch of its schedule, Lee-Jones' leadership and consistency make him the defensive X-factor they'll lean on in Week 10.     Harris has been one of the most impressive linebackers in the state this season. The junior is a relentless sideline-to-sideline defender who plays with high energy and great instincts. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and close in space separates him from most linebackers at his level. Whether he's stuffing the run, dropping into coverage, or blitzing off the edge, Harris brings intensity on every snap. As Hunt continues its push late in the season, Harris will be the defensive X-factor — the kind of player who can take over a game with sheer effort and leadership.

As we head into Week 10, the defensive side of the ball will determine who walks away with key conference wins across the Carolinas. This slate features several elite defenders who have been consistent all season and are primed to make the difference under the Friday night lights. Whether it's a game-changing sack, a crucial interception, or a momentum-shifting tackle for loss, these are the defensive X-factors who will anchor their teams and ultimately decide who comes out on top in Week 10.