Week 7 Standouts: Defense

<p>The lights were bright, the pads were popping, and this week's defensive performances were every bit as dominant as the offensive fireworks across the state. Here are some names that you should now from Week 7.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Price continues to be a tone-setter in the trenches. Though listed at 227 pounds, he consistently plays bigger— showing the strength and will to move blockers off their spot. His plus wingspan gives him control during engagement, while his urgent, violent hands make him a problem for linemen trying to stay locked on.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Price sets a hard edge, plays disciplined football against the run, and thrives in pursuit when the play extends. His motor never cools, allowing him to rack up second-chance sacks, TFLs, and pressures off sheer determination.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MarcusPrice_18/status/1974545938321715333 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Jackson turned in another all-around performance from the back end, showing rangy instincts and an ability to make plays from anywhere on the field. He's patient in coverage, reading quarterback eyes before exploding on routes with surgical closing speed.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Whether he's squeezing passing lanes or making touchdown-saving tackles, Jackson plays with a blend of awareness and effort that makes him special. His angles in pursuit and physical finishes at the point of contact continue to separate him from most safeties in his class.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/lijah5k/status/1974579937324704057 </div></figure>   <p></p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Lyles was nearly unblockable this week — posting 3 sacks, a TFL, and a fumble recovery in a dominant shutout win over Auburn. His tape shows an elite first step and the ability to convert speed to power instantly, keeping offensive tackles off balance.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">His hand work is polished for his age, and his ability to bend and close at the top of his rush makes him a nightmare on the edge. He shows excellent hand timing and placement, mixing swipes, pulls, and rips to stay clean through contact. Once he's in the backfield he consistently finishes with explosive burst.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Lyles plays with a natural edge presence, understands leverage, and rarely wastes movement. And continues to establish himself as one of the premier pass rushers in the state's 2026 class. </p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TristanLyles1/status/1974591245344530860 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Howard turned in a well-rounded performance, showcasing the complete skill set that makes him one of the more dependable defensive backs in his class. He finished with 6 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 pass breakup, continuing to prove he's a difference-maker on the back end.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">He's opportunistic with a knack for being in the right place, using his catch radius and awareness to turn deflections into turnovers. Taylor is also willing in run support, playing with an edge and wrapping up consistently. His field awareness and closing quickness jump off the film. Whether breaking on underneath routes or working towards the run. </p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/_Bray5x/status/1974860364979311013 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Cobb delivered one of the most physical performances of the week, finishing with 16 total tackles, 1 sack, and 1 deflection. His bull rush consistently caved in pockets, and his lower-body strength made him immovable in the run game.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">He's a long, well-built athlete who plays with leverage and balance, keeping a free outside shoulder while shedding blocks with precision. Cobb's combination of motor, size, and strength gives him a real chance to develop into an early contributor at the next level. </p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/KalunCobb/status/1974694151561396276 </div></figure>

The lights were bright, the pads were popping, and this week's defensive performances were every bit as dominant as the offensive fireworks across the state. Here are some names that you should now from Week 7.