Round 2 of the Playoffs: Defensive Players to Watch

Round 2 of the state playoffs is where defenses earn their reputation. The margin for error shrinks, the talent level rises, and every snap becomes a chance for a game-changer to tilt the night. Across the Carolina Recruits region, some of the stingiest and most battle-tested defensive units in the state are gearing up for their toughest challenges yet. This round features elite pass-rushers who live in the backfield, Power-4 caliber linemen who control the trenches, and instinctive linebackers and defensive backs who play with anticipation and urgency. These are the disruptors — the tone-setters — who can flip momentum with one sack, one hit, one forced turnover. As the stakes get higher, expect these defensive standouts to set the tone under the playoff lights.    David Cito Zeleya is one of the most physical defensive backs you'll find across the region. At nearly 6'1”, he brings a linebacker's mindset to the secondary, playing downhill with confidence and zero hesitation. He averages around 10 tackles per game, showing his ability to diagnose plays quickly and arrive with force. Whether he's fitting the run, taking on pulling blockers, or cleaning up open-field tackles, Zeleya is the tone-setter for the James Kenan defense. His size, physicality, and consistency make him one of the true X-factors in Round 2.     Adrian Glover has been the heartbeat of the Wallace-Rose Hill defense all season long, leading the team in total tackles and setting the tone between the hashes. The junior linebacker plays fast, physical, and with a high motor that keeps him involved on nearly every snap. Tonight, he'll be right in the middle of trying to slow down James Kenan's powerful rushing attack — a challenge that will test his discipline, pursuit angles, and toughness. For WRH to pull off the revenge upset on the road, Glover will need to deliver a double-digit tackling performance and anchor the front seven. He's the kind of player who can elevate under pressure, and his impact will be felt from the opening whistle.     Wyatt Scott has been one of the most reliable defenders in the area, averaging 9.5 tackles per game and serving as the defensive stabilizer for Midway. The senior linebacker is known for his physicality inside the box, but tonight he'll face a different kind of test. Kinston is expected to lean heavily on its passing game, which means Scott will need to show his ability to open up his hips, move in space, and make plays sideline-to-sideline. His recognition in coverage, ability to close on underneath routes, and discipline against scrambling quarterbacks will be crucial. If Midway is going to weather Kinston's aerial attack, Scott must deliver one of his most complete performances of the season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2047969' first='Jemorris' last='Poole'] may be listed as a wide receiver, but the senior has been the unquestioned leader of the Kinston defense this season. He's the team's top tackler, a rangy, physical presence who isn't afraid to mix it up in the box and take on contact. For Kinston to pull off the road upset, Poole will have to be the difference-maker. Midway leans heavily on their explosive super-sophomore running back, which means Poole will have plenty of opportunities to come downhill, make open-field tackles, and prevent big gains from turning into game-changing plays. His versatility, toughness, and ability to read the run flow make him the true X-factor for the Vikings tonight.     Nolan Greiner is one of the youngest starters in the entire playoff field, but you wouldn't know it by the way he plays. The freshman linebacker has earned his spot through toughness, instinct, and a willingness to stick his nose into the run game — traits that matter even more in November. Tonight presents the perfect stage for an origin-story moment. Croatan is a run-heavy, physical team that wants to control the clock and wear defenses down, and if Seaforth is going to pull off the upset, Greiner will have to be front and center. His ability to read keys, fill gaps, and make clean tackles in space will decide whether Seaforth can force long downs and keep the game within reach. This is the kind of matchup where a freshman can announce himself to the entire state.     Carter Abalos is the engine of the Croatan defense and the type of senior every playoff team leans on this time of year. He leads the Cougars in total tackles, averaging around 8 stops per game, and brings a complete skill set that allows him to impact the run and the pass with equal confidence. Abalos is physical enough to plug gaps and shed blocks in the box, yet athletic enough to carry receivers or tight ends in coverage when needed. His versatility and football IQ give Croatan flexibility in their defensive calls, especially against a Seaforth team that will try to spread the field and create space. If Croatan wants to control the pace of the game and advance, Abalos's ability to erase mistakes and make timely plays will be a defining factor.     Dezhian Roberts is one of the fiercest defensive players in the entire 5A playoff field — the type of edge rusher who can wreck a game plan all by himself. He explodes off the edge with elite first-step quickness and plays with a relentless motor that puts constant stress on opposing tackles. Averaging nearly 8 tackles per game from the defensive line is a testament to how active and disruptive he is, both in pursuit and at the point of attack. Roberts has true game-changing power: he can force hurried throws, create strip-sack opportunities, and completely disrupt timing in the passing game. Against a West Carteret team that wants to push the ball downfield, his pressure off the edge could be the difference between explosive plays and drive-stalling chaos. If he's living in the backfield, St. Pauls gains a massive advantage.     Maxum Thayer is one of the anchors of the West Carteret defense, a junior linebacker who plays with toughness, discipline, and a high football IQ. He's consistently around the football and has developed into one of the Patriots' most dependable tacklers. If West Carteret wants to pull off the big upset tonight, Thayer will have to be the steadying force in the middle. St. Pauls brings speed, physicality, and big-play threats from multiple directions, which means Thayer's ability to diagnose quickly, shed blocks, and make clean tackles in space becomes critical. He'll also need to be sharp in coverage, closing down seams and limiting yards after contact. For West Carteret to stay in striking distance, Thayer must put together one of his best all-around performances of the season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1068199' first='Zion' last='Wright'] has been the steady heartbeat of the New Bern defense all season, averaging around 8 tackles per game and providing the physical presence that holds the middle together. The senior plays with urgency, downhill strength, and a veteran understanding of run fits that keeps offenses from getting comfortable. But tonight, the challenge rises. Southeast Raleigh brings elite athletes at every level — speed on the perimeter, power between the tackles, and a quarterback who can stress a defense in multiple ways. For New Bern to stand toe-to-toe, Wright will need to elevate his game and deliver a double-digit tackling performance. His ability to meet runners in the gap, limit explosive plays, and rally the defense when momentum swings will be essential. If New Bern is going to match SE Raleigh's talent and stay in control, Wright has to set the tone from the first snap.     [player_tooltip player_id='648670' first='Keysaun' last='Eleazer'] is easily one of the top edge prospects in the entire state — a long, explosive, high-motor pass rusher who can take over a game with pure disruption. His first step is elite, his closing burst is special, and when he bends the edge he forces quarterbacks to speed up their reads or abandon the pocket altogether. Against New Bern, Eleazer's impact could be felt immediately. The Bears' passing game has struggled at times this season, and Eleazer has the ability to shut it down almost single-handedly. If he's consistently winning off the edge, collapsing pockets, and forcing rushed throws, Southeast Raleigh gains a massive advantage. Eleazer is the kind of defender who doesn't just make plays — he tilts the field. This matchup gives him a chance to show why he's considered one of the premier defensive talents in North Carolina.     [player_tooltip player_id='1600434' first='Terande' last='Spencer'] is one of the most complete defensive weapons in the entire state. The ECU commit is a monster on the edge — explosive, powerful, and violent with his hands — but what makes him truly special is his versatility. He can drop into coverage and move like a safety, erase passing lanes, and even take away an entire side of the field with his length and awareness. Spencer forces offenses to account for him on every snap, and when he's dialed in, he turns into a one-man gameplan wrecker.   Against Porter Ridge, his impact could decide the night. Whether it's blowing up run plays, chasing down mobile quarterbacks, or baiting throws in space, Spencer has the ability to completely tilt momentum and spark Richmond's defense. If he dominates like he's capable of, he can win Richmond this home playoff game almost by himself.     Christian Cathen has emerged as one of the most reliable ballhawks in the region, leading the Richmond secondary with 5 interceptions this season. The junior plays with sharp instincts, excellent anticipation, and the confidence to jump routes when he recognizes concepts. Last Friday, his turnover swung the momentum and helped seal Richmond's win — and he's fully capable of doing it again tonight.   If Cathen gets his hands on another takeaway, it could completely change the outcome of this matchup. His ability to read the quarterback, undercut throws, and flip field position gives Richmond a game-breaking element on the back end. In a playoff game where every possession matters, Cathen is the type of defender who can create the moment that alters everything.     [player_tooltip player_id='1034840' first='Jaleel' last='Parker'] is set to be the most elite athlete on the field tonight, and his presence alone changes the way offenses operate. The Liberty commit brings rare explosiveness, fluidity, and closing speed to the secondary — the type of traits that make coordinators rethink which routes they want to call and which matchups they're willing to risk. Parker can erase windows, match the fastest receivers stride for stride, and flip from coverage to pursuit in an instant.   Tonight, he'll face one of his toughest tasks of the season: containing the momentum and improvisational playmaking of Davie County's electric quarterback. It will take a heroic, disciplined, and emotionally locked-in performance from Parker to keep explosive plays to a minimum. If Jack Britt is going to slow down that high-powered offense, Parker's elite athleticism and ability to shut down space will be the foundation. One or two swing plays from him could completely reshape the game.     [player_tooltip player_id='918776' first='Elijah' last='Chaffin'] has a massive assignment tonight, but as the No. 4 linebacker in his junior class, he looks more than ready for the challenge. At 6'4” and over 200 pounds, he checks every box physically — long, rangy, explosive, and built like a future Power-4 defender. Chaffin plays with a confident downhill style, but he also has the fluidity to slide in space and match up with athletic backs or mobile quarterbacks.   Tonight, Davie County will need every bit of that versatility. Jack Britt brings size, speed, and a dangerous run game that forces linebackers to stay disciplined and win their matchups. Chaffin's ability to take on blocks, maintain gap integrity, and make drive-killing tackles will be the difference in whether Davie can control the tempo. If he plays to his ranking and physical tools, he has the potential to completely tilt the field for his defense — and elevate Davie County into the next round.     [player_tooltip player_id='1671906' first='Gaven' last='Kraut'] is one of the most dynamic all-around athletes in the entire playoff field, a true three-phase weapon who can change a game on offense, defense, or special teams. But tonight, against a physical and explosive Scotland team, his defensive impact will be needed more than ever. Kraut's ability to cover ground, make open-field tackles, and track down big plays from the backside gives Terry Sanford a stabilizing force against a run-heavy attack that thrives on momentum and chunk gains.   Whether he's matching up with Scotland's perimeter speed, filling alleys from the secondary, or preventing breakaway runs, Kraut's presence will be crucial in limiting explosive plays. He has the instincts and competitive edge to rise under playoff lights, and if Terry Sanford is going to advance, Kraut's defensive playmaking will have to shine. He's the kind of athlete who can swing a game with one timely stop or turnover.         [player_tooltip player_id='1408808' first='John' last='Archer'] is everything you look for in a true Power-4 defensive line prospect — size, strength, explosion, and a level of dominance that jumps off the field from the first snap. He's been literally unblockable at times this season, overwhelming offensive linemen with violent hands and a powerful lower body that allows him to reset the line of scrimmage on demand. Archer doesn't just make plays — he destroys plays before they ever develop.   Tonight, under the playoff lights, expect him to show exactly why he's one of the most coveted recruits in the state. His ability to command double teams, collapse pockets, and blow up run lanes will be the foundation of Scotland County's defensive game plan. If he's winning early and often, Terry Sanford's offense is going to be in for a long night. Archer has the chance to take this game over and prove once again that he's built for the next level.     Keason Outen is a true playmaker on the back end for South Johnston, the kind of defensive back who changes games with instinct and timing. He leads the Trojans with 5 interceptions this season, jumping routes, reading quarterbacks, and making quarterbacks think twice before testing his side of the field. Outen plays with confidence and ball skills that stand out every single week.   Against Seventy-First, his impact becomes even more important. The Falcons don't put the ball in the air often, but when they do, those opportunities have to be turned into momentum-changing plays. If South Johnston is going to play to win — and not just survive — Outen must capitalize on the few chances he gets. One turnover from him could be the spark that keeps the Trojans in striking distance. He's the definition of an X-factor in this matchup.     Amir Tate Jr. is a true playmaker in every sense of the word, and his defensive impact is where he shines the brightest. The junior is one of the most dynamic athletes on the field — explosive, instinctive, and fearless when he triggers downhill. Tate is a reliable tackler in space, but what separates him is his ability to create game-changing plays. Whether it's forcing turnovers, blowing up screens, or tracking down explosive athletes in the open field, he always seems to be around the football when it matters most.   Hobbton leans heavily on his versatility and competitive edge, and in playoff moments, Tate's playmaking becomes even more valuable. He's the type of defender who can flip momentum instantly, and his ability to tackle, diagnose, and attack makes him one of the true defensive stars to watch for the Wildcats tonight.     DaShawn Carr has been the heartbeat of the Lakewood defense all season long, leading the team in total tackles and setting the tone with his physical, downhill style. The senior is tough, disciplined, and consistently around the football — the type of defender who cleans up plays even when things get chaotic.   Tonight, his presence becomes even more important. In a playoff matchup where every yard matters, Lakewood will need Carr to be everywhere — fitting the run, chasing down perimeter plays, and making drive-saving tackles. If Lakewood is going to advance, Carr will have to deliver one of his trademark high-energy, high-production performances. He's the anchor of this defense, and his impact will be felt from the opening whistle.

Round 2 of the state playoffs is where defenses earn their reputation. The margin for error shrinks, the talent level rises, and every snap becomes a chance for a game-changer to tilt the night. Across the Carolina Recruits region, some of the stingiest and most battle-tested defensive units in the state are gearing up for their toughest challenges yet. This round features elite pass-rushers who live in the backfield, Power-4 caliber linemen who control the trenches, and instinctive linebackers and defensive backs who play with anticipation and urgency. These are the disruptors — the tone-setters — who can flip momentum with one sack, one hit, one forced turnover. As the stakes get higher, expect these defensive standouts to set the tone under the playoff lights.