3A Recap Kinston vs Shelby Top Performers: Defense

In the highest-scoring game in North Carolina history, defensive production was naturally limited, but the lack of stops was not due to lack of effort or execution. Kinston and Shelby combined for only a handful of true defensive wins, making each one more significant on film. This report focuses on the defenders who impacted the game in those critical moments—evaluating effort, instincts, physical traits, and projecting each prospect's ability to translate to the next level.    [player_tooltip player_id='2047969' first='Jemorris' last='Poole'] was named Defensive Player of the Game for the losing side after delivering one of the most impactful defensive performances on the field. Poole finished with eight tackles and generated multiple pressures on the quarterback, consistently affecting the pocket and rallying to the football. He possesses the ideal frame and athletic profile to project as a box safety or potentially an outside linebacker at the next level. Poole's elite speed, high-level awareness, and ability to tackle in space stand out on film. He plays with a relentless motor, shows natural leadership, and brings physicality on every snap. Poole is a high-upside defender and a strong pickup for any college program.     Ex'Zavion Croom finished second on Kinston in total tackles with six and consistently showed up around the football. A true box safety, Croom plays with excellent instincts and trigger speed, diagnosing run concepts quickly and closing downhill with purpose. Listed at 5'11”, 175 pounds, he has the frame to easily add weight and project as a 200-pound linebacker or hybrid safety at the next level. Croom is a fearless, fast, and reliable open-field tackler who plays with physicality beyond his size. An under-the-radar prospect whose film reflects strong football IQ and a high ceiling as his body continues to develop.     Kendrick Jawson made impact plays on both sides of the ball, earning Defensive Player of the Game honors for his performance. Jawson consistently disrupted the backfield, recording multiple tackles for loss and showing strong closing speed at the point of attack. He also displayed natural ball skills by securing an interception, highlighting his versatility and awareness in coverage. Jawson's ability to affect the game in multiple ways—against the run and the pass—underscores his value as a defensive playmaker. His physicality, instincts, and competitive edge project well to the next level and make him a high-impact prospect for any defensive scheme.     [player_tooltip player_id='1624476' first='Jayden' last='Williams'] stood out as one of the top defensive backs at the state championships, regardless of team. Williams finished the game with four tackles and secured an interception, consistently impacting the contest with his playmaking ability. He possesses excellent size and speed for the position, allowing him to close quickly on the football and hold up in coverage. Williams shows strong ball skills, range, and confidence attacking the ball in the air. His physical tools and production point to a defender with clear next-level upside and scheme versatility.     [player_tooltip player_id='2078249' first='Landon' last='Hollifield'] Jr. was a constant disruptor against the run and effectively shut down Kinston's ground game. Whenever Kinston attempted to establish the run, Hollifield was at the point of attack, showing excellent pursuit angles and trigger speed. While not the biggest defender on the field, he consistently played as one of the toughest, leveraging quickness, leverage, and effort to defeat blocks. Hollifield has a natural feel for the football and repeatedly found his way to the ball carrier. His toughness, instincts, and run-stopping reliability translate well to the next level.     Noah Gartner was a constant source of pressure on the quarterback, consistently disrupting the timing of the offense. He finished the game with four tackles for loss and nine total tackles, showcasing his ability to impact plays both behind the line of scrimmage and in pursuit. At 6'3”, 200 pounds, Gartner displays excellent first-step quickness off the edge and the athleticism to play standing up or with his hand in the dirt. His versatility as an edge defender and hybrid pass rusher projects well to the next level, making him a valuable fit for multiple defensive schemes.

In the highest-scoring game in North Carolina history, defensive production was naturally limited, but the lack of stops was not due to lack of effort or execution. Kinston and Shelby combined for only a handful of true defensive wins, making each one more significant on film. This report focuses on the defenders who impacted the game in those critical moments—evaluating effort, instincts, physical traits, and projecting each prospect's ability to translate to the next level.