Carolina Sharks Defense Deep Dive

As the Carolina Sharks 7v7 program enters its 11th season representing the southeast corner of North Carolina, the foundation has never been stronger. What started over a decade ago as a vision to develop overlooked talent and compete with the best in the state has grown into a respected brand known for discipline, development, and toughness. This year's roster may have a younger look — loaded with hungry sophomores and freshmen, backed by just two seniors and a handful of juniors — but that edge fits the Sharks' identity perfectly. On the defensive side of the ball, expect speed, aggression, and fearless competition. This group understands that defense sets the tone. They may be young, but they're fast, physical, and ready to carry on a tradition built over 11 seasons of relentless effort and pride.    [player_tooltip player_id='2134347' first='Josh' last='Wallace'], rising senior safety from Glenn, is the definition of a heat-seeking missile on the back end of a defense. He plays with the instincts and ball skills of a true WR1, which means every pass in his area is a potential interception. Wallace isn't just a playmaker — he's the loudest and most commanding voice on the field, natural leader teammates gravitate toward. He understands not only his assignment on every snap, but also where everyone else is supposed to be, serving as the quarterback of the secondary. Technically sound, disciplined in his reads, and blessed with elite speed and closing ability, Wallace brings both edge and intelligence to the defense. He sets the tone from the safety spot and gives you confidence that the back end is always under control.     [player_tooltip player_id='2134396' first='Nick' last='Smith'], safety in the Class of 2028, is one of the most gifted pure athletes on this roster. A standout on the basketball court as well, Smith brings that same length, body control, and competitive edge to the football field. Last season for his high school, he was asked to do a little bit of everything — and delivered. With the ball in the air, Smith is either coming down with it or separating the receiver from it. His long arms and rangy frame allow him to cover ground quickly, and his instincts put him in position before most players even recognize the play developing. Smooth in space, explosive at the catch point, and naturally physical, Smith has the upside to become a true difference-maker on the back end of the defense.     [player_tooltip player_id='2134402' first='Chris' last='Brown'], Class of 2026 ATH, is the type of player every coach wants on the field because he truly can do it all. He's a lot faster than he looks — the kind of athlete who glides in space but separates when it matters. Brown is an elite competitor with the versatility to impact the game in multiple phases, but at corner, he's a problem. It's nearly impossible to get anything behind him. His recovery speed, length, and instincts allow him to erase vertical threats, and when the ball is in the air, he has the playmaking ability to flip momentum in an instant. Brown doesn't just defend routes — he attacks them. A true lockdown presence with game-changing upside.     [player_tooltip player_id='2134431' first='David' last='Hickmond'], Class of 2026 senior DB, is a true multi-sport athlete whose versatility jumps off the screen. While he absolutely has the skill set to line up at running back or wide receiver, his impact in the secondary is where he separates himself. Hickmond very rarely gives up a catch — and when quarterbacks test him, they usually regret it. Another standout basketball player, he brings elite explosiveness, body control, and competitive toughness to the defensive back position. His ability to elevate, change direction, and close on the football makes him a nightmare in coverage. Add in his coachability and willingness to be developed, and you have a senior defensive back who not only makes plays but sets the standard for how the position should be played.     [player_tooltip player_id='2134359' first='Josiah' last='Avery'], Class of 2028 defensive back from E.E. Smith, is one of the fastest athletes on this defense — and that speed shows up immediately on film. He has great size for his class and pairs it with natural athletic ability that allows him to match up across the board. Whether lined up at nickel or on the outside, Avery brings versatility and range to the secondary. His length helps him disrupt passing lanes, and his closing speed allows him to recover and make plays most defenders can't. With his combination of size, speed, and positional flexibility, Avery is a young defensive back with serious upside and the tools to become a lockdown presence.     Tyler Nelson, Class of 2027 defensive back from Marion, is a defender who plays the game under control. He doesn't panic, doesn't overreact — he trusts his technique and lets the play come to him. That composure helped him earn one of the top DB spots during winter camp, separating himself with consistency and discipline. Nelson combines speed with strength, allowing him to match receivers step-for-step while still being physical at the catch point. Smooth, confident, and competitive, he's a defensive back who continues to trend upward and compete at a high level every time he steps on the fields     Jaden “Scoot” Lewis, Class of 2028, is simply a phenomenal athlete. Last season at the high school level, he hauled in four interceptions — and each one showcased his instincts and playmaking ability. Lewis has the versatility to line up in man coverage on the outside at corner, where his quick feet and competitive edge allow him to stay locked in on receivers. He can also slide back to high safety and rake the ball out of the air, tracking it naturally and finishing plays. With his athleticism, range, and ball skills, Scoot is a true difference-maker in the secondary who can impact the game from multiple spots.     Jazen Reyes emerged as one of the leaders on his JV squad, and that leadership carries over every time he steps on the field. Reyes has excellent ball skills and polished footwork technique, allowing him to stay balanced and in phase throughout routes. He consistently puts himself in position to make plays, whether that's breaking on the ball or finishing through contact. Tough, disciplined, and highly coachable, Reyes takes direction well and applies it immediately. What really stands out is his awareness — he studies alignments and often knows where the ball is going before it's thrown. That anticipation, combined with his technique, makes him a dependable and instinctive presence in the secondary.     [player_tooltip player_id='2134435' first='Javione' last='Smith'], rising senior linebacker from Grays Creek, is the definition of a seasoned, battle-tested defender. A three-year starter at the high school level, Smith brings experience, physicality, and leadership every time he steps on the field. He has the speed to run stride-for-stride with running backs and tight ends in space, which makes him especially valuable in 7v7 where matchups matter. For his size, he moves exceptionally well — fluid in coverage, explosive downhill, and strong at the point of attack. In the 7v7 setting, Smith really shows his full potential, using his range and instincts to impact plays all over the field.     [player_tooltip player_id='2134439' first='ZauCaee' last='McNeil'], Class of 2029, is one of the more intriguing young prospects in the program. He has the versatility to line up at multiple spots, but linebacker or nickel is where he really shines. McNeil brings great length for his age and can truly run, covering ground sideline to sideline with ease. What separates him, though, is his mentality — nothing scares him. He plays fearless, attacks contact, and will do whatever it takes to help his team win. With his athletic tools and competitive edge, McNeil is a young defender whose ceiling is extremely high.     Kaleb Moore is a true multi-position weapon out of Marion in the 2028 class. He has the versatility to line up at linebacker, safety, nickel, or corner — and can even take snaps at running back when called upon. That type of flexibility shows both athletic range and strong football IQ. Moore plays with great instincts, diagnosing plays quickly and reacting without hesitation. He's comfortable in space, physical in the box, and understands angles when flowing sideline to sideline.   What stands out most is his playmaking presence. Moore is constantly around the football, whether he's filling gaps downhill, matching up in coverage, or creating disruption in open field situations. He competes with high energy and confidence, and his ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball makes him a valuable piece for any defense. As he continues to develop physically, he's a 2028 prospect that should continue trending upward.

As the Carolina Sharks 7v7 program enters its 11th season representing the southeast corner of North Carolina, the foundation has never been stronger. What started over a decade ago as a vision to develop overlooked talent and compete with the best in the state has grown into a respected brand known for discipline, development, and toughness. This year's roster may have a younger look — loaded with hungry sophomores and freshmen, backed by just two seniors and a handful of juniors — but that edge fits the Sharks' identity perfectly. On the defensive side of the ball, expect speed, aggression, and fearless competition. This group understands that defense sets the tone. They may be young, but they're fast, physical, and ready to carry on a tradition built over 11 seasons of relentless effort and pride.