Austin Butler's Spring Tour Stop 1: Rome / Defense

If we are looking at the identity of what Rome football has always been, it's defense. Yes, Rome has had a ton of high scoring offenses and even a team that was once the highest scoring offense in state history in Georgia. However, Rome stands on tough defense and here I am going to spotlight some names, a few of many on the Wolves defense but let's check out who is anchors from last season and who looks to be stepping up this spring to be a major part in the Wolves defense. Tour with me in stop one!    On his way to being the world's strongest man, seriously, [player_tooltip player_id='2123505' first='AJ' last='Adams'] is a complete beast in the weight room, and it shows on the field. Adams has been killing it in the weight room so far this off-season and this spring, he is showing that he is going to be a force on the defensive line for the Rome Wolves. Adams had a great season last year and, in the playoffs, he really showed up big for the trenches. He is primed for a big year this fall and it's all starting this spring.     Jyquice McCrary is going to be one of the big impact players on the defensive side of the ball down in the trenches this season. Last year he was a big part in their strong defense. McCrary has all of the tools, the size, the ability and IQ. He is someone I feel like hasn't even reached his potential, yet which is scary for opponents. He is having a good spring and this summer, and fall should be big for him, and he should be big for the Wolves in the fall of 2026.     [player_tooltip player_id='1674293' first='Seth' last='Hooker'] was a major part of the Rome defense last season and with his ability, the Wolves defense is automatically better. Hooker brings physicality, toughness and smarts to the defense and linebacker core. One thing I really like about Hooker is his sideline-to-sideline speed and ability. He doesn't shy away from the hard contact, actually he looks for it and that is what Rome defenses are all about. He's got the "Dog" mentality, and it shows. Big spring for him so far and big fall coming!     [player_tooltip player_id='2200042' first='Jaden' last='Clowers'] is another big playmaker for the Wolves that I believe hasn't touched the surface of his potential yet and that is a major compliment because he is a next level type of player. He is going to take it to another level this year and now being one of the leaders of the defense, I'm looking for that leadership to continue and heighten while he also elevates his game. He was a force last season, but I believe he takes it to another level this season and it starts this spring in which he is having a good one. He has great height and weight and looks the part at the linebacker position. He is going to light it up this season and his first two days of spring practice looked strong!     Someone who caught my eye right off at the linebacker position was [player_tooltip player_id='1615654' first='Jacoulric' last='Wofford']. Remembering him play defensive end last season, I believe he's a great fit at linebacker as well. He's got tremendous size and that's what caught my eye right off. He has the ability to go along with the size, and he is a rising name that I really feel will burst onto the state scene for the Wolves and be a major anchor on that Wolves defense. I'm looking for this Wolves defense to be nasty, ferocious, physical, smothering and dominant as most Rome defenses have been and I believe Wofford will help it become that in many ways. He is one that really stood out to me during spring stop one. I look forward to seeing more of him this spring, summer and of course when it all gets real in the fall. He will be the real deal!     Gregory "Greg" Evans is someone I have watched the first two days of spring, and I really have been impressed with his energy, his ability and what I believe he can do at the safety position. The coaches believe in his ability at the safety position and at this rate, he could very well play his way into a next level player which I know he's got the ability to do. He stood out in his coverage; he shows a strong IQ of the game and is a worker. I really see a ton of great being on display this fall with Evans in the backend of the Rome defense. It all starts this spring and so far, he's going strong. I look forward to seeing his work this summer and of course this fall. College coaches keep your eyes locked in on Evans; he's on his way to being a household name in the Peach State!     One name who emerged as one of the Wolves best defensive backs last season was Derrick "DJ" Watkins. He was really solid throughout the season and really turned it up in the playoffs. During their match against Gainesville, Watkins really locked up on his end and made it very difficult all game for anyone to catch or get by on him. He is having himself a good spring so far and I see him having an outstanding season this fall. Look out for Watkins in the secondary.     One of the key receivers for the Wolves is Tylan "Scoot" Simpson but this year you may be seeing a lot of his game not just on offense but on defense as well as a defensive back. Now, Simpson is an outstanding athlete, and defensive back is something he is known for along with wide out. Though he played wide out all season last year, do not be shocked to see him making big plays at DB in 2026. He can do it all!     Someone who has had a really good off-season so far and had a great showing at our Prep Redzone Showcase in Atlanta a while back, [player_tooltip player_id='2108133' first='Eli'Zha' last='Mathis'] is someone I really believe will have a big, big season in the fall and this off-season looks to be a build to that. Mathis is a playmaker and I expect him to take it up a notch this fall and I'm excited to see this playmaker really standout out in the big games and big moments for his team!     A highly ranked player in the 2029 class, and someone I see being a big playmaker and arriving on the scene in 2026 is [player_tooltip player_id='1561579' first='Damien' last='McKinney']. McKinney is a guy who can come off the edge, defensive line and possibly even the outside linebacker position. Either or, he's on his way to becoming a household name in the state and this is the breakout year for him I believe. He's a hard worker and coaches really believe in him. Lookout for McKinney during this off-season but also this fall!     Justin Spivey isn't just a standout running back and slot receiver, but he is also going to a playmaker at the safety position on defense. He is a spectacular athlete, and you can best believe he will impact the secondary just as well as he does the offensive side of the ball. Look out for the action in the back end of the defense this spring, summer and fall from Spivey!

If we are looking at the identity of what Rome football has always been, it's defense. Yes, Rome has had a ton of high scoring offenses and even a team that was once the highest scoring offense in state history in Georgia. However, Rome stands on tough defense and here I am going to spotlight some names, a few of many on the Wolves defense but let's check out who is anchors from last season and who looks to be stepping up this spring to be a major part in the Wolves defense. Tour with me in stop one!