Returning Headhunters - Top Tacklers By Class

In the last week we have covered some of the top returning offensive skill players, so I wanted to shift gears and take a look at who the top defenders are in regard to total tackles.   And upon a closer look there were some well-known names rising to the top as well as a handful of guys flying under the radar that are just starting to get some attention.   In this report we will take a look at who the top returning tacklers (solo + assist) are from last year's freshman, sophomore and junior seasons, and then check on three guys who were right on the leader's tail.   So, without further adieu, lets jump in and see who delivered last fall:     TOP JUNIOR SEASON - RETURNING LEADER IN TOTAL TACKLES WITH 137:   [player_tooltip player_id='1124985' first='Kale' last='Kern'], 6'1, 225, LB/ATH, Great Bend, '27, after a breakout sophomore season with 100+ tackles, he really kicked it into gear as a junior with 137 tackles, 14 TFL, two sacks, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He plays a violent game with great physicality and when he arrives, brings the sledgehammer. With his instincts and read and react skills he essentially shuts down the run game between the tackles but has the burst to blow up plays on the perimeter. He is also an excellent TE/H-Back on offense. Expect him to ratchet up his game even more as he shifts into beast mode for his senior season this fall.     TOP SOPHOMORE SEASON & OVERALL RETURNING LEADER FOR TOTAL TACKLES WITH 174:   [player_tooltip player_id='2101930' first='Jacob' last='Lewis'], 6'0, 185, SS/ATH, Sterling, '28, next up is the top sophomore tackler from last season as well as the overall leader for all classes with an eye-popping 174 tackles, 16 TFL, three sacks, an interception and five fumble recoveries. He flew under the radar early in the season, but quickly started dismantling defenses and became one of the top headhunter defenders in the state. Playing the game as a young heat-seeking missile, he lines up all over as a hybrid strong-safety/LB. He was also effective on offense, with 200+ APY running, receiving and on returns, averaging 8+ yards per carry and scored three TDs. This guy is a wrecking ball ready to dominate this fall.   TOP FRESHMAN SEASON - RETURNING LEADER IN TOTAL TACKLES WITH 92:   [player_tooltip player_id='2127996' first='Xzavier' last='Delatorre']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/xzavier-delatorre/"></a> , 6'0, 180, ATH, SW Heights, '29, he wasted no time getting acclimated to the varsity game as he delivered a standout freshman season on both sides of the ball. On defense he was a hybrid LB/DB who led all freshman in the state with 92 tackles, five TFL, three sacks, one pick and a pair of fumble recoveries. On offense he played RB and WR, piling up 600+ yards rushing, receiving and on returns and added five TDs. He also handles punting duties as needed. In the off-season he is a three-sport athlete playing hoops and running track to go along with football. This guy has had a strong off-season and is getting ready to deliver again this fall.     ALSO OF NOTE:   [player_tooltip player_id='1612730' first='Kyler' last='Barker']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/kyler-barker/"></a> , 5'11, 175, LB/RB, Pratt, '27, 129 Tackles - averaging just under 12 tackles per game, added seven TFL, and one sack. On offense he is an elusive RB who can also take the snap as a Wildcat QB. On the year he had 35 carries for 282 yards, averaging 8+ yards per carry and scored three touchdowns. This guy has been flying under the radar but with a defensive stat line like he delivered last fall he is going to get some serious attention this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='2067439' first='Jameson' last='Barnes']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jameson-barnes/"></a> , 6'3, 220, LB/TE, Lansing, '27, 124 Tackles - averaging 13+ tackles over nine games, he also added three TFL and three sacks, an interception and a pair of fumble recoveries. He made his presence known immediately, with a huge 20-tackle performance in the first game of the year and then added a 21-tackle game later in October. On offense he caught 17 passes for 266 yards as a tight end. This guy is ready for a monster season this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='2101931' first='Fisher' last='Elder'], 6'2, 220, RB/LB, Wellington, '28, 118 Tackles - he is another one flying under the radar last year but after delivering his big tackle numbers as well as nine TFL, eight sacks and one FF, he is starting to get some attention. In one four-game stretch he showed glimpses of things to come, averaging 14 tackles per game. He is also versatile enough to help on offense as an all-purpose back who had 100+ total yards and two TDs and handled kickoff duties. This guy is locked and loaded for a killer year this fall.   In conclusion, get out and see these guys dominate this fall - you will not be disappointed. Also, DM me via X if you run across any players flying under the radar.   And, as usual…   Keep grindin'

In the last week we have covered some of the top returning offensive skill players, so I wanted to shift gears and take a look at who the top defenders are in regard to total tackles.