2025 Defenders On The Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are some top 2025 defenders on the rise in Georgia?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone breaks it all down...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1313904' first='Javion' last='Butts'] - DB - Jones County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the hottest prospects in Middle Georgia, Butts is a hard-hitting defender coming off an impressive junior season where he made 51 tackles and two INTs. He brings a great blend of size and speed at 6-foot-1 180-pounds who gives great effort down the field. He's a secure tackler and knows how to deliver a sound hit on the ball-carrier. He's instinctive in coverage and can break on a ball that's not thrown with some zip on it. He's a tough player who flashes big play ability. Now, the offers are starting to roll in. This versatile defender from Jones County has seen offers come his way recently from Kentucky, Cincinnati, Ole Miss, Kansas, Mississippi State, among others. Look for more to keep coming his way down the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1313934' first='Evan' last='Ward'] - LB - McIntosh</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A quick-reacting defender with a lean 6-foot-5 220-pound hybrid defender who can hold the edge against the run and rush the passer when needed. His length allows him to get off blocks and reach ball-carrier trying to get to the perimeter. He's a max-effort guy who can run defenders down from behind due to his high motor. He's also a weapon on special teams who can chase down return men. His frame and overall size is easy to notice, and his film from last season impressed college coaches as well. Now, the McIntosh standout has reeled in first two offers from Cincinnati, East Carolina. His best football is still way ahead of him, so look for more offers to come his way. On just four games last year, Ward made 28 tackles, </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='411889' first='Chase' last='Taylor'] - ATH - Stockbridge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A bigger, physical linebacker at 6-foot-3 215-pounds, Taylor is a playmaking defender south of Atlanta who is coming off a strong junior season where he made 76 tackles, six TFLS and six sacks. Taylor shows good instincts, he strikes when he hits, all while having the ability to make plays in coverage. He sniffs out runs early and is physical enough to clog running lanes and take on linemen between the tackles. He was once an "under the radar" prospect, but he's starting to see his recruitment pick up with a new recent offer from the Clemson Tigers. He's also added new offers from South Carolina, N.C State, Southern Cal, Louisville, West Virginia, Pitt, Virginia, among others. His stock is rising, and right now, he's one of the hottest prospects in the area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->