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Playoff Spotlight: Alabama 6A Standout’s Shine Under Pressure

Playoff Spotlight: Alabama 6A Standout’s Shine Under Pressure
Oxford’s Desmond Whitson (right) collides into Clay-Chalkville’s Aaron Osley as he runs the ball against Oxford during a game at Oxford High School in Oxford, Ala., on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. (Will McLelland | preps@al.com)
CJ Marable
CJ Marable November 17, 2024 @ 10:26 PM
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In this article:

Nic Hendrix
Nic Hendrix 6'2" | 255 lbs | OL | 2027
AL
Corey Tims
Corey Tims 6'2" | 260 lbs | DL | 2025
AL
Desmond Whitson
Desmond Whitson 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB | 2025
AL
Terence Gaines
Terence Gaines 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB | 2025
AL
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1563147' first='Corey' last='Tims']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"258","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Pike Road High School ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673ac1e86df6e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1563147' first='Corey' last='Tims'] showcased his ability to dominate on defense during a critical playoff matchup. Recording six tackles and two sacks, he made his presence felt against opposing offenses. This performance brought his season sack total to 14, ranking him 8th overall in the state of Alabama. His ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt plays has been a cornerstone for his team's success. Tims continues to prove why he is one of the top defensive playmakers to watch this postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1896573' first='Nic' last='Hendrix']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"240","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Spain Park High School ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673ac1e86e072"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1896573' first='Nic' last='Hendrix'] stood tall in the trenches, providing crucial protection for his team during the playoffs. His strength and technique helped create running lanes and gave his quarterback the time needed to execute plays. Hendrix's dominance on the line was instrumental in neutralizing a tough defensive front. His leadership and consistency have been key assets for his team's playoff run. Hendrix is proving to be a pivotal anchor on the offensive line with his unwavering effort.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1087097"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673ac1e86e0d4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1087097' first='Desmond' last='Whitson'] brought intensity and focus to the field, showcasing his knack for reading plays and reacting quickly. His ability to shut down running plays and provide tight coverage was on full display. Whitson's physicality and high football IQ make him a reliable force on defense. In high-pressure situations, he has consistently delivered for his team. He remains a key player to watch as the playoffs progress.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jhaylon Smith","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"235","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Pike Road","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673ac1e86e17a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jhaylon Smith dominated in his playoff performance, notching eight tackles and two sacks. His relentless motor and explosive speed off the edge caused havoc for opposing offensive lines. Smith's effort played a critical role in limiting his opponents' offensive momentum. He has been a consistent playmaker throughout the season, and this game was no exception. Smith's ability to rise in big moments makes him a defensive cornerstone for his team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='495329' first='Terence' last='Gaines'] Jr.","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"193","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Parker High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673ac1e86e241"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='495329' first='Terence' last='Gaines'] Jr. carried his team with an outstanding rushing performance, amassing 186 yards and a touchdown. His vision and elusiveness made him a nightmare for defenders, consistently breaking through tackles. Gaines' ability to move the chains kept the offense rolling and controlled the tempo of the game. His performance exemplified the heart and determination needed in playoff football. Gaines continues to be a reliable offensive weapon for his team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">Playoff Spotlight: Alabama 6A Standout’s Shine Under Pressure</span>
        <span class="info-box not-prose" style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(193,25,32, 0.95) 0%,rgba(193,25,32, 1) 100%)">
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                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/CHXPJIPDNJBPTA7ONP3J6QGXQA-crop-3772x2477-1731903937.jpeg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="Playoff Spotlight: Alabama 6A Standout’s Shine Under Pressure"></span>
                
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                    <span class="last-name">Spotlight: Alabama 6A Standout’s Shine Under Pressure</span>
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Corey Tims Corey Tims 6'2" | 260 lbs | DL Pike Road | 2025 State AL

HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 258
POS DL
CLASS 2027

Corey Tims Corey Tims 6'2" | 260 lbs | DL Pike Road | 2025 State AL

School: Pike Road High School
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">Playoff Spotlight: Alabama 6A Standout’s Shine Under Pressure</span>
        <span class="info-box not-prose" style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(193,25,32, 0.95) 0%,rgba(193,25,32, 1) 100%)">
            <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/11/playoff-spotlight-alabama-6a-standouts-shine-under-pressure/" class="link-wrap">
                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/CHXPJIPDNJBPTA7ONP3J6QGXQA-crop-3772x2477-1731903937.jpeg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="Playoff Spotlight: Alabama 6A Standout’s Shine Under Pressure"></span>
                
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Nic Hendrix Nic Hendrix 6'2" | 255 lbs | OL Spain Park | 2027 AL

HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 240
POS OL
CLASS 2027

Nic Hendrix Nic Hendrix 6'2" | 255 lbs | OL Spain Park | 2027 AL

School: Spain Park High School
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Desmond Whitson

Desmond Whitson

AL
LB
HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 220
POS LB
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Desmond
Whitson LB
Class
2025
Height
6'3"
Weight
220
HS
Oxford
|
AL
Playoff Spotlight: Alabama 6A Standout’s Shine Under Pressure
Desmond Whitson brought intensity and focus to the field, showcasing his knack for reading plays and reacting quickly....
Written by CJ Marable
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
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Desmond Whitson

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State: Alabama
School: Oxford
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Highlights

Jhaylon Smith

Jhaylon Smith

HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 235
POS DL
CLASS 2027

Jhaylon Smith

School: Pike Road
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<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">Playoff Spotlight: Alabama 6A Standout’s Shine Under Pressure</span>
        <span class="info-box not-prose" style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(193,25,32, 0.95) 0%,rgba(193,25,32, 1) 100%)">
            <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/11/playoff-spotlight-alabama-6a-standouts-shine-under-pressure/" class="link-wrap">
                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/CHXPJIPDNJBPTA7ONP3J6QGXQA-crop-3772x2477-1731903937.jpeg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="Playoff Spotlight: Alabama 6A Standout’s Shine Under Pressure"></span>
                
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 Jr.

Terence Gaines Terence Gaines Terence Gaines 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Mortimer Jordan | 2025 State AL Jr.

HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 193
POS RB
CLASS 2025

Terence Gaines Terence Gaines Terence Gaines 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Mortimer Jordan | 2025 State AL Jr.

School: Parker High School
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Home Alabama Playoff Spotlight: Alabama 6A Standout's Shine Under Pressure

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