7A Preseason All-State Defensive Team

As always, the 7A is especially loaded with defensive talent this season, and we can’t wait to see these guys play! <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>DEFENSIVE LINE</strong></span></em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125487" first="Jeremiah" last="Alexander"]- </strong>|6’2 235| |Thompson| We have Alexander ranked as our #1 2022 Alabama prospect, and for good reason. Alexander has ridiculously good pass rush technique that has allowed him into any team’s backfield with ease. Against the run, Alexander is just as dominant, consistently wrapping up running backs behind the line of scrimmage. With his bend, power, speed, and pursuit, Alexander is going to become a big-time player for Alabama after he wraps up his senior year at Thompson! <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125463" first="Justice" last="Finkley"]- </strong>|6’2 255| |Hewitt-Trussville| Finkley had a fantastic junior season last fall with 82 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and four sacks. Finkley demonstrates tremendous abilities against both the run and pass, seemingly always making plays in the backfield. With his incredible speed at his size, he is always a threat on the field no matter where the ball might be. Heading into his final season, Finkley has attracted tons of national attention with some standout offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, and more <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125529" first="Peter" last="Woods"]- </strong>|6’3 275| |Thompson| Woods is currently seen as not only one of the best defensive linemen in the 2023 class but is seen as one of the best prospects as a whole as well. As a sophomore, Woods posted 30 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in only 6 games last fall. Woods is a big-time player with a ridiculous set of skills at his age who is only going to become even more dominant. Currently, Woods lists offers from nearly everyone, featuring the likes of  Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, and more <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125530" first="Tomarrion" last="Parker"]- </strong>|6’4 235| |Central| Parker had a monstrous sophomore season last fall after contributing 57 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks towards his defense. Parker has a fantastic build he uses to his advantage, his long arms allow him to fly by offensive linemen. With his speed, size, and set of pass rush moves, Parker will continue to ruin offenses in the 7A for the next two seasons before he sets off for the next level. Currently, Parker lists offers from everyone, including Florida, Georgia, Penn State, and more. &nbsp; <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>LINEBACKERS</strong></span></em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125491" first="Powell" last="Gordon"]- </strong>|6’3 215| |Auburn| Gordon lined up at both inside linebacker and defensive end last year but seems to have found a home at ILB. Last fall, Gordon was making plays everywhere, with 88 total tackles and 14 sacks, he was effective in nearly every aspect of his position. Gordon is phenomenal against the run, consistently hitting the gap and meeting the runningback with force, and on top of that, when asked to blitz the quarterback, Gordon has been able to produce greatly as well. Gordon has recently committed to his hometown school of Auburn. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125497" first="Brad" last="Harper"]- </strong>|6’1 210| |Auburn| Harper has played alongside [player_tooltip player_id="125491" first="Powell" last="Gordon"] in the same linebacker corp, and it has been impossible for offenses to get by the two. Harper posted 81 tackles, including 14 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks last fall. Harper has great sideline to sideline ability, seemingly always finding his way to the ball carrier to deliver big hits. Currently, Harper has offers listed from Kansas, Georgia State, Austin Peay, and more as he heads back to Auburn for his senior season! &nbsp; <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>DEFENSIVE BACKS</strong></span></em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125520" first="Tony" last="Mitchell"]- </strong>|6’2 180| |Thompson| Mitchell is another 2023 prospect that is not only considered one of the best overall players in the state but the country as well. As a sophomore, it is ridiculous to see what he is capable of. Mitchell possesses great size, speed, hands, and vision. Throwing in Mitchell’s vicinity is asking for either an incompletion or turnover, creating havoc for offenses across the state. Mitchell currently lists offers from nearly everyone in the country, with powerhouses like Alabama, LSU, and Clemson dying to add him to their 2023 class. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125427" first="Trequon" last="Fegans"]- </strong>|6’2 181| |Thompson| Fegans has been turning heads in the national recruiting scene for a while now, which makes sense given he is one of the top cornerbacks in the 2022 class. Fegans possesses great abilities at his position with his fantastic speed, great hands, vision, and coverage skills. Recently transferring from Oxford to Thompson, Fegans looks to show off his incredible talent at the 7A level before heading to Miami next year! <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125521" first="Jahlil" last="Hurley"]- </strong>|6’2 170| |Florence| Hurley is another one of the extremely talented defensive backs from the 2023 class. With his great aggressive play off of the line of scrimmage, Hurley doesn’t allow any receptions in his area when in man coverage, he locks down his side of the field with ease. When the offense does test him, more often than not he responds with a pass breakup or interception. Another national recruit, Hurley lists offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, and more.<span style="font-size: 1rem;">2022 offers from Arkansas, Texas, Penn State, and more.</span> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125435" first="Rodney" last="Johnson"]- </strong>|5’11 160| |Gadsen City| Johnson has steadily become a great defensive leader for Gadsen City, while at the same time, has become an excellent man-to-man corner. Johnson has great ability to punch the ball out, and constantly tires out receivers, making it incredibly frustrating for offenses to plan around him. Currently, Johnson lists offers from Penn State, South Carolina, Texas, and more. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125437" first="Trevor" last="Hardy"]- </strong>|6’2 175| |Thompson| Hardy has been another elite contributor to Thompson’s loaded secondary. Hardy has shown his ability to be a hybrid safety, he's just as good at stopping the run as he is in pass coverage. Using his great size Hardy punishes ball carriers and overpowers recievers, making him a player you do not want to put the ball near. Recently, Hardy committed to the Memphis Tigers, as he looks to finish up his senior year at Thompson this fall!