7A Semifinals Defensive Sleepers

Josh White November 24, 2021 @ 12:58 PM

With the playoffs underway, Prep Redzone got out to games and got our eyes on the top games from across the state. Here we focus on 7A. While there were some big-time performances, here we focus on the defensive side of the ball. Here's who stood out in the Semi-Finals. Makhi Gilbert DE Central High School 2022 Gilbert was a disruptive force on the line in this semifinal matchup against Auburn. His quickness allowed him to get advantages on lineman, shoot gaps, and make plays in the backfield. In addition, he showed enough strength to shred blockers with bull rushes. This strength also enables Gilbert to play as an interior lineman were he’s able to plug gaps and collapse pockets. https://twitter.com/oanewspreps/status/1462078788712472577?s=20 Jordan Blaze DE Auburn 2023 Blaze showed an elite first step and constantly won with speed when coming off the edge. He continually creates pressure by bending the edge and gaining angles on opposing tackles. He also possesses a nice wingspan that allows him to have long arm blockers. Showed discipline when containing and setting the edge and maintained outside leverage throughout the game. DJ Estes SS Hoover 2023 Estes is a physical safety who is an enforcer in the secondary. As run supporter, he tackles with physicality and is decisive when flowing to the ball. He plays with a lineman mentality and anticipates the snap when blitzing from the slot or safety position. Estes will excel at the next level as a nickel corner in a multiple look scheme that will allow him to line up in various positions and make plays. [player_tooltip player_id="125530" first="Tomarrion" last="Parker"] DE Central 2023 Parker is one of the better rushes in the 2023 class and showed that during Friday’s matchup against Auburn. He has college ready size and a very quick first step that allows him to dominate matchups. He was very physical at the point of attack and uses his hands well to get free of blocks. Also tackles with authority in the open field and lets his presence be known. Did a good job of playing the QB on option plays and keeping containment. https://twitter.com/oanewspreps/status/1461900183504101381?s=20 Damion Tharp LB Central 2022 Tharp is a linebacker who can lead and serve as an anchor of any defense. His elite speed is shown when controlling edge, flowing sideline to sideline, or attacking downhill on blitzes. He is also very disciplined with assignments and eliminated the opposing QB run/draw threat by shadowing him and shutting down running lanes. Tharp has elite speed and a tenacity that will transfer well at Georgia State next fall.