Film Evaluation: Georgia’s Leaders in Sacks
One of the most exciting statistics to track in all of football, is that of the leaders in sacks. In all levels of football, players manage to pull off incredible defensive seasons, and some players even put up gaudy numbers.…
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Continue ReadingOne of the most exciting statistics to track in all of football, is that of the leaders in sacks. In all levels of football, players manage to pull off incredible defensive seasons, and some players even put up gaudy numbers. This 2020 football season throughout the state of Georgia has proven to be as exciting as we could have expected it to be, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Take a look below, and you will see our evaluation on some of the state’s leading sack leaders.
J’Shawn Baker- (14 Sacks) Brooks County
When you watch Baker’s film, it comes as no surprise as to why he has had a successful season so far, with 14 total sacks. While Baker does not play against the best competition, he performs the way he is supposed to by dominating his competition. When the ball is snapped, Baker can be seen to be a bit of an explosive player off of the edge. He dips his shoulders well to move past blocks, and he finds ways to turn the corner very well. His length helps him to get to ball carriers, as well as the QB, and helps him to have a ton of success with sacks in the backfield. While we expect him to continue to have a great season, we also advise that he continues to focus and work on his ability to bend, as to be less stiff at times. This will help him significantly if he hopes to play at the next level.
Hudson Tucker- (13 Sacks) Camden County
Measuring in at 6’3, 240 pounds, Hudson Tucker certainly looks the part. What helps, is that he plays that way too. Listed as second in the state in sacks, Tucker has already listed 13 sacks, and his ability to get to the QB continues to amaze spectators. His speed off of the ball caught the eye of Tennessee Tech coaches to the point of which he is currently committed to their program. He hits with power, and also shows the ability to sink and bend around the corner in pursuit. With this, he reads plays very well, and does not have too much limited movement. This will certainly help him at the next level if he can continue to develop into the impactful player that he can become.
Jamari Jones- (11 Sacks) Terrell County
Jamari Jones has continued to show that his ability to play football at a high level is not determined by a specific position that he plays. While he is listed as a DB, Terrell County often times lines him up on the edge. Being that he has accumulated 11 sacks so far this season, this is not a bad thing. Jones displays the ability to be quick, allowing him to fly to ball carriers, as well as the QB. With this, he has good footwork, and explosion, making it hard for certain linemen to keep up with him. Jones also uses his hands effectively too, and finds himself winning battles due to this. Due to the fact that Jones is a senior this season, one can only hope that his high level of production has continued to flash and impress coaches at the next level.
Jibran Hawkins Jibran Hawkins 6'3" | 245 lbs | DL Discovery | 2021 State GA – (9 Sacks) Discovery High School
Ole Miss commit, Jibran Hawkins Jibran Hawkins 6'3" | 245 lbs | DL Discovery | 2021 State GA , has also had a stellar football season. So far, he has totaled 9 sacks, and he continues to shine for his team. Not only does Hawkins use his frame, and height to his advantage, but his ability to play fast, and sound football at that size is what makes all of the difference. Hawkins is explosive off of the line of scrimmage, and his use of his hands always allows him to win battles on the line. With this, he is also fast, and athletic enough in pursuit to make big time plays. His uncanny ability to get to the QB, regardless of if the QB scrambles, is what makes Hawkins a great player. Whether he is making a tackle or not, his ability to disrupt the offense in itself often times leads to a positive play for the defense.
Kayden McDonald Kayden McDonald 6'0" | 290 lbs | DL North Gwinnett | 2023 State GA – (9 Sacks) North Gwinnett High
So far this season, Kayden McDonald Kayden McDonald 6'0" | 290 lbs | DL North Gwinnett | 2023 State GA has also seen a ton of success. So far, he has 9 sacks, and is receiving offers from schools such as UGA, Michigan State, and Tennessee. At 6’3, 325 pounds, McDonald finds a way to react very quickly to the play at hand, and stops all offensive progress before it even begins. Not only is he already showing signs of explosion off of the line of scrimmage, but he is showing the ability to constantly pressure the QB. This has resulted in his 9 sacks, as well as other positive plays for his defense. Along with this, McDonald is also great at plugging holes, making it difficult for the offense to establish a successful running game. All of these traits are super impressive given his age. Look for him to continue to receive more offers as the season comes to a close.