To wrap up this week’s defensive top performers, I have Stephen Whitehead Stephen Whitehead 6'2" | 230 lbs | RB Madison Southern | 2024 KY . Stephen played a key role on Madison Southern’s win over Madison Central, finishing with 12 tackles, four tackles for loss, and one sack. Whitehead lines up at linebacker where he does a great job of reading his keys and getting downhill in a hurry against the run. He does a great job of fighting through blocks on his way to the ball carrier and is a very reliable tackler once he gets there. Whitehead has also shown the ability to use his speed to shoot through his gap and into the backfield before opposing offensive linemen have a chance to block him. He also finished the game as his team’s leading rusher with 15 carries for 92 yards. Stephen doesn’t currently hold any offers but he deserves some attention from college coaches as he has the talent to play somewhere at the next level.

A long, rangy and high-energy edge player, Whitehead primarily aligns as a 5-technique defender, alternates play from both a two-point and three-point stance, and displays the consistent blow delivery, separation and vision to make plays in a wide variety of ways. From a looser, “ghost” alignment off the frame of the offensive tackle, he proves accomplished at getting vertical, engaging the blocker and redirecting back underneath when his vision/key confirms an inside run, and even when the near lineman turns out toward him in an Iso or Zone blocking scheme, he displays the strength to hold his ground and even compress/constrict the intended running lane with pad level and leverage. In only 7 total games of the Eagles’ 2022 campaign, he collected 30 solo tackles, 41 assists, 11 tackles for loss, 3 sacks 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries, proving himself a competitive and high-motor defensive presence very difficult to run away from. Likewise, he also displays the athleticism and versatility needed to contribute offensively with 64 rushing attempts, 394 yards on the ground and 4 touchdowns last season. Also a consistently impactful player on special teams, college programs seeking an addition with exceptional potential and the willingness to contribute in any/all phases of the game will want to reach out and follow his progression in 2023.