A glut of all-conference players return to the field this high school football season.
Pana’s Isaiah Harbert summoned more than 100 tackles last season while a few others approached the century mark defensively.
Here are the State Journal-Register’s top defensive players among the small schools in the Springfield area, listed in no particular order:
Next level: Here are 78 college football players to follow from the Springfield area for 2024
Clark Nelson, New Berlin
The senior defensive end wreaked havoc with 51 tackles, including 10 for loss. He was named all-Sangamo Conference first team defensively and honorable mention offensively. He pulled down 29 catches for 385 yards and six TDs while rushing for 282 yards and four scores — not to mention a couple of kickoff returns for a TD. Lineman Cash Thomas adds depth to the defensive front, along with linebackers Charlie Neuman and Gabe Lyons.
Will Bushong/Josh Harris, Athens
The senior duo will carry the mantle on the defensive front after claiming second place in Class 2A last season. Bushong was named all-Sangamo honorable mention defensively and returns at nose guard. Harris will saddle up at defensive tackle. Both Brodee Rector and Davis Ishmael were also starters in the secondary last season.
Opening day: High school football practices returned on August 12
Nate Dyer, Carlinville
The senior defensive back loomed large with 99 tackles, including 12 ½ for loss and 5 ½ sacks. He also forced three fumbles, recovered two and nabbed one interception and was named all-South Central Conference second team.
Isaiah Harbert, Pana
The senior starred on both sides of the ball and ended up on the State Journal-Register’s all-area defensive team last season. He totaled 121 tackles, while rushing for 845 yards and 16 touchdowns on 172 carries. He was named all-SCC first team…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/small-schools-stack-defense-around-080240531.html
Author : The State Journal-Register
Publish date : 2024-08-19 08:02:40
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