Video: Top 5 returning tacklers in 2015-16
See highlights of the top junior tacklers last season.In this age of high-octane offense and boatloads of scoring, the players on the hot seat are the defenders.
Here are the five most prolific tacklers returning from the 2014 season based on statistics provided to MaxPreps. These guys combined for a staggering 1,103 tackles last season.
1. Alex Hix, Locust Grove (Okla.)The 6-foot, 185-pound middle linebacker recorded 236 tackles last season — second in the nation overall — including 99 solo tackles. He opened the year with a season-high 28 in a season-opening 46-0 win over Salina. Hix had at least 20 tackles in five games and added eight sacks.
2. Trevor Taylor, Locust Grove (Okla.)It's remarkable that the Pirates have the top two returning tacklers. They went 13-1 last season, losing in the state 3A semifinals. Taylor had 227 tackles — ranking fourth nationally — including 102 solo. The 5-11, 190-pounder averaged 17.5 tackles per game, recorded eight sacks and had a high game of 38 tackles, including 23 solo, in a 40-32 win over Berryhill.
3. Payton Marksbury, Boonville (Ind.)
Garrett Hooker, Ledford
Courtesy 247Sports
The 6-foot, 220-pound running back and linebacker recorded a remarkable 221 tackles — sixth nationally – but in just 10 games, meaning he averaged a national-best 22.1 per game. He finished with a flurry, posting 99 tackles in his last four games.
4. Samuel Morton, Strafford (Mo.)The 5-11, 185-pound inside linebacker ranked 13th in the nation last year with 210 tackles and 16.2 per game for the 12-1 Indians. He had a season-high 30 tackles in a season-ending loss to Lamar.
5. Garrett Hooker, Ledford (Thomasville, N.C.)The 6-3, 225-pound middle linebacker ranked 15th nationally with 207 tackles for his 7-5 squad. He had four games of 20 or more tackles, including 22 twice. Hooker has committed to North Carolina State.
