Top defensive talent returns for football season

As the 2023 season is approaching and teams are preparing to begin practice, it is time to get excited about the new season.

Teams begin play in less than a month, and the Hartselle Enquirer is highlighting some of the best returning offensive players in the area.

Jake Haynes, SR – Hartselle
Haynes, a three-year starter at linebacker, holds multiple offers heading into the 2023 season. He finished last season with a team-high 111 tackles, five tackles for loss and three sacks. He also had four pass breakups.

Peyton Steele, SR – Hartselle
Steele, a University of Alabama baseball signee and four-year starter, headlines a deep defensive backfield for the Tigers. He finished with 110 tackles with three tackles for loss. He also had three interceptions and eight pass breakups.

Jakaleb Goodwin, SR – Hartselle
Goodwin, a four-year starter, is part of a talented cornerback tandem for the Tigers. He finished with 69 tackles and five interceptions last season. He led the team with 18 pass breakups.

Drake Borden, SR – Hartselle
Borden, a three-year starter, is the other half of the talented cornerback duo. He led the team with six interceptions and finished with 52 tackles.

Porter Simmons, JR – Hartselle
Simmons, a three-year starter, leads the way on the Hartselle defensive line. The 6-5 240-pound defensive end led the team with 27 quarterback hurries and was second on the team with 16 tackles for loss. He finished with 89 tackles and four sacks.

Levi Lynn, SR – Falkville
Lynn, a two-year starter, is the Blue Devils’ leading returning tackler after he finished with 90 tackles last season. He also had 10 tackles for loss and five sacks last season.

Malachi Collett, SR – Falkville
Collett, a two-year starter, finished with 89 tackles last season. He also had seven tackles for loss and four sacks last season.

Matthew Tidwell, SO – Danville
Tidwell, a two-year starter, finished with 80 tackles and 15 tackles for loss last season.

Connor Kirby, SR – Brewer
Kirby, a two-year starter, finished with 125 tackles to lead the Patriots last season.