Skull crushing tackles, lock down coverage, and spectacular interceptions are the highlights of good defensive play. Pike County area schools will have more than their share of shut down talent on the defensive side of the ball in 2011. Here are some names quarterbacks are sure to have their eyes on before the ball is snapped.

Brian Cobb, LB, Zion Chapel
Cobb is a three year starter for the Rebels and is looked at as the quarterback of the defense. He has good lateral movement and can defend from sideline to sideline.

LaMarcus Adair, Safety, Zion Chapel
Adair will probably have the most athletic talent of anyone on the field. He is a legitimate shut down cover man and can also fight off a defender to make a tackle against the run game.

Tanner Free, DL, Pike Liberal Arts
Free averaged just over three tackles a game for the Patriots in 2010. He is a big player that can eat up space and draw a lot of attention from offensive linemen clearing space for his linebackers.

Marcus Stephens, LB, Pike Liberal Arts
Stephens is a very active player and like to fly after the ball. Coaches say it seems like he is involved in every play.

Joey Denison, LB, Charles Henderson
Denison could very well be the most physical player in the area. Sniffs out the football like no other player on the field and can wreak havoc on an opponents running game.

Devin Davenport, OLB, Charles Henderson
Davenport is one of the areas most improved players. A good off-season is sure to payoff for the Trojans’ linebacker. He is athletic enough to play pass coverage in the flats and strong enough to step up an stop the run.

Tyshin Dawson, DB, Pike County
The strength of the Bulldogs defense will be its secondary in 2011 and Dawson is a big part of why. Dawson’s speed and agility will keep opposing quarterback second guessing in the passing game.

Isaiah McGuire, DL, Pike County
At 6-2, 270 pounds McGuire can hold his own on the interior. Mix in help from Bishop Caple on the Bulldog defensive front and McGuire could be set for a breakout year. Head coach Rodney Dollar feels Isaiah could play big role in 2011.