Go Friday Night

In Tatum's Defense

By Lew
December 6, 2005

By GABRIEL D. BROOKS
Longview News-Journal

Thursday, December 01, 2005

Tatum's offensive expectations entering the 2005 season weren't as high as the year before when the Eagles had Stephen Hodge back for his senior year as well as a veteran line. Although this year's offense has more than sufficed, it's been the defense that has been the Eagles' hallmark in 2005.

“Going into this year, we had a lot more kids coming back on defense than on offense,'' said Tatum head coach Andy Evans. “We felt like our defense would be our strongest unit.�

It's been just that. During the regular season, Tatum allowed only 10.6 points per game. The Eagles have given up no more than 20 points in a game all year.

The Eagles (12-0) have not slacked off in the playoffs, allowing 12.7 points per game in the three victories that have brought them to the Class 3A, Division II, Region II final against Canton (12-1) Friday at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

What has been particularly impressive is the transformation the Tatum defense has seen from the first half to the second. When the Eagles return to the field after halftime, a good defense turns into an impenetrable one.

Of the 38 points Tatum has allowed in the playoffs, only six of them have come in the second half.

Headlining the Eagle defense is a quintet of senior Division I prospects, all of whom pull double duty on offense when needed. Linebacker Daylon McCoy, safety Carson Blackmon, cornerback Teo Freeney, tackle Isaiah Thompson and end Clarence Leatch all have received attention from major college programs over the past few weeks.

Evans said the players have handled the situation well.

“They've treated it (the recruiting process) very maturely,'' the coach explained. “They're not worried much with any of that.�

Jeremy Crabtree, a national recruiting analyst for recruiting source Rivals.com, said Tatum's five prospects are each being well pursued.

Blackmon gave an oral commitment to Houston in June. He's the only of the five to commit, and is likely to move to cornerback with his 5-10, 159-pound frame and 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash.

“If he was 5-11 or 6-0, he would have the Big 12 schools after him,'' Crabtree said. “He's a physical kid that likes to come up and support the run, but he also can do some things in the secondary.''

Oral commitments are non-binding. The first day a recruit can sign a national letter-of-intent is Feb. 1.

The 6-4, 315-pound Thompson heads the list of Tatum prospects, said Crabtree. “We have Isaiah ranked the highest at this point. One thing college coaches can't teach is size, and he's got the build and the frame.''

McCoy, who has been a 6-0, 187-pound sideline-to-sideline ballhawk at middle linebacker, is expected to move to safety in college.

“We saw him at the Nike training camp (in Fort Worth),� Crabtree said. “He's got himself a good frame, and he's always around the football. You can't coach the nose for the football.''

McCoy ran a time of 4.62 at the camp that was held in April, which tied him for 62nd out of 269 players who attended the event. He returned an interception 65 yards for Tatum's first score in last week's 28-19 win over Madison.

Freeney, A 5-11, 165-pound cornerback-receiver with 4.4 speed, has recently gained attention from recruiters, according to both Evans and Crabtree.

Leatch has also come on strong in his senior season after earning district newcomer of the year honors last season.

“He's definitely played himself into a Division I recruit,� Crabtree said.

Leatch, who also plays tight end, will likely be used as a speed pass-rusher in college. At 6-5, 210 pounds with 4.65 speed, he made an acrobatic pass rush-turned-screen pass interception last week against Madison. He has 10 sacks this season.

But they aren't the only ones making this season's defensive clinic possible.

Lennon Creer sees extensive time on defense, as do junior receiver/cornerback Darnius Moore and linebackers Justin Greene, Eric Kirkland and Donquell Davenport. Greenwood recovered a fumble in the win over Madison.

Dominique Adams, Byron Harkless and Michael Hill aid the secondary, while sophomores Bryce Beall, a linebacker, and safety Chance Blackmon have made key plays on both sides of the ball. Adam Tubbleville, Brandon Arthur, Bronderrick Greenwood and Jonathon Humphries each contribute up front. Humphries had a sack, two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery last week, while Greenwood also recovered a fumble.

All of these players have helped Tatum hold opponents to an average of 58 second-half yards during the playoffs and 12 forced turnovers. Evans said the defense is pretty tight as a unit.

“I think Daylon and Carson are probably the two vocal leaders,� Evans said. “But, they all are that way. It's a pretty tight-knit group.''

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