Spence and Co. Presents The Top 50 East Texas Linebackers since 2000

Apologies up front. I thought Clint Ingram was 1999. His last season was 2000. Ingram left Hallsville to ball out for Oklahoma where he became a 3rd round draft pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Just looking at this title is laughable, because just how in the fuck do you rank the best 50 East Texas Linebackers over a 25 year period. So here's the formula: 1. Go back to Smoaky and look at News-Journals All East Texas teams since 2003 (you won't find 2001 or 02.) 2. Write all of the linebackers down. 3. Research their high school numbers, if they're younger, go watch their hudl highlights. If you can't find tape or numbers, go research what they did in college. 4. Based off their resumes or tapes, give them a grade. 5. Put them in order of their grades. Here we go.

JK Davis is as athletic as any linebacker on this list, and was a baller for Chapel Hill in 2021. As a sophomore he was a backup and caught varsity action later in the year. He made 13 tackles. In 2020, as a junior, Davis made 45 tackles while also spending time on the offensive side of the ball at running back. As a senior, Davis led the defense in 2021. Partnered with Brack Dyer, another outstanding linebacker, Davis made 136 tackles, 8 for loss and 5 sacks with a fumble forced. Davis can absolutely fly and used that stellar athleticism to make plays for the Bulldogs.

In 2016, Allison was First-Team All-District after 68 tackles and 1 forced fumble his sophomore year. As a junior Allison's game jumped to 118 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles. That year he was named honorable mention All-State. As a senior Allison split time at running back and had 89 tackles, 2 interceptions and had a forced fumble. He signed with Syracuse, redshirted in 2018 and transferred.

Michael Washington started his career out as a sophomore defensive end for the Mavericks. As a senior, Washington stepped back a step and became a linebacker. He put on for the Mavs. Washington had over a 100 tackles, as he displayed the skill set to do a little bit of everything for the Mavs. Naturally, he could pass rush, but his skills dropping into zones is what impressed scouts, and Washington signed with Southern Arkansas out of high school. 

In 2018, Ingram burst on the scene with a 117 tackles, 13 for loss, 5 sacks, 2 INTS, 2 PBU, 1 FF and 1 Def TD. All he did was back it up his senior year with 139 tackles, 17 for loss, 2 INTS, and 2 FR. Ingram played larger than his frame suggests, it'll be interesting to see his football career from here.

As a junior Reason had 191 tackles, 17 for loss, 7 sacks, 19 pressures, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 interception. He backed-doored his senior year with 192 tackles, 36 for loss, 4 sacks, 6 caused fumbles, 9 pass break ups and 8 pressures. There's no info about Reason playing college football, but his numbers are undeniable from this lists.

Walker came out of the gates smoking as a sophomore earning District Newcomer of the year after 130 tackles, 9 sacks and 17 pressures, being named 2nd Team All East Texas. As a junior, those numbers improved to 132 tackles, 8 sacks, 34 pressures and 3 FF, being named first team All East Texas. As a senior, Walker was District Defensive Player of the years after a 65 tackle, 3 sack performance.

Shelley was a monster at linebacker for The Pack on that 2001 State Championship team. Shelley finished with 125 tackles that year. He was a monster in the middle, could cover from sideline to sideline and lower the boom when he got there. A very talented defense and linebacker core, Shelley may've been the test.

Daingerfield had a 3pete run back in 2008-10. In 2008, their best defensive player was 2A Defensive Player of the Year Carl Moore. Moore went off in 08 for 174 tackles, 34 for loss, 7 sacks, 9 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 pick 6 and 4 pass break ups.

A first team All-State linebacker in 2005, Justin Smart was the best defensive player on two teams that went on to play 15 games in both 2004 and 2005. Smart was selected to play in the THSCA All-Star game as well as being named first team All-District and Region. 

Another 6'1 205 mean mf, in the middle of Lufkin's defense who absolutely punished opponents. He got a chance to play early in 2001 on the state team and took over as a starter in 02. His junior year he had 65 tackles, 9 for loss and 4 sacks. As a senior in just 11 games he finished with 66 tackles, 16 for loss and 5 sacks.

Henson made the most out of his senior year racking up 129 tackles, 13 for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 2 blocked kicks. That stat line was good enough to get him named to 2nd Team 5A All-State. Henson selected TCU coming out of high school and produced. After a redshirt year, Henson started 3 years in a row. All 3 of those years he was selected honorable mention Mountain West Conference. In his senior year, he was named 1st team MWC after a 73 tackle, sack and 2 interceptions. His college efforts were enough for him to get drafted by the Washington Redskins in the 6th round in 2009.

Klayton Ingram is a 3 year letterman for Carthage from 2022-24. As a full time starter in 2023, Ingram made 132 tackles, 18 for loss, 9 sacks and 3 interceptions as the Bulldogs lost before the state championship, a rare occurrence. As a senior, Ingram was a part of one of the best front 7's in East Texas history. He made 91 tackles, 26 for loss and 5 sacks. Ingram's a 2 time All-Smoaky player as well as finishing 47 as a junior and 29 as a senior on my Top 100 List.  

Van had a tackling machine in 2021 and 2022 in Beau Barton. A two time All East Texas and two Time All State selection, Barton made his debut in 2020. As a sophomore, Barton had 50 tackles and 3 sacks in his first varsity action. As a junior he added 100 tackles to that to finish with 150 tackles, 33 for loss, and 9 sacks. As a senior, Barton ran it up again with 161 tackles, 41 for loss, and 10 sacks. An insane amount of production for a linebacker for 2 solid Van teams. Barton finished 91 as a junior and 34 as a senior on my Top 100 List.

Christian Bates was a bad man. He was an old school style linebacker playing from 2019-21. In 2019, Bates finished with 148 tackles, 24 for loss, and 2 sacks. As a junior, Bates came back with 107 tackles, 10 for loss, 3 sacks while also playing both ways as a guard. As a senior, Bates finished with 116 tackles, 10 for loss, 6 pass breaks ups and 2 fumbles forced. Bates had a rare combination of size, speed and hit power. His tackles look like video game hits. One of the best hitters in East Texas history.

Malik Estell's brother received the majority of the love and hype out of high school, and rightfully so. Montrell Estell went on to Texas as a highly touted WR/S. But the better high school football player, that's an open debate. Malik made 169 tackles, 3 sacks, and forced 6 fumbles as a junior. He was the district's Defensive MVP. As a senior, Estell came back with 144 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 INTs, 3 PBUs, 2 forced fumbles and 2 blocked kicks. Over 300 tackles in 2 seasons for a kid that could flat out ball. 

One of my favorite linebackers to cover since the making of my top 100, Darrin Finley was a baller in 2020 and 2021. A two time Top 100 selection, Finley finished as #96 in 2020 at outside linebacker. Finley's coverage skills allowed him flourish on the perimeter. As a senior, Finley moved to inside backer and his skill set really showed. At 6'2 230, Finley could meet you in the hole, and with his background, seatbelt running backs out of the backfield. Finley finished as my #11 player in 2021 for East Texas. 

Dodd was a 2-Time 2 year All-State player who was also was named first team All-East Texas in 2004. As a junior, Dodd finished 3rd Team All East Texas, and as a senior was named first team All-East Texas. Dodd set the tackles record that was later broken by Jett Jones in 2020. Dodd went on to play at Snow College, before moving on to Weber St. to finish his career.

Ryan Epperson had an outstanding career for Brownsboro from 2003-2006. In that span Epperson made 523 tackles. He went on to play at SFA where he was an immediate help to the linebacker position and lettered and played every year of his career. Epperson's junior year at Brownsboro was his biggest in high school. He was the Region Player of the Year after having 176 tackles. As a senior Epperson came back with 168 tackles. A tackling machine.

Davis was a 2 Star out of Crockett who put up monster stats during his 2 years as a varsity player. He was all-district his junior season after a 118 tackles and 4 interceptions. His senior year he was District MVP after 148 tackles, 8 for loss, and 4 interceptions. He was named All-State and went on to SMU. Davis went on to SMU and became a 4 year starter. He notched over 300 tackles during his career with the Mustangs. He bounced around in the league from Houston to New England but eventually found a home in the CFL. 

D'Caanan Sueing is as solid as they come. He was a 3 year starter for the Lions, and each year grew his game. Sueing is a 3 time district honoree, making first team in both 22 and 23. In 2024, he was named the District's Defensive MVP. As a sophomore, in 8 games, Sueing finished with 94 tackles for the Lions. As a junior, he upped that number to 102 tackles, and as a senior Sueing finished 131 tackles, 5 for loss, 3 forced fumbles and an interception. Tyler's scheme wasn't to blitz linebackers. Sueing had to make reads every play from his spot and react. He's a hunter. He signed with TJC this spring.

Malik Cannon started his career at Jefferson High School and was a baller for them immediately. As a sophomore, Cannon made 95 tackles, 4 for loss and 2 sacks. He also played running back, where he had 364 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. In 2018, Cannon had another big year making 140 tackles, 9 for loss, 3 sacks, 2 pbus, and 1 forced fumble. After an eventful offseason that led him to moving to Longview, he had an outstanding season in 2019. Cannon finished 2019 with a stuffed stat sheet making 99 tackles, 18 for loss, 7 sacks, 6 pass break ups, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery for one of the best statistical defense in Lobo History in 2019.

Roberts style of play matched his name. Mandela put the man in Mandela. At 6' 220, Roberts was 2nd Team All-State his senior year after a 128 tackle performance his senior year. He signed with Indiana and played 2 seasons with the Hoosiers before discontinuing his career. 

One of the hidden gems in East Texas history is Jessie Harrison from Paul Pewitt. Back in the early 2000s, Harrison was busy winning Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year in 2A at running back and linebacker. In his senior year, Harrison ran for 2,371 yards and 30 TDs while on defense adding 151 tackles and 11 sack. That's an elite level of ironman football.

Back in 2012, Daingerfield made another state run after winning 3 in a row from 2008-10. In 2012, Bryant was the man. He finished with 212 tackles, 22 tackles for losses, three sacks and two forced fumbles as a junior in 2012. As a senior those numbers dropped, but Bryant still recorded 120 tackles, 17 tackles for losses, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception for the Tigers as a senior in 2013.

Chan Amie had one of the greatest careers in Prep history. As a junior Amie had 216 tackles, 36 for loss, 12 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 pass breaks ups, 2 interceptions, one which he returned for a touchdown. As a senior he replicated that effort with 206 tackles, 44 for loss, 9 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 3 pass breaks ups and 6 pressures. That's an outstanding stat line, but imagine doing that with 252 carries for 2,672 yards and 39 touchdowns. Both are those stat lines are simply ridiculous, especially for someone 5'11 170 pounds. Here lies the controversy with the classification he and Mike Reason played in. If they can repeatedly but up stat lines like this, their level of competition wasn't high enough. 

Braxton Jones is one of the few in East Texas to start on their varsity as a freshman. For Nac, in 2020, Braxton Jones was the District's Defensive Newcome of the Year after making 68 tackles, 4 for loss and 4 sacks. That spring, Jones took a handoff in practice and tore his ACL. As a a junior, Jones full rehabilitated, came back on a mission. He finished with 130 tackles, 4 for loss, 2 sacks, 1 ff, and 1fr. As a senior, Jones had his best season. Jones had 163 tackles, 20 for loss, 6 sacks, 1 interception and 4 forced fumbles.  

Isaiah Dowden is one of my personal favorites on this list. Dowden finished as the number 9 player on my list in 2022, and in 2023 he finished as number 36. As far as the run game goes, Dowden can shut it all down. He makes exceptional reads, and once he diagnoses the ball and scheme, it's over. As a junior, Dowden made 96 tackles, 15 for loss, and 2 sacks. As a senior, Dowden upped the numbers to 118 tackles, 22 for loss, 2 sacks and a pbu.

Lee's 2010 was huge as he starred on both sides of the ball his senior year for his 13-2 Chapel Hill team. On the defensive side of the ball Lee had 178 tackles, 13 for loss, 6 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, 3 interceptions, 5 pass breaks ups. He was the 17-3A MVP, as well as First Team All-State at linebacker. He ran for 1,443 yards and 23 touchdowns. At UNT he was a 3 year starter who earned All-Conference notifications as well.

A Prep All-American, 3 year starter, two time All-State, and one time All East-Texas, Dustin Earnest was a baller. Through his 3 year career Earnest made 352 tackles, 29 for loss, 9 sacks, 3 FF, and 8 FR. As a sophomore he was named all-district after a 48 tackle, 5 for loss, 2 sacks and 3 FR. His junior year was huge as he was named 2nd Team All-State with 164 tackles, 13 for loss, 2 sacks and 2 defensive touchdowns in 12 games. His senior year was just as impressive going for 140 tackles, 11 for loss, 5 sacks, a forced fumble and 3 fumble recoveries. After playing in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, Earnest headed to Texas where he played 50 games and started 4, being used as a special teams player and key reserve.

Thompson was a 3 year starter who turned into a Prep All-American and was voted all state first team twice and is a 3 time All East-Texas selection. As a sophomore Thompson was 2nd Team All East Texas after a 102 tackles, 10 for loss, 1 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 4 interceptions and 1 pass break up. As a junior, Thompson was named second team All-State after 144 tackles, 21 for loss, 6 sacks, 3 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries with 6 pass break ups. As a senior he was named East Texas Defensive MVP and 3A Defensive Player of the Year after closing in on his second state title with Carthage. He recorded 126 tackles, 15 for loss, 5 pass break ups, 4 interceptions and scored 2 defensive touchdowns. He was also State defensive MVP after an 11 tackle and one forced fumble in the state game. Thompson was a major contributor at Texas his first 3 years before suffering a career-ending injury. In 3 years, Thompson played in 37 games and started 7 of them.

McCoy had a prolific career at Tatum. A 3 year starter, McCoy was named All-State twice and All-East Texas twice. His senior year, McCoy was named Texas 3a Defensive Player of the Year. He had 150 tackles and 2 interceptions that he housed as a senior. He was a key part of a defense that won a State Championship at Tatum. He went on to ULM where was productive. He arrived there as a safety and started at strong safety in one game. He ranked 10th in tackles as a freshman. His sophomore and junior years McCoy was back in the box at linebacker. He started 6 games as a sophomore and as a junior started the first 9 games of the year before going down with a knee injury. He had a big senior year for ULM, starting 12 games and racking 68 tackles, 1 FF and 1 FR.

Prep All-American who thrived at Longview High School. He was rated as a 4 star linebacker. Byrdsong had the look of the prototypical Mike Linebacker. At 6'2 230, not only did he seem to tower at his linebacker position, his weight gave him the look and feel of a defensive end. Byrdsong left Longview and headed to Mississippi State. After 3 seasons at Mississippi State, Byrdsong transferred to Northwestern State where he finished his career. He got his shot at the NFL with Buffalo, but Byrdsong made a living in Arena Leagues throughout the country.

Stephens was a 3 year varsity guy, who made his biggest splashes in 2001 and 2002. 44 was a consistent force on defense, flying from sideline to sideline. The nickname Boom wasn't by accident. Stephens was a missile that was aiming to decapitate. Stephens led the team in tackles his senior year on his way to being named 2nd Team All State in 5A football in the early 2000s. 

The 2003 Defensive MVP of his district and East Texas, Burns was held in high regards and was well sought out of Atlanta. Considered "the best [LB] in the state, Burns led Atlanta to the State Championship at both running back and linebacker that year. Burns signed with TJC coming out of school, but there's no record of what happened after.

After starting as a sophomore and winning a state championship in 2019, Lewis exploded onto the scene in 2020 and emerged as one of the more touted prospects in the nation. His junior season he finished with 140 tackles, 17 for loss, 4 sacks, 2 PBU, 1 FF, 2 FR and 1 INT. As a senior, Lewis had 108 tackles, 20 for loss and 6 sacks. 

Nick Martin was an absolute stud for Pleasant Grove both offensively and defensively. While receiving reps as one of the starters at running back, Martin made 128 tackles, 12 for loss and 6.5 sacks as a sophomore. As a junior, Martin came back even better with 113 tackles, 22.5 for loss, 6.5 sacks and forced 6 fumbles. As a senior, Martin balled again, making 110 tackles, 25 for loss, 10 sacks and 7 forced fumbles. Martin was All East Texas and All-Smoaky all 3 years of his hs career, and was the #24 player on my Top 100 in 2020.

A prep All-American, 2 time All-stater, All East-Texas and 3 time all district performer, Santos is one of the best from this area. He was named the top inside linebacker in his 2012 class. His sophomore year he had 90 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 pbus, 1 interception and forced a fumb;e. As a junior he was named honorable mention all state after 148 tackles, 17 for loss, 5 sacks and one interception. As a senior, Santos had 101 tackles, 19 for loss 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 1 interception that he housed for 6. At Texas, Santos backed up Steve Edmond for 3 years before injuring his shoulder missing his senior year. He decided to transfer to Louisiana Tech where he made 47 tackles during 12 games.

Da'Veon Ross is one of the best athletes to play the linebacker position in East Texas. At 6' 220, Ross was as fast as anyone on the turf. He was the true definition of sideline to sideline. As a junior, Ross made my top 100 at number 71 after 166 tackles, 111 of those solo, 12 for loss, and 6.5 sacks. Just when you think you can't do any better, Ross upped it as a senior. Leading the Bulldogs back to the state title game defensively, Ross made 172 tackles, 120 of them solos. He had 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks earning first team All-State honors.  

Boone Morris is a legendary defensive lineman in East Texas History, but as a senior he backed up to play full time linebacker, and add another legendary position to his status. As a senior, Boone Morris had 205 tackles. Of those 205, 162 of those tackles were solo, and 9 were for a loss. Morris had 2 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles as well. He signed with Kansas State where he redshirted in 2024. 

BOone is a 3 year starter who started out in the secondary, and make his way into the box his senior year. Boone's senior year is as special as a season performed here. Boone finished with 112 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 3 FF, 2 FR, 10 PBU, 5 INT, 1 BK, and 3 def TDs. He led the team in tackles on a team that went 5 rounds deep in 2022. 

Muckelroy was a 4 year starter at Hallsville who totaled 378 tackles, 33 for loss throughout his career. As a senior he was named 1st Team 4A All-State after 104 tackles, 12 for loss, 4 sacks, 2 FF and a FR. As a junior Muckelroy was named honorable mention all-state. In both his junior year and senior year he was first team All-East Texas as well as first team all-district. His junior year, Muckelroy was named first-team All-District at both running back and linebacker. As a sophomore Muckelroy had 108 tackles, 7 for loss, 2 sacks, 2 FF, 2 FR and an interception. Muckelroy went on to Texas where he started 30 of 41 games in Austin. Muckelroy was named All Big-12 second team and was drafted in the 4th round by the Cincinnati Bengals.

At 5'7 165 pounds, Lathan was a 3 year starter at Longview and set the school record for tackles during that span. He was East Texas Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore after a 101 tackles and an interception. He stepped up as the starter after Diop Johnson went down went an ACL sprain against Allen. His INT was one of the biggest plays in the 4th round matchup against Mesquite Horn in 2010. As a junior Lathan really made his mark recording, 188 tackles, 9 for loss, 3 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 2 pbus, 1 interception and 2 blocked kicks. That effort was good enough to be named 5A Defensive Player of the Year, as well as 1st Team All-American by Max Preps. His senior wasn't shabby either. Lathan finished with 138 tackles, 11 for loss, 1 fumble recovery, 8 pass break ups, 1 blocked kick. He finished his high school career with 416 tackles, 10 sacks, 33 tackles for loss, 14 pass break ups, 3 interceptions and 3 blocked kicks for Longview; all playing at the highest classification of football. For a career, Lathan recorded 427 tackles, destroying and resetting the tackle record at Longview.

An absolute star at the linebacker position, Taylor posses the speed, strength and tenacity to be an All-American. Tyshawn is the most infectious player on this list. Nobody else represented the heart and embodiment of a defense the way Taylor did.  He got the move up late his sophomore year and was absolutely terrific his junior year. In 16 games, he had 121 tackles, 15 for loss, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery. One of those fumbles he forced locked up the win in the 2018 State Championship Game. In 2019, Taylor stood tall as the team's leaders on one of the best defenses in school history. In 12 games, Tyshawn finished with 119 tackles, 19 for loss, and 7 sacks with 2 FF and 1 FR. That's 240 tackles, 34 for loss, 10 sacks, 4 FF and 2 FR in the last 2 seasons of his varsity career. 

A 3 year starter for Scott Surratt, Gates is one of the best linebackers to come through Carthage. As a sophomore Gates made First Team All-District after a 114 tackle, 4 for loss, 1 sack, 2 pass break ups, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery and 1 interception. As a junior and senior Gates made First Team All-East Texas and was the 2017 Defensive Player of the year. As a junior he had 160 tackles, 19 for loss, 2 pass breaks ups, 3 forced fumbles, 2 recoveries, and 1 interception. His senior year he made 165 tackles, 20 for loss, 3 sacks, 3 pass break ups, 3 forced fumbles, 3 recoveries, 1 for a touchdown and 1 interception. For a career that's 439 tackles, 43 for loss, 4 sacks, 7 pass break ups, 8 forced fumbles, 6 fumble recoveries, and 3 interceptions. 

As a sophomore Wilson stepped on the scene and produced immediately. He had 141 tackles as he was District Newcomer of the Year. As a junior Wilson was All-East Texas First Team after a tremendous year for the Bulldogs. He totaled 162 tackles, 12 for loss, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, 3 pass break ups, 4 blocked kicks and 3 fumble recoveries. As a senior he followed that amazing effort with 154 tackles, 10 for loss, 1 interception, 2 fumbles forced, 2 pass breaks ups. That effort was good enough to land him All-East Texas First Team. 

Kason Brooks just had the best season from a defender from Longview in 2024. Brooks got his start as a junior and produced immediately. He had over 90 tackles and really shined against Lufkin's Kedren Young. He had 13 tackles and handled tackling one of the best running backs in the nation, rather easily. As a senior, Brooks put up 165 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, a school record 16 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 4 interceptions, and 4 defensive touchdowns. Brooks was named first team 6a All State, East Texas Defensive Player of the year, and was my #2 Player on My Top 100 for 2024.

I've been told Warren was a defensive end at Tyler Lee, but since he played in 2002, I leaned on Rivals and 247 for my information, and they listed him as an outside linebacker. So at number 4 for the linebackers, Tyler Lee's career sack leader was an intimidating presence. At 6'3 220 pounds, Warren struck fear into his opponents. At Lee, Warren had 17 sacks and was ranked as the number 1 Outside Linebacker prospect in the nation. As a freshman Warren was awarded to the Freshman All-American team after having 32 tackles, 4 for loss. As a sophomore Warren had a pick 6 and in his last 2 seasons at A&M he recorded 188 tackles.

Beall is one of a few players who's work at two positions requires them to be on more than one lists. Beall was an All-State running back at Tatum, but it was linebacker that made Beall the legend he is in East Texas. Beall was a 2-Time First Team All-State linebacker in both his junior and senior year. His junior year Beall had 186 tackles, 6 sacks and 3 interceptions. As a senior, Beall had 162 tackles. At Houston Beall went on to become a 1,000 yard rusher his freshman season.

A 3 time state champion, Prep All-American, two-time First Team All-State, All-district, All East Texas selection, at 6'3 235 Edmond was a god among mortals at Daingerfield. His sophomore season he totaled 61 tackles, 20 for loss. As a junior Edmond racked up 182 tackles, 34 for loss, 7 forced fumbles, 7 fumble recoveries, 5 interceptions, 3 housed for six, and 2 pass break ups. As a senior Edmond racked up 159 tackles, 26 for loss, 4 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and two interceptions. For a career, Edmond racked up 407 tackles, 71 for loss, 12 sacks, 7 interceptions, 16 forced fumbles, and 10 fumble recoveries in high school. At Texas, Edmond blossomed into All Big 12 caliber player playing in 49 games, starting 34 and racking up 323 career tackles.

It takes a lot to unseat Steve Edmond. Trevor Brooks did a lot. In 3 years, Brooks has been one of the most dominant defenders in East Texas History. As a sophomore, Brooks finished at number 51 playing outside linebacker/nickel for Chapel Hill. Brooks had 134 tackles, 28 for loss, 5 sacks and 2 interceptions. As a junior, Brooks jumped up my list tremendously, finishing at number 4. Brooks went off for 143 tackles, 39 tackles for loss, 15 sacks and 1 interception. As a senior, Brooks didn't step off the gas. He finished at #4 again, this time going for a career high 150 tackles, 29 for loss, 4 interceptions, 4 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. Brooks finished with 427 tackles, 96 tackles for loss, 29 sacks, and 7 interceptions in his illustrious career.