With the Mississippi high school football playoffs ongoing, the Clarion Ledger has compiled the top defensive players around the state for MAIS and MHSAA schools still playing .

Braydon Armstrong, South Jones: Armstrong has 159 total tackles with six sacks, averaging 14.5 tackles per game.

Preston Ashley, Brandon: Ashley has 44 tackles with an interception and has only given up 27 yards receiving to opposing wide receivers.

Bryant Ausmer, Ocean Springs: Ausmer has 50 solo tackles with 29 tackles for loss and 15 sacks.

Kohl Bradley, George County: The defensive back has 128 tackles, 83 solo, two interceptions and seven pass deflections.

Lacoyrius Branch, Cleveland Central: Branch has 109 tackles with 70 solo and four fumble recoveries.

Maison Dunn, Tupelo: The Ole Miss commit has 34 tackles with three interceptions and nine pass deflections.

Brendan Harper, Raleigh: The sophomore has 30 tackles with seven interceptions for 165 return yards.

Delarrius Hayes, Magee: Hayes has 144 tackles, 51 solo with five forced fumbles.

Tyzavien Hopkins, West Jones: The senior has 62 tackles with 18 tackles for loss and 10 sacks.

Jarcoby Hopson, Lake Cormorant: The Ole Miss commit has 79 tackles with nine tackles for loss, three sacks, and 340 rushing yards with 11 touchdowns.

Kesler "KJ" Jenkins, Oak Grove: The defensive back has 40 solo tackles with three interceptions and 18 pass deflections.

Andrew Maddox, Oak Grove: The Ole Miss commit has 43 tackles, seven tackles for loss and two sacks with five quarterback hurries.

TayQuon McKinney, Louisville: The senior has 88 total tackles with 73 solo, 26 tackles for loss and 11 sacks.

DeAnthony Miller, Jefferson County: Miller has six interceptions with 24 pass deflections and 52 tackles.

Myles Miller, Madison Central: The senior has 81 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 10 sacks with four quarterback hurries.

Fredrick Nicholson II, Gautier: Nicholson has 122 tackles with three tackles for loss and four interceptions.

Khalil Norwood, Brandon: Norwood has 129 total tackles, with 65 solo tackles and seven tackles for loss, with eight sacks.

Kevin Oatis, Hattiesburg: The Arkansas commit has 30 tackles with 11 tackles for loss and three sacks.

Latrell Pace, Forest: The sophomore has 106 tackles with 31 tackles for loss and 15 sacks for 107 yards.

BJ Payton, Noxubee County: The junior linebacker has 98 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and five sacks and three forced fumbles.

Jarques Perry, Grenada: Perry has 80 tackles with 20 sacks and 16 tackles for loss with three forced fumbles.

Andre Peters III, Gulfport: Peters has 131 tackles with five tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.

Rosevelt Phillips, West Tallahatchie: The sophomore has 44 solo tackles with 17 tackles for loss and 14 sacks.

Lane Prestage, Pisgah: The junior has 130 tackles with 14 tackles for loss, six sacks and eight quarterback hurries.

Major Quin, Jackson Prep: The Air Force commit has 24 tackles with four interceptions and 971 all-purpose yards.

Jordan Rogers, Horn Lake: The defensive back has 71 tackles with 37 solo and seven interceptions.

London Simmons, Hartfield Academy: The Alabama commit has 55 tackles with 26 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks.

Cortez Thomas, Holmes County Central: The Ole Miss commit has 44 tackles with 11 pass deflections and two interceptions.

Jackson Toler, Madison-Ridgeland Academy: Toler has 100 tackles with six tackles for loss, four sacks and eight pass deflections.

Tyshun Willis, Velma Jackson: The Mississippi State commit has 40 tackles with 31 for loss, 12 sacks, and four fumble recoveries with three forced and has 1,014 yards of offense. Willis won MHSAA Class 1A Mr. Football.

Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at [email protected] or reach out to him on X, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez .

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