High school football: Top returning Jackson-area defensive backs for the 2018 season

Luis Torres
Jackson Sun
Huntingdon's Hunter Ensley goes to tackle a Moore County player during the Mustangs' 35-0 win on Nov. 10, 2017.

With spring football practice in full swing, here’s a look at some of the top returning Jackson-area defensive backs for the 2018 high school football season.

► Brodie Austin (Adamsville, Jr.): Austin, who plays both ways, was tied for the lead with two interceptions last season for the Cardinals. He also defended two passes. 

► Hunter Ensley (Huntingdon, Jr.): Ensley had 87 total tackles with six coming for a loss last season. He also led the Mustangs with four interceptions. He was a Second Team All-West Tennessee selection.

► Riley Graves (TCA, Sr.): Graves led the Lions last season with five interceptions on his way making Second Team All-West Tennessee. Coach Blake Butler will lean on Graves to be a leader on defense this fall. 

► Eli Hammonds (Peabody, Jr.): Hammonds was tied for the team lead with three interceptions and had five pass breakups. Hammonds didn't start at the beginning of last season, but rose up the depth chart. 

► Dylan Mayberry (Milan, Sr.): Mayberry might not have had the interceptions that others on this list have, but he was vital last season for the Bulldogs. He had 73 tackles and one interception.

► C.J. McMahan (Bolivar, Sr.): McMahan was important to the Tigers secondary. He had 97 tackles with two interceptions and eight pass breakups in 2017. He was a First Team All-West Tennessee selection.

► Qua Parks (Peabody, Jr.): Parks will more than likely be the Golden Tide's No. 1 corner this year. He had one interception and five pass breakups last season.

► Jayson Sneed (North Side, Jr.): Coach Donnie Nickey pointed out Sneed as one of his best defensive players. Sneed will have to stay healthy and have a big contribution if the Indians want to win more than one game.

► Tyrelle Turner (South Side, Jr.): Turner is not the biggest player out on the field, but that doesn't stop him from making big plays. Turner had four interceptions in a win over Hardin County last season.

South Side's Tyrelle Turner (4) watches how Lexington is lining up offensively on Sept. 29, 2017.

► Elijah Ujcich (Lexington, Sr.): Ujcich is one of a handful of returning starters for the Lexiginton defense. Ujcich was a Second Team All-West Tennessee selection and will be counted on this fall to produce once again.

► Caleb Willis (USJ, Jr.): In 10 games last season, Willis had 28 total tackles. He's expected to make a jump this season as the Bruins lost a bit of talent on defense. 

Spring football position previews

Top returning Jackson-area quarterbacks.

Top returning Jackson-area running backs.

Top returning Jackson-area wide receivers.

Top returning Jackson-area offensive linemen.

Top returning Jackson-area defensive linemen.

Top returning Jackson-area linebackers.

Reach Luis Torres at ltorres1@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9638 and on Twitter @LFTorresIII.