Defenders out in full force on 2017 Dandy Dozen squad

While the offense in football often draws the most attention from fans and media alike, that wasn’t exactly the case for the 2017 Dandy Dozen squad.

The offensive playmakers are present with players like Central wide receiver Justyn Ross, Hardaway running back Marco Lee and Glenwood wide receiver Cameron O’Neil, but the defenders have shown up in full force. Of the 12 positions on the preseason honor list, seven make their marks on defense.

And by the look and play of those strong seven, it’s not much of a question why.

Take, for example, Central junior defensive back Ray Thornton. Thornton was one of the seven defensive players, joined by Northside’s Caleb Johnson and TaLon Gamble, Carver’s Andrew Ogletree, Jordan’s Quentin Duke, Smiths Station’s Deondrae Williams and Spencer’s Davonte Webster.

Like the majority of these players, Thornton has been getting looks from Division I schools and is expected to greatly contribute for the Red Devils this fall. The hype for the Columbus transfer has been building through the summer months, and his inclusion on this season’s Dandy Dozen only adds to it.

“It’s an actual honor,” Thornton said. “Most people, they look at offense. When they see the defense and see somebody who can play, it feels great.”

Johnson, who is one of the most sought after local seniors in recruiting, echoed Thornton’s take on the love — or lack thereof — for defenses.

“It’s great,” Johnson said of the defenders on the Dandy Dozen. “Defense is really overlooked, in the NFL, anyways. The highest-paid players are always quarterbacks and receivers.”

Williams explained the build-up around these defenders is not by accident. A recent Navy verbal commit himself, he spoke of how good defenses are in general in Alabama and just over the line into Georgia.

“It shows the amount of talent around the area,” Williams said. “A lot of colleges can come down, look at us and see we have a lot of good talent, especially on defense.”

Others, like Ogletree, come from an established line of fantastic run stoppers and pass disruptors.

As a Carver Tiger, Ogletree plays for the same team that has turned out numerous defensive standouts not only at the collegiate level but the professional one as well. NFL mainstays from back in the day such as defensive back Nate Odomes, defensive lineman Brentson Buckner and defensive back Rod Hood all suited up for the Carver Tigers.

Now, guys like Ogletree are carrying on their tradition of standout play.

“It’s hard, but it’s a good feeling at the same time,” Ogletree said. “You’ve got big old shoes to fill, and I’m not saying you’ve got to fill the shoes, but you’ve got a lot of people you can look up to and ask questions. It’s a big family at Carver.”

While all on the same field for Dandy Dozen, The defenders did some talking, as many offered warnings to opposing offenses not to step to them this fall. Those offenses may light up scoreboards across the Bi-City in 2017, but as far as talent is concerned, the cameras should center just as much on the men trying to stop them.

“(The Dandy Dozen) definitely shows how dominant defense can be,” Williams said. “The defense is the best side of the ball, anyway.”

This story was originally published August 19, 2017 at 11:16 AM with the headline "Defenders out in full force on 2017 Dandy Dozen squad."