All-Observer high school football: Honoring the region’s top defensive players

Meet the 2024 All-Observer defensive all-stars.

Also, read about the coach and players of the year and the All-Observer offense.

Scroll down for the photo gallery.

First-team defense

DL: Cameron Cyr, Hough, 6-2, 220, Sr.

2024 stats: Cyr had 50 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss and 15.5 sacks

Why him: Cyr helped anchor one of the state’s best defenses and helped his team to a N.C. 4A state quarterfinal playoff berth. He was The Observer’s reader’s pick for 2024 player of the year.

DL: Aiden Harris, Weddington, 6-4, 260, Jr

2024 stats: Aiden Harris had 82 tackles, 31 tackles for a loss and 13.5 sacks

Why him: One of the most explosive players in North Carolina, Harris made lots of game-changing plays for a N.C. 4A state semifinalist. He is The Observer’s defensive player of the year.

DL: Drew Harris, Weddington, 6-2, 235, Jr.

2024 stats: Drew Harris, Aiden’s twin, had 81 tackles and 25 tackles for loss. Drew Harris also had seven sacks.

Why him: A top 20 in-state recruit, Harris has offers from schools like Auburn, Florida and Michigan. He’s extremely hard to block due to his explosive burst off the ball.

DL: Chaz Knox, Mallard Creek, 6-0, 285, Sr.

2024 stats: Knox had 60 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 20 quarterback hurries, six sacks and two forced fumbles.

Why him: A four-year starter, Knox anchored one of the best defensive lines in North Carolina.

LB: Dallas Brannon, Independence, 6-2, 207, Jr.

2024 stats: Brannon had 118 total tackles, including nine tackles for a loss and two sacks.

Why him: The 2024 Southwestern 4A defensive player of the year, Brannon has 25 major Division I offers from schools like Miami, North Carolina and Tennessee.

LB: Kendric Davis, Palisades, 6-3, 200, Sr.

2024 stats: Davis had 155 total tackles, including 85 solo, plus 28 tackles for a loss, eight sacks and three interceptions.

Why him: The SoMECK conference defensive player of the year, Davis was a 2024 Shrine Bowl pick and has signed with East Carolina. He’s a three-time all-conference selection.

LB: Jalaythan Mayfield, Lincolnton, 6-1, 210, Soph.

2024 stats: Mayfield had 109 tackles, 18 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks. He also forced two fumbles and had three fumble returns, including one for a touchdown. In addition, he blocked a field goal and scored five total touchdowns.

Why him: Mayfield was named Catawba Valley 2A defensive player of the year.

DB: Samari Matthews, Hough, 6-0, 180, Jr.

2024 stats: Matthews had one interception but was only targeted seven times all season.

Why him: Teams just don’t throw at him much. He’s a top 60 national recruit in his class and top five at his position.

DB: LJ Porter, Charlotte Christian, 6-0, 210, Jr.

2024 stats: Porter had 88 total tackles, averaging nearly 10 per game (he missed some due to injury).

Why him: A big physical safety with speed, Porter was named all-conference and all-state and has offers from schools like Georgia Tech, Missouri and Virginia Tech.

DB: Jordan Young, Monroe, 6-0, 165, Sr.

2024 stats: Young had 47 tackles and seven interceptions.

Why him: One of the nation’s top players, Young has signed to Michigan. He led Monroe to the 2A state championship and had a monster year on offense (33 catches, 759 yards, 9 TDs).

DB: Davion Jones, West Charlotte, 6-0, 165, Soph.

2024 stats: A defensive anchor for the 3A state champs, Jones had 52 tackles and seven interceptions.

Why him: A two-way threat, Jones caught 13 passes for 340 yards and three touchdowns for the N.C. 3A champs.

P: Cooper Peterson, Corvian, 6-0, 205, Jr.

2024 stats: Peterson hit 22 punts for a 44.5 yard average for the 1A Western Regional champions. He put 11 of his punts inside the opponent’s 20.

Why him: Peterson often flipped the field for Corvian and is also an effective kicker. He averaged 64.8 yards per kickoff, was 70 for 78 on PATs and made three field goals with a long of 47.

PR: Brian Rowe, JM Robinson, 6-1, 175, Sr.

2024 stats: Rowe averaged 21.8 yards on 20 punt returns this season with a long of 55.

Why him: Rowe is one of the most dynamic players and top wide receivers in North Carolina. Signed to South Carolina, Rowe caught 46 passes for 935 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is a four-star national recruit.

Second-team defense

DL: Sam Johnson, West Charlotte, 6-2, 264, Jr.

DL: Elijah Littlejohn, West Mecklenburg, 6-3, 225, Jr.

DL: Charles House, North Mecklenburg, 6-4, 300, Sr.

DL: Jace McCallum, Hickory Ridge, 6-3, 220, Jr.

DL: Rodney Dunham, Myers Park, 6-4, 227, Jr.

LB: Thomas Davis, Weddington, 6-2, 205, Jr.

LB: Jackson Forrest, Northwest Cabarrus, 6-0, 218, Sr.

LB: Justin Abanquah, Providence Day, 5-9, 205, Soph.

LB: Chris Rogers, Mallard Creek, 6-0, 185, Sr.

DB: Brandon Rose, Mallard Creek, 5-11, 185, Sr.

DB: Cairo Skanes, Providence Day, 6-1, 185, Sr.

DB: Gene Neely, Hunter Huss, 5-11, 185, Sr.

DB: Gavin Smith, South Point, 6-0, 175, Jr.

P: Stephen Gonzales, Union Academy, 5-10, 160, Jr.

PR: Jordan Cleaves, Cox Mill, 5-9, 160, Jr.