North's Tuttle is county's best on defense
Fri. December 16, 2011 at 11:03 p.m. | By Mike Duprez
BY MIKE DUPREZ
The Dispatch
Tevin Tuttle plays many roles for North Davidson. He’s a quarterback, running back, wide receiver, kick returning. But, most importantly, he’s a cornerback. For all that the 5-foot-9, 165-pound junior does, defense is the most crucial.
In fact, his defense is priority No. 1. And no wonder. Tuttle intercepted two passes, recovered two fumbles and always covered the other team’s best receivers. Given that the Knights play in the Central Piedmont Conference, that meant a lot of good receivers. He didn’t get the eight interceptions like he did in 2010 but that was because teams shied away from throwing at him.
Tuttle ended up playing an important role at quarterback later in the season but no matter what it was not going to be at the sacrifice of his defense.
“I think it goes without saying,” said North coach Mark Holcomb. “We know he can guard the best receiver on the other team. You know he’s that constant guy that can shut down a receiver. That is very important.”
Tuttle also blocked two field goals and returned a punt for a touchdown.
In recognition of his outstanding season, Tuttle is the 2011 Dispatch All-Davidson County Defensive Player of the Year.
“He had an exceptional year,” Holcomb said.
Tuttle was on the 2010 All-County defense, was all-CPC the last two seasons and named the 2011 CPC special teams player of the year.
Here is a look at the rest of the All-County defense:
Gabe Pesqueira, junior, defensive back, Thomasville — One of the season’s biggest surprises, Pesqueira earned a spot in the Bulldog secondary and led the county with five interceptions. The 5-foot-8, 150-pounder had a knack of finding his way to the football and played well against the run.
Austin DeBerry, junior, defensive back, Ledford — Another ballhawk, the 5-foot-7, 140-pound DeBerry led the Panthers with four interceptions and had several pass breakups.
Quindale Williams, senior, defensive back, Thomasville — A versatile two-way player, Williams was excellent at man-to-man coverage and came up especially strong on the state playoffs, corralling both his interceptions in a second-round state playoff win over Wilkes Central.
Levi Bruff, junior, defensive back, Central Davidson — Bruff (5-9, 150) was a solid defender who broke up seven passes and hauled in three interceptions. Bruff had 26 solo tackles and 32 assists. He also served as the Spartans’ punter.
Quandarious Crump, senior, linebacker, Lexington — A rugged, quick defender, Crump was a mainstay on Lexington’s defense while also playing a key role on the Yellow Jacket offense. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Crump has committed to East Carolina, where he is being recruited as an athlete.
Alex Gallaher, senior, linebacker, Central Davidson — The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Gallaher had 42 solo tackles, 32 assists and four sacks. Central coach Brad Morton xsaid Gallaher is the unsung hero of the Spartan defense.
Tyler Hudson, senior, linebacker, West Davidson — The 6-foot, 217-pound Hudson was the Green Dragons’ best player and a stalwart against the run.
K.B. Horton, senior, defensive end, Lexington — Undersized for a defensive end at 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, Horton was nonetheless a ferocious hitter who played way above his size.
Shy Tuttle, freshman, defensive tackle, North Davidson — The 6-foot-3, 260-pound Tuttle is already an imposing presence who has speed to go along with the significant size. Tuttle had 54 tackles, one fumble recovery and five forced fumbles.
Andrew Mayton, junior, defensive tackle, North Davidson — Recognition is piling in for the 6-foot-3, 240-pound Mayton, who is rugged against the run and returned a fumble for a touchdown against Asheboro.
Josh White, senior, defensive tackle, East Davidson — Massive at 6-foot-3, 305 pounds, White was extremely effective with 36 tackles, three tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles.
Derrick Davis, sophomore, defensive end, Central Davidson — Tough for offensive lineman to handle, the 6-foot-1, 260-pound Davis had 39 solo tackles, 42 assists, three sacks and one forced fumble.
Wil Collins, senior, athlete, South Davidson — The 6-foot-1, 170-pound Collins did it all for the Wildcats. He was a cornerback on defense where his speed was an asset. Collins also played quarterback, wide receiver, running back and returned kicks.
Honorable mention: Tirek Holloway, Lexington; Kitrez Sanders, Lexington; Michael Rebello, South Davidson; Barrett Bledsoe, South Davidson; Brannon Haneline, South Davidson; John Garduno, North Davidson; Mason Hicks, North Davidson; Gabe Gentle, North Davidson; Austin Stilley, Ledford; Asa Bohannon, East Davidson.
Mike Duprez can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 218 or mike.duprez@the-dispatch.com.