2024 Rankings: New Defensive Additions!

Here we focus on some of our new defensive additions to our 2024 Rankings! &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="132044" first="A’mon" last="Lane"]-</strong><strong>DB </strong>|5’11 180| |Thompson|</span> [player_tooltip player_id="132044" first="A’mon" last="Lane"] is yet another talented defensive back to come out of Thompson, and he impressed greatly this past season. Lane possesses great speed, hands, and coverage skills that have turned him into a defensive star in the Thompson secondary. After the season he had this season, Lane was added and placed into our rankings as the #6 overall prospect in the state. Of course, we are not the only ones that have noticed his skills, as many Power 5 schools like Auburn, Michigan, Florida State, and more have sent offers his way. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="130511" first="Demarcus" last="Riddick"]-LB</strong> |6’2 200| |Chilton County|</span> [player_tooltip player_id="130511" first="Demarcus" last="Riddick"] is an offense’s worst nightmare, as he is as versatile as it gets at the linebacker position. If placed on the edge, Riddick will use his size and speed to fly by offensive lineman to generate sacks and tackles for loss.  In coverage, Riddick is able to keep up with his matchups and make plays on the ball well, creating problems in the passing game. Riddick made his way into our rankings as the #5 overall prospect and has been receiving loads of collegiate attention from Florida, Georgia, LSU, and more. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="237768" first="Keion" last="Dunlap"]-DB<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></strong>|6’1 190| |Enterprise|</span> [player_tooltip player_id="237768" first="Keion" last="Dunlap"] is quickly becoming one of the best coverage safeties in the state. His vision, pursuit, and ball skills allowed him to have a monster sophomore season, where he consistently picked off and broke up pass after pass. Dunlap has terrific size and athleticism for his age, as a dual-sport athlete in both football and basketball for Enterprise,  Dunlap will soon be one of the most talked-about names in the state. Currently, Dunlap lists an offer from Ole Miss, and there will be many more to follow his junior season and beyond. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="241436" first="D’Andre" last="Kirkpatrick"]-DB </strong>|5’11 175| |Gadsden City|</span> It shouldn’t be a surprise to see [player_tooltip player_id="241436" first="D’Andre" last="Kirkpatrick"] make his way onto our rankings. As the son of a two-time National Champion and ten-year NFL veteran, Kirkpatrick has inherited a ton of natural talent. Kirkpatrick plays extremely physical, and man it is fun to watch. Play after play, Kirkpatrick flies across the field to lay the wood on the ball carrier,  almost every play you can guarantee he will be near the ball. Although not receiving any collegiate attention yet, Kirkpatrick will surely find some heading his way soon. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="241442" first="Deontae" last="Hester"]-DL</strong> |6’2 264| |Autaugaville|</span> [player_tooltip player_id="241442" first="Deontae" last="Hester"] has been wreaking havoc on the interior for Autaugaville. Hester possesses great strength that he uses to bull rush offensive linemen into the backfield, typically resulting in necessary gap closures and tackles for loss. Hester provides great interior pressure against the pass and finds himself wrapping up running backs routinely. Hester currently lists no offers, but as he continues to grow and produce at the level he has been, he should receive more attention in his upcoming junior season.