Montgomery County Class of 2023 Breakdown (Defense)

The rankings update brought some fresh faces. These are all the players the top-ranked players in Montgomery County. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="249078" first="Noah" last="Ferguson"] (2023) | 6’4 DE | Damascus</strong> Ferguson is a very good edge defender. He is very quick off the ball and can be in the backfield before the offensive line has a chance to get their hands on him. He does a good job of using his hands when fighting off blocks. He can also get skinny and split double teams and shoot gaps. He also does a good job of setting the edge. He is an edge defender that can set the edge and rush the passer. Ferguson is a guy that will put up big numbers next season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="249821" first="Kam" last="Reynolds"] (2023) | 5’9 DB | Springbrook</strong> Reynolds is an explosive defensive weapon. He is versatile and can line up at safety, backer, corner, or even in the slot. When he lines up in the box he is a very good blitzer and can make plays in the backfield. He also has great speed that allows him to have sideline to sideline range. He is also good in coverage and can make plays in the passing game. He has a knack for creating turnovers as he also does a great job of ripping the ball loose and causing fumbles. Reynolds is a two-way star and can make a big push in the rankings throughout the season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="209043" first="Dillon" last="Dunathan"] (2023) | 6’2 LB | Damascus </strong> Dunathan is the 2nd ranked backer in the state in this class. It is easy to see why. He is fantastic in pursuit and does a great job of chasing down ball carriers and bringing them down. He is a great tackler and doesn’t allow yards after contact. He is very fast for his size and uses this speed when he is blitzing and explodes into the backfield. He also has the ability to line up on the edge and set the edge. Dunathan is a top player in the state and will have a bunch of offers coming in soon. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="250308" first="King" last="Tshiama"] (2023) | 6’4 LB | Quince Orchard </strong> Tshiama is a top 35 player in the state in 2023 and has all the talent to prove he deserves that ranking. He is an outside backer that lines up on the edge. He has a high motor and always seems to work even if he is on the backside. He does a great job of keeping his outside arm free when taking on blocks. He does a good job of securing tackles and then going for the ball as he has forced multiple fumbles. If Tshiama can put up some bigger pass rush numbers he may rise in the rankings. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="249073" first="Dustin" last="Hottel"] (2023) | 5’11 LB | Damascus</strong> Hottel is just inside Maryland’s top 50 in the class of 2023. It is easy to see why as he is a stat sheet stuffer. He does it all, he can drop into pass coverage, he can blitz, and he can be a traditional run stuffer. He does a good job of reading plays and pursuing the ball. He is also a good tackler and forces the ball loose with big hits. With the numbers, Hottel puts up he could easily rise in the rankings. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="260080" first="Arnauld" last="Tegom"] (2023) | 6’1 LB | Blair</strong> Tegom is one of the most underrated players in the county. Despite being ranked he is not talked about enough. He is a traditional inside linebacker. He is a very physical linebacker. He uses his size and strength when taking on blocks. He does a good job of stuffing runs inside the tackles. He can also slip blocks. Tegom is one of the better run stuffers in the county. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="184002" first="Chris" last="Castelli"] (2023) | 6’1 LB | Wootton </strong> Castelli is an athletic linebacker. He uses his athleticism to excel in pass coverage. He also can get outside and make plays on outside run plays. He always seems to be in the right place at the right time. He likes to make plays in the run game at or behind the line of scrimmage. He is also an effective blitzer. Castelli is a good athlete and will probably be moved around more next season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="184001" first="Dominic" last="Hess"] (2023) | 6’1 S | Damascus </strong> Hess is a safety that loves to come downfield. He does a great job of coming downfield in run support. He is not afraid to be physical, as he loves to lay some big hits. He is strong in pursuit. He has also shown the ability to read passes and undercut routes. Hess is a very good run-stopping safety and if he can improve his production in pass coverage he could skyrocket in the rankings.