2022 Preseason Lexington All-City Team: Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px">With the 2022 high school football season kicking off, it is time to give some previews heading into the regular season. Now that I have evaluated as many players as possible this off-season, I will be focusing on some top players in specific areas over the next couple weeks. In my last article, I kicked things off with my top players on the offensive side of the ball in the city of Lexington so now I will move over to the top defensive players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6303c1492d44e","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["386160"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='386160' first='Jamarrion' last='Harkless'] is a player that has been high on my radar for a long time now and is my selection for Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Harkless is a big, physical defensive tackle that plays with a very high motor. He explodes out of his stance and is very hard to handle with his bull rush. While he dominates on the interior, he has also shown the ability to win off the edge as a pass rusher and has the speed to run all over the field to make plays. Jamarrion has a long list of Power 5 offers and I fully expect him to be a difference maker wherever he decides to play at the next level.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["386164"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Another defensive lineman that I have been very high on this off-season is Henry Clay defensive end, [player_tooltip player_id='386164' first='Kyan' last='Miller']. Miller has a very quick first step out of his stance and uses his speed to win off the edge as a pass rusher and shoot the inside gap against the run. Once he gets to the ball, he is a very physical tackler, running his feet on contact and making sure his presence is felt. I also love the effort that he plays with as Miller has shown the ability on multiple occasions to run down plays from the backside. Kyan is our eighth ranked defensive lineman in the class of 2023 and is committed to Austin Peay where I expect him to find a key role quickly.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["386161"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Joining Harkless on the defensive interior for the Broncos is [player_tooltip player_id='386161' first='Jalen' last='Hand']. Jalen is a strong, physical defensive tackle, that like Harkless, has the ability to play inside and off the edge. Hand has a powerful first step, moving the opposing offensive lineman off the line of scrimmage with a strong initial punch. Against the pass, he uses his strength and quickness to beat the opposing lineman and put pressure on the quarterback. Once he gets to the quarterback, he is a very physical finisher. Against the run, he has shown the ability to fight through double teams and get to the ball. Hand is committed to Western Kentucky where I expect him to develop into a very good player at the next level.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["408042"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"My final defensive lineman on this list is Bryan Station junior, [player_tooltip player_id='408042' first='Jahvon' last='Frazier']. Frazier is an athletic defensive end that uses an explosive first step to burst into the backfield before the opposing offensive lineman has a chance to block him. Once he gets into the backfield he does a great job of getting to the ball carrier and running his feet on contact to secure the tackle. He also shows great ability as a pass rusher, playing with a high motor and fighting through blocks to put pressure on the quarterback. Jahvon currently holds offers from Southeast Missouri State and Eastern Kentucky but I expect more to come as he has been receiving a ton of college interest.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["408041"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='408041' first='Jason' last='Hocker'] is a player that has jumped onto my radar recently. He is a true inside linebacker that does a great job of taking command of his defense and making pre-snap reads. Hocker does an outstanding job of reading his keys and coming downhill in a hurry to get to the ball. He is a very reliable tackle both in between the gaps and in the open field. Hocker is also very fluid in coverage, showing the ability to open up and get into his drops quickly, and also shows great route recognition skills. Jason currently holds offers from Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee Tech, Southeast Missouri State, and Akron but I expect more to come over the next two seasons as he has the skill set to be a solid linebacker at the Division I level.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["408043"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Another junior Bryan Station linebacker that has stood out is [player_tooltip player_id='408043' first='Dahvon' last='Frazier']. Frazier plays in a stand up outside linebacker role for the Defenders. He is an athletic pass rusher that uses a great combination of speed and pass rush moves to win off the edge. Once he gets to the quarterback, he has the ability to finish the sack but also has the athleticism and awareness to jump up and swat passes when the quarterback is able to get them off. Like his brother, Dahvon has been receiving a ton of college interest and already holds offers from Eastern Kentucky and Southeast Missouri State.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["386753"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Rounding out the talented linebacker trio for Bryan Station is [player_tooltip player_id='386753' first='Nikalos' last='Dixon']. Dixon is a senior inside linebacker that jumped out to me when doing my off-season evaluations this summer. He does a great job of reading his keys and coming downhill in a hurry to fill his gap against the run. Once he gets to the ball, he does a great job of running his feet on contact to secure the tackle. Dixon also shows the ability to open up and take great angles to the ball to make plays from the opposite side of the field. Nikalos currently holds offers from Union College, Centre College, and Kentucky State, and I expect more to come for him as he has the talent to play at the next level.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["422904"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"My final linebacker on this list is [player_tooltip player_id='422904' first='Darion' last='Neal']. Neal plays at a true inside linebacker spot for the Broncos. He does an excellent job of filling the lane against the run as soon as it opens. When he gets to the ball, he explodes through contact and makes sure that there is no chance the ball carrier picks up extra yards. Neal is also very reliable against the pass, showing the ability to open up and drop into coverage, and shows great route recognition skills. While he doesn't currently hold any offers, I expect them to come soon as he has received some college interest and has the ability to play at the next level.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["386898"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"The next player on my list needs no introduction as he is one of the best players in the state. [player_tooltip player_id='386898' first='Ty' last='Bryant'] is not only the top defensive back in the city of Lexington but in the state as a whole. He lines up at safety and shows a true center fielder mentality with the ability to read routes and break on the ball to catch interceptions in stride and take them back for a touchdown. Bryant has the ability to cover ground quickly and make plays when it looks like he is out of position to do so. He also does a great job of filling the lane and providing support against the run. Ty is committed to stay home and play for Kentucky where I expect him to develop into a key player for them.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["408049"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"Another Division I caliber defensive back for the Broncos is junior [player_tooltip player_id='408049' first='Jeremiah' last='Lowe']. Lowe lines up on the outside at corner and locks down his side of the field. He has shown the ability to play man coverage and also drop back into zone, and has success in both. Lowe shows great ball skills, timing the pass perfectly and reacting to come away with interceptions. In man coverage, he does a great job of mirroring the receiver, staying in their hip pocket, and fighting across their body to break up passes. Jeremiah currently holds offers from Miami (OH), Eastern Kentucky, Western Michigan, and Michigan, and I expect that list to continue to expand as he is a special talent.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["422905"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"Lining up at the opposite side of the field from Lowe is [player_tooltip player_id='422905' first='Terrion' last='Hicks']. Hicks is another talented junior corner that has been making noise for the Broncos. He is a physical corner that does a great job of coming downhill and providing support against the run. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he explodes through contact and secures the tackle in the open field. Against the pass, Hicks shows the ability to be reliable in both man and zone coverage and does a great job of timing the pass to break on it and make plays on the ball. Like his teammates, Hicks currently holds multiple offers, including Northwestern, Western Michigan, Eastern Kentucky, and Miami (OH), and I fully expect that list to expand over the next couple seasons.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["408040"],"_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"To wrap up my defensive All-City selections, I have a very talented junior defensive back from Bryan Station, [player_tooltip player_id='408040' first='JT' last='Haskins']. Haskins is a true ball hawk at safety with the ability to read routes and break on the ball in a hurry. He shows the ability to catch interceptions in stride and use his speed to take them all the way to the end zone. Haskins also shows incredible ball skills with the ability to go up and make plays on the ball at its highest point and come down with the interception. He also shows the ability to come downhill once a pass is thrown and lay hits on receivers to knock the ball loose. JT currently holds offers from Tennessee Tech, Akron, Eastern Kentucky, Miami (OH), and Louisville, and I expect that list to grow as he has the talent to be a very good safety at the Division I level.","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":12,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6541b52435db5"} /--> <!-- wp:heading {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <h2 style="font-size:15px">Other Players to Watch:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px">Defensive Line: [player_tooltip player_id='386173' first='John' last='Sualla'] (Frederick Douglass, 2023), [player_tooltip player_id='422902' first='Charlie' last='Earnhardt'] (Lafayette, 2023)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px">Linebacker: [player_tooltip player_id='386762' first='Tashawn' last='Benford'] (Frederick Douglass, 2023), [player_tooltip player_id='386758' first='Tresean' last='Benford'] (Frederick Douglass, 2023), [player_tooltip player_id='422907' first='Hunter' last='Adams'] (LCA, 2025), [player_tooltip player_id='422901' first='Mason' last='Hayslett'] (Dunbar, 2023)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px">Defensive Back: [player_tooltip player_id='386923' first='Isaiah' last='Kenney'] (Frederick Douglass, 2023), [player_tooltip player_id='386926' first='Evan' last='Brown'] (LCA, 2023), [player_tooltip player_id='231932' first='Jakobe' last='Biggerstaff'] (Dunbar, 2023), [player_tooltip player_id='381927' first='Parker' last='Chaney'] (LCA, 2024), [player_tooltip player_id='324206' first='Cole' last='Colony'] (Dunbar, 2023), [player_tooltip player_id='386909' first='Kobe' last='Middleton'] (Tates Creek, 2023)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->