2022 3A Regular Season All-State Team: Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px">The 2022 high school football season was an exciting one. There have been a lot of players that have stood out and jumped onto our radar this season in the state of Kentucky. Now that the playoffs are underway, I wanted to take a look back at some of the top players from the regular season in each class. With that in mind, I have decided to put together my All-State teams for each individual class. After covering 1A and 2A, I will now turn my attention to the top players in 3A. Since I already covered the offensive side of the ball, here are my top defensive players in 3A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["381923"],"_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":"Starting off the defensive line for my 3A Regular Season All-State Team, I have the 3A leader in sacks, [player_tooltip player_id='381923' first='Tay'Shaun' last='Linton']. The junior defensive end finished the regular season with 10.5 sacks along with 33 total tackles and eight tackles for loss. Linton plays with a high motor with a quick first step off the line of scrimmage as a pass rusher. He has shown the strength to power straight through blocks but also has shown the speed to run by offensive tackles and pass rush moves to defeat blocks. Once Linton gets to the quarterback, he finishes with a ton of physicality and makes sure he secures the sack. When the play is away from him, Linton takes great angles to the ball and is a very reliable open field tackler. While Linton doesn't currently hold any offers, I expect him to pick up some going into his senior year as he has been receiving college interest and has the talent to play at the next level.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["512641"],"_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 end that has impressed me this season is senior [player_tooltip player_id='512641' first='Layton' last='Davis'] from Paducah Tilghman. Davis plays with a very high motor as he never stops working to get to the football. As a pass rusher, he wins with speed and impressive pass rush moves to blow by opposing offensive tackles. He has also shown the strength to fight through blocks and has shown that he is very reliable being used in stunts. Once he gets to the quarterback, he secures the sack and finishes with a great amount of physicality. Against the run, he does a great job of reading the play and coming down the line to make tackles in the backfield. He finished his final regular season third on the team with 48 total tackles along with 11.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Layton currently holds offers from Morehead State, Centre, Greenville, and Lindsey Wilson, and I can see him developing into a true impact player at the next level.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["373034"],"_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 Davis on the talented Paducah Tilghman defensive line is sophomore defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='373034' first='Xsavier' last='Cleary']. Cleary has a ton of strength in his game, exploding out of his stance and running straight through the opposing offensive lineman to get to the quarterback. Once he gets to the quarterback, he keeps his feet running through contact and finishes with a ton of physicality. Against the run, he does a great job of shedding blocks and getting to the ball carrier quickly. Once he gets to the ball, Cleary has proven to be a reliable open field tackler. Xsavier finished his sophomore regular season with 40 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, and four sacks. Cleary doesn't hold any offers yet but I expect him to be a name to watch over the next couple seasons.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["381942"],"_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":"A linebacker that has caught my attention multiple times this season is junior [player_tooltip player_id='381942' first='Jaxson' last='Shoulders'] from Hart County. Shoulders finished the regular season second in 3A with 128 total tackles along with ten tackles for loss, one sack, and two interceptions. He does a great job of reading his keys and flowing to the ball, no matter where the play is going. Against the run, he does a great job of coming downhill and filling his gap in a hurry. Once he meets the ball carrier, he runs his feet through contact and doesn't allow extra yards to be gained. He also shows great ability in coverage, reading route combinations and putting himself in a great position to make plays on the ball. Shoulders also made an impact on offense, finishing as the team's leading receiver but I believe he has looked his best on defense. Jaxson doesn't currently hold any offers but I expect him to pick some up going into his final season as he has the talent to play somewhere at the next level.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["512642"],"_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":"Next up on my 3A All-State team, I have the leading tackler in 3A, [player_tooltip player_id='512642' first='Braeden' last='Waddle']. The senior linebacker finished the regular season with 142 total tackles and one interception. Waddle plays the middle linebacker spot and does a great job of reading his keys and flowing to the ball. He is able to use his speed to his advantage to run right by blockers in open space before they can get their hands on him. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he runs his feet through contact and secures the tackle. He also made an impact on offense as a ball carrier but I liked what I saw from him the most on defense. Braeden also plays baseball so it remains to be seen what he will decide to do after high school but definitely has the talent to play football at the next level if he decides to pursue that route.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["386899"],"_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 senior linebacker that stood out to me this season is [player_tooltip player_id='386899' first='Gavin' last='Copenhaver'] from Christian Academy of Louisville. Copenhaver finished his final regular season with a team-leading 72 total tackles along with 18 tackles for loss, two sacks, and one interception. He does a great job of reading his keys and comes downhill in a hurry against the run. Copenhaver has shown the ability to burst through his gap before opposing offensive linemen have a chance to react. Once he meets the ball carrier, he keeps his feet running and explodes through contact to secure the tackle. He also has shown the ability to drop into coverage and read route combinations to put himself in a good position to make plays on the ball. Copenhaver also played a huge role on offense, leading the team in rushing but I like him the most on defense. Gavin currently holds offers from Valparaiso, McKendree, and Dayton, and I can see him growing into a very solid player at the next level.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["313671"],"_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":"To wrap up the linebackers on my 3A All-State Team, I have junior [player_tooltip player_id='313671' first='Kaden' last='Smith'] from Taylor County. Smith has been high on my radar for a while and continued to impress this season. He finished the regular season with 43 total tackles and nine sacks. Kaden plays outside linebacker and is a very dangerous pass rusher. He does a great job of using his speed off the edge to run right by offensive tackles before they have a chance to block him. Once he gets to the quarterback, Smith does a great job of running his feet through contact to secure the sack. Smith also is reliable in pass coverage, doing a great job of reading route combinations and breaking on the ball at the right time to break up the pass. Kaden also played a key role on offense at running back but I liked what I saw from him on defense this year. Smith holds one offer from Eastern Kentucky and I expect more to come for him as he has the talent to play on either side of the ball at the next level.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["512643"],"_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":"Moving on to the defensive backs, I have the 3A co-leader in interceptions, [player_tooltip player_id='512643' first='Trevor' last='Beam']. Beam finished his final regular season with seven interceptions, along with 31 total tackles and two tackles for loss. He showed great man coverage ability this year, showing the ability to open up and run with receivers to mirror their routes. When the ball was thrown his way, he did a great job of getting his head turned at the right moment to make a play on the ball. He also showed the ball skills to catch interceptions at their highest point. After the catch, Beam showed the ability to turn the interception into a big play the other way, returning one for a touchdown this year. Beam also finished the season as Nelson County's number two receiver but I believe that he looked his best on defense. Trevor doesn't currently hold any offers but I believe he deserves some attention from college coaches as he has the talent to play somewhere at the next level.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["512644"],"_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":"Another senior defensive back that impressed me this season is [player_tooltip player_id='512644' first='Terrell' last='Henry'] from Mason County. Henry finished the regular season tied with Beam with seven interceptions, along with 25 total tackles. He lines up at safety and has shown the ability to read the quarterback and cover a lot of ground in a hurry to put himself in position to make plays. Once the ball is in the air, he breaks on it with perfect timing to come away with the interception. He also has shown the ability to come downhill and make hits to knock the ball loose from receivers. Henry also finished the season as Mason County's leading receiver but I really liked what I saw from him at safety. Terrell doesn't currently hold any offers but I believe that he deserves more attention from college coaches as he is a player that has the talent to play on either side of the ball at the next level.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["512645"],"_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":"Next up on my 3A All-State Team is junior defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='512645' first='Jerimyah' last='Shearer'] from Trigg County. Shearer had an impressive regular season at the outside corner spot, finishing with 22 total tackles and five interceptions. He showed that he is very reliable in man coverage, using his speed to run with receivers in the deep passing game. When the ball was thrown his way, he showed the athletic ability and ball skills to get his body turned and go up to come away with interceptions at their highest point. He also showed the ability to come downhill when the pass was thrown short and make tackles in the open field before the receiver could get up the field after the catch. Shearer also played a key role on offense, finishing the year third on the team in receiving. Jerimyah doesn't currently hold any offers but I expect him to be a player that college coaches will be paying very close attention to going into his senior year.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["381888"],"_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":"Wrapping up my 3A Regular Season All-State Team is junior [player_tooltip player_id='381888' first='Caden' last='Woolum'] from Belfry. Woolum had an outstanding regular season at the safety spot, finishing with 46 total tackles and three interceptions. I was very impressed with Woolum's ability to provide support against the run. He did a great job of reading the play and coming downhill to fill the lane against the run. Once he got to the ball carrier, he did a great job of running his feet through contact to secure the tackle in the open field. Against the pass, Woolum does a great job of reading the quarterback and breaking on the ball with perfect timing to make a play. Woolum also finished the regular season as Belfry's leading rusher but I also really liked what he showed on the defensive side of the ball. Caden doesn't currently hold any offers but I expect some to come his way going into his senior year as he has been receiving interest from college programs and has the talent to play on either side of the ball at the next level.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":11,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-64d3c248b9b14"} /--> <!-- wp:heading {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"17px"}}} --> <h2 style="font-size:17px">Honorable Mention:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px">Defensive Lineman: Luke McQueen (Casey County, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='423800' first='JD' last='Crump'] (Hart County, 2024); Gunnar McKinley (CAL, 2023)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px">Linebacker: Carter Sanders (Mason County, 2023); [player_tooltip player_id='943538' first='Jax' last='Niece'] (Estill County, 2025); Bo Patterson (Casey County, 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px">Defensive Back: Koleby Schroeder (Union County, 2025); [player_tooltip player_id='212333' first='Cayden' last='Varney'] (Belfry, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='401686' first='Aidan' last='Burke'] (Belfry, 2026); Kahlil Vaughn (Ashland Blazer, 2023)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->