2022 2A All-Tournament Team: Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px">As we are inching towards the end of the year, it is time to reflect on a very exciting 2022 high school football season in Kentucky. While the regular season was great, the playoffs in each class exceeded expectations as a lot of talent was on display. With that being said, I wanted to take some time to focus on the players that stood out during the playoffs in each class. After covering 1A, I will now turn my attention to the top playoff performers in 2A. Since I have already covered the offense, here are my top defensive players from the 2022 2A State Tournament. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["423621"],"_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='423621' first='Xavier' last='Campbell'] is a player that I have been high on for a while now that continued to impress during the playoffs. He played a key role at defensive end during Beechwood's state title run. Campbell is a very dangerous pass rusher that uses his speed and pass rush moves to win off the edge. He also has an explosive first step and plays with a high motor, making it very difficult for opposing offensive tackles to slow him down. Campbell is constantly working to get to the quarterback and does a great job of finishing the sack once he gets to the passer. Against the run, Campbell has shown the ability to run all over the field to put himself in a position to make a play and he is a very reliable open field tackler. Xavier doesn't currently hold any official offers but I expect some to come his way soon as he has the talent to play somewhere at the next level and has been receiving college interest.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["373076"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='373076' first='Tre' last='Jackson'] is an underclassman that stood out to me during the playoffs. He is a big, physical defensive tackle that causes a lot of disruption. Against the run, he uses his explosive first step to burst into the backfield before the opposing offensive lineman has a chance to block him. He also has the strength to fight through blocks and is a very reliable tackler once he gets to the ball carrier. Jackson is also a dangerous pass rusher, using his strength, speed, and pass rush moves to beat his man and get to the quarterback. Once he gets to the quarterback, Jackson does a great job of finishing the sack. Tre doesn't currently hold any offers but he his a rising talent that is worth keeping an eye on over the next couple seasons.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"Michael Hudson","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"2023","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"Breathitt County","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_2_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Another defensive lineman that caught my eye during the playoffs was senior Michael Hudson from Breathitt County. Although his team was eliminated during the quarterfinals, Hudson was still able to put together a solid playoff performance, finishing with 22 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and two sacks. He is a force against the pass, showing the ability to beat his man off the line of scrimmage and put pressure on the quarterback. Against the run, Hudson has shown the ability to read the play and run all over the field to make tackles. He also showed great reaction skills against the pass, coming away with an interception in the playoffs. Hudson doesn't have any reported offers but he deserves some attention as he has the talent to play somewhere at the next level.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["386771"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='386771' first='Austin' last='Waddell'] has been on my radar for a while now and stepped up in a big way during the playoffs for Beechwood. He was the leader of their defense at middle linebacker where he did a great job of making pre-snap reads and communicating with the rest of the defense. Against the run, Waddell does a great job of reading his keys and coming downhill in a hurry once he sees where the ball is going. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he does a very good job of running his feet to secure the tackle and finishes his tackles with a nice amount of physicality. Waddell was named the MVP of the 2A State Championship Game after leading the team in tackles while also playing a key role on the offensive line. Austin doesn't currently hold any offers but I wouldn't be surprised to see some come his way soon as he has the talent to play somewhere at the next level and has received some college interest.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["373781"],"_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='373781' first='Vincent' last='Carrico'] made a great impression on me during the regular season and continued to do the same during the playoffs. While his team lost in the quarterfinals, Carrico still made his mark as he finished the three-game playoff stretch with 44 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and a half sack. At inside linebacker, Carrico does a great job of reading his keys. Once he sees where the ball is going, Vince explodes through the hole and meets the running back with a full head of steam. He has also shown the ability to use his speed to run down ball carriers from all over the field to make tackles. While he doesn't currently hold any offers, Carrico will definitely be a player to watch going into next season.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_5_player_details_player_name":"William Carrico","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_5_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_5_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_5_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_5_player_details_school":"Owensboro Catholic","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_5_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_5_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_5_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Outstanding linebacker play must run in the Carrico bloodline as Vince's older brother, William Carrico also finds himself on this list. William was very impressive in Owensboro Catholic's three playoff games, finishing with 26 total tackles and a half tackle for loss. Carrico lines up at outside linebacker and is a very versatile defender, showing the ability to run all over the field to make tackles against the run as well as make plays in pass coverage. Against the pass, he is basically an extra defensive back as he has the athleticism and speed to play man coverage and has great route recognition skills in zone coverage. He was able to put his impressive ball skills on display in the playoffs, coming away with two interceptions. William doesn't currently hold any offers but he should be a name to watch going into his final season as he is a player that can thrive in many different positions as he is also a very talented receiver on offense.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["381930"],"_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":"The final linebacker on this list is sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='381930' first='Major' last='Brown'] from Lexington Christian Academy. Brown plays inside linebacker and played a key role in the Eagles' deep playoff run, finishing the playoffs with 47 total tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss. He is a physical linebacker that plays downhill against the run and does a great job of fighting through blocks on his way to the ball carrier. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he runs his feet and explodes through contact to secure the tackle and not allow any extra yards to be gained. He is also very fluid in pass coverage, showing the ability to look up routes and put himself in a position to make a play on the ball. Major doesn't currently hold any offers but he will be a name to watch going into his final season as he has the talent to play at the next level.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_7_player_details_player_name":"Carson Craycraft","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_7_player_details_graduating_class":"2023","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_7_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_7_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_7_player_details_school":"Beechwood","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_7_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_7_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_7_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"Another Beechwood Tiger that impressed during the playoffs was senior defensive back Carson Craycraft. Craycraft lines up mainly on the outside at corner and is very reliable in both man and zone coverage. In zone coverage, he does a great job of reading the play and breaking on the ball to put himself in a position to make a play. When asked to play man coverage, Craycraft has the speed to turn and run with receivers and does a great job of mirroring their routes. He also has tremendous ball skills, timing his breaks perfectly to cut off the pass. Craycraft came away with four interceptions in the playoffs, returning one for a touchdown. Carson doesn't hold any official offers at the moment but 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_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_8_player_details_player_name":"Isaiah Sebastian","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_8_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_8_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_8_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_8_player_details_school":"Lloyd Memorial","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_8_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_8_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_8_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"To wrap up this team, I have sophomore defensive back Isaiah Sebastian from Lloyd Memorial. Sebastian plays free safety where he is a true ball hawk on the back end. He does a great job of reading the play and route combinations and breaking on the ball with perfect timing to come away with an interception without breaking stride. Isaiah had a break out game in the second round against Walton-Verona in which he came away with four interceptions and returned one for a touchdown. He is also an electric returner on special teams that has the ability to break away for a long return at any given moment. Isaiah doesn't currently hold any offers but is definitely a young rising talent to keep an eye on.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":9,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63a4ed89b61ce"} /--> <!-- 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">[player_tooltip player_id='422907' first='Hunter' last='Adams'] (2025 Linebacker, LCA); [player_tooltip player_id='373075' first='Ian' last='Williams'] (2025 Linebacker, Mayfield); [player_tooltip player_id='331745' first='Kory' last='Combs'] (2025 Linebacker, Breathitt County); Brady Tincher (2023 Linebacker, Breathitt County); Will Nichols (2023 ATH, LCA); [player_tooltip player_id='381914' first='Brajone' last='Dabney'] (2024 ATH, Mayfield)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->