Kentucky Sleepers to Watch for: Class of 2025 Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last time, I created a detailed list of some offensive sleepers for the Class of 2025 in Kentucky. With so many outstanding performances by the entirety of the class of 2025 this past season, it is safe to say there are still plenty of other players been slept on by recruiters. Although there were so many offensive sleepers in the state, the same can be said for the defensive side of the ball. Since we already looked at some players from the offensive side, we are going to target defensive sleepers from the class of 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["373785"],"_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":"Dereon specializes in putting tons of pressure on the offense right when the ball is snapped. the 6-1 linebacker is excellent at reading offensive shifts and can easily anticipate the play for him to rush on a blitz at the right time. When rushing, Crowe is a brute that uses his u0022lineman-likeu0022 strength to knock down opposing linemen to get to the quarterback. Another aspect to look at is Crowe's hand skills as they mimic that of an outstanding edge rusher. Dereon effectively uses his hands and upper half to leverage past blockers to put pressure and help him make easier pin-downs when making a tackle. Right now, Crowe has not announced any offers/interests from any collegiate schools, but I expect that to change sooner than later.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2JwbERu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["735676"],"_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":"Thomas comes in as one of the most uniquely athletic defensive linemen in his graduating class. The 6'1 Gerke has superior lower body strength that enables him to dominate the attack on the line of scrimmage. When attempting to get past a blocker, Thomas always beats out his assignment and drives him over to reach the quarterback. Thomas also has great reflexes to help him quickly shift to wherever the ball gets sent to and also make passing deflections. What is unique about Gerke is that he is fast off his feet and can accelerate quicker than most linemen in the state. Because of this, Gerke can chase down the quarterback across the field to make the sack. This athleticism makes him a major defensive threat for any offense to have to deal with. Thomas currently holds no offers to any schools but with 2 years left to further develop his game, I have no doubt he will begin to receive some calls.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2K1gwru0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["735618"],"_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":"It is always a good sign when a defensive back has had recent experience playing wide receiver as well. This applies to [player_tooltip player_id='735618' first='Jackson' last='Dillow'] as his skills on offense have transferred to his skills at DB which has helped him become a formidable defensive threat. His high-reaching ability enable him to make deflections and pick off incoming passes. Dillow's tackling ability is sharp as he can dash across the field to catch up to the ball carrier and pin him down. What I most admire about Jackson's game is his change of play whenever the opposing quarterback is left stranded. When the QB must scramble, Jackson immediately switches to give the receiver just a little room to make it appear to the QB he is open and throws the ball his way. This always results in an easy interception for Jackson due to his impressive deception. He has only received a past camp invite, but no other offers/interests have been reported.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2JpAUku0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["373035"],"_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='373035' first='Jimmy' last='Mooney'] is a successful play-stopper for the Paducah Tilghman defense. When on the field, Mooney is fantastic at reading the offense and where they intend to play the ball at. Because of this, Jimmy can position himself at the right spot on every play to make it easier for him to get past the line and make the defensive stop. Mooney also has solid tackling mechanics that enable him to pin down most ball carriers with little to no problem. When it comes to tackling runners, Mooney is also great at knocking the ball out as he came up with 4 forced fumbles during the season. I believe a lot of the credit he receives for his tackling skills comes from his experience being a state placer in high school wrestling for Paducah Tilghman as well. With 2 years left of football, Mooney will continue developing his game and getting stronger. I see a future at the next level for Jimmy.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Jggtbu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["735673"],"_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":"Luke is a speedy defensive end threat who excels at quickly leveraging past opposing blockers and putting pressure on the QB. Playing edge rusher as a 6'4 sophomore is something you do not traditionally see in his grad class. However, he utilizes his build by being able to slip past the defense and get to the ball carrier when running and if the quarterback is escaping the pocket. On throws, Toothaker can deflect incoming passes and even come up with interceptions from time to time. Finally, his upper body strength is terrific as it allows him to maintain a hold on a ball carrier attempting to tackle them even when he is in an awkward position. Like the previous people on this list, the potential for Luke to further develop into an elite defensive player is there as he is already at a good level as a sophomore. The future looks bright for Luke and possibly playing at the next level.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2KEDDJu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6425d3279027c"} /-->