Kentucky's Top Returning Performers: 2024 DB Prospects

After an action-packed season of high school football in the Bluegrass State, it's time to look back at some of the top performers on the field last year, focusing our attention on the top returning performers in the class of 2024. Today, we will continue to break down intriguing defensive prospects. After evaluating the top athletes, a few explosive linebackers and impressive defensive lineman, here's my list of the top returning defensive back performers in the state of Kentucky to watch for this upcoming season.    At the top of the list of notable returners is [player_tooltip player_id='423720' first='Montel' last='Campbell'], a 6-foot-1, 200-pound defensive back out of Ballard High School of Louisville. The rising senior out of Louisville, KY. made a huge difference on the defensive side of the ball during his junior season, becoming one of the team's strongest tackling machines. In 14 contests, Campbell picked up 76 total tackles, including 34 solo stops, 42 assisted takedowns, one tackle for loss and one sack. Campbell additionally led Ballard's defense in interceptions on the year, hauling in three picks for 12 yards and one score. In addition to impressive size and speed, Campbell is incredibly physical and versatile, which allows for him to be so explosive. Campbell showed off his ability to make quick stops, break through the offensive line, apply solid defensive pressure and get to the quarterback.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14943804/63a5ed60bed66208a8b38655">Tape:</a>    Coming in at close second place on the list of top returners is [player_tooltip player_id='381906' first='Wick' last='Dotson'], a 5-foot-10, 185-pound defensive back out of Bowling Green High School. The rising senior out of Bowling Green, KY. was an impactful defensive weapon for the Purples during his junior season, becoming one of the most efficient tacklers on the roster. In 15 games, Dotson picked up 70 total tackles, including 39 solo stops, 31 assisted takedowns and two tackles for loss. Dotson also led the Purples' defense in interceptions on the season, recording five for 45 yards. Dotson additionally recovered one fumble, returning it to the house for a 16-yard touchdown. In addition to impressive size and speed, Dotson is lightning-fast off the snap and utilizes his size and toughness to keep the offense behind the line of scrimmage. Dotson showcased his ability to break through the offensive line, apply heavy pressure and make significant stops last season.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15077896/6390120f4210b705280381e2">Tape:</a>    At number three on the list is [player_tooltip player_id='468474' first='Beni' last='Mwamba'], a 6-foot-1, 185-pound defensive back out of Dixie Heights High School. The rising senior out of Edgewood, KY. was one of the most explosive defensive standouts on the Colonels' roster during his junior season. In 11 contests, Mwamba was among the most efficient tacklers on the team, picking up 36 total tackles, including 31 solo stops, five assisted takedowns and three tackles for loss. In addition to impressive size and speed, Mwamba is incredibly efficient and versatile as he can easily disorient the offensive line with his toughness and physicality. Last year, Mwamba showed off his ability to blast offenses with quick stops, heavy defensive pressure and sacks.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/16087390/6338810f4205dd048876a934">Tape:</a>    Claiming the fourth place spot is [player_tooltip player_id='653371' first='Sam' last='Clements'], a 5-foot-10, 140-pound defensive back out of Lexington Catholic High School. The rising senior out of Lexington, KY. was one of the most reliable defensive weapon on the Knights' roster during his junior season. In 13 games, Clements was the top tackler on Lexington Catholic's defense, picking up 102 total tackles, including 39 solo stops, 63 assisted takedowns and five tackles for loss. Clements additionally hauled in three interceptions for 35 yards last year. In addition to impressive size and speed, Clements contributes excellent quickness and versatility off the snap as he can consistently disrupt the offense. Last season, Clements showed off his ability to make stops from all over the field and place heavy pressure on the quarterback.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14793423/6445df623863aa0a78471474">Tape:</a>    Coming in at number five on this list of top returners is [player_tooltip player_id='423795' first='Elijah' last='Clinkscale'], a 5-foot-9, 150-pound defensive back out of Frederick Douglass High School. The rising senior out of Lexington, KY. was locked in defensively for the Broncos during his junior season. In 14 contests, Clinkscale made a difference on the field, picking up 10 total tackles, including eight solo stops and two assisted takedowns. Clinkscale additionally hauled in one interception last year, returning it to the house for a 38-yard touchdown. In addition to impressive size and speed, Clinkscale contributes solid durability and toughness on the field, allowing for him to stun the offensive line and be disruptive defensively. Last year, Clinkscale showcased his ability to make important stops and apply a significant amount of pressure on the quarterback.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11587766/6390b579ab9d421264f6003e">Tape:</a>

After an action-packed season of high school football in the Bluegrass State, it's time to look back at some of the top performers on the field last year, focusing our attention on the top returning performers in the class of 2024. Today, we will continue to break down intriguing defensive prospects. After evaluating the top athletes, a few explosive linebackers and impressive defensive lineman, here's my list of the top returning defensive back performers in the state of Kentucky to watch for this upcoming season.