These Week 6 Defenders Made Upward Moves
By this point in the typical progression of the regular season, the most talented defenders who have maintained high snap counts and remained relatively injury-free are truly approaching a period of optimum performance, characterized by increased tackling efficiency, high pursuit…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingBy this point in the typical progression of the regular season, the most talented defenders who have maintained high snap counts and remained relatively injury-free are truly approaching a period of optimum performance, characterized by increased tackling efficiency, high pursuit motors and impactful stops in critical game situations. Whether making stops on short-yardage runs, breaking up passes on third down or turning a game’s momentum with an important takeaway, these defensive prospects produced stellar performances in their teams’ most recent wins and trend favorably as their seasons progress toward the playoffs.
Kenton Cornwell
Kenton Cornwell
In the Cougars’ 42-6 win over North Bullitt, Cornwell once again led all defenders with 12 solo tackles and 4 assists, and he remains his squad’s top tackler for the season with 41 solos, 13 assists, 1 tackle for loss and 1 fumble recovery. After playing sparingly last season and totaling 13 tackles in 10 games, his performance and production levels have risen sharply in his senior season, and his defensive unit currently sits atop all Class AAAAA programs in allowing only 9.4 points per game (#7 statewide). An exceptionally powerful and explosive athlete, Cornwell’s disciplined eyes/visual reads, instantaneous reactions to his keys and exceptional leverage skills have been essential to the Cougars’ defensive success this season and to elevating his team to 6-1 for the first time since 2019.
Aiden DeWees
Aiden DeWees
DeWees’s defensive output was integral to his Cougars’ 14-10 road win at Nelson County, as he finished the evening with 9 solo tackles, 4 assists, 1 tackle for loss and 1 fumble recovery. A physical inside linebacker with consistently sound hip/pad level and leverage skills, he currently leads his defensive unit with 38 solo tackles, 18 assists and 10 tackles for loss and ranks 15th among all Class A defenders. An aggressive, high-motor presence with active hands and ball skills, he also has forced 2 fumbles, recovered three others and intercepted 1 pass. After finishing his junior season as the #3 tackler on his state semi-finalist squad, his elevated contributions this fall have his Cougars’ defense currently ranked 7th in Class A and poised for their big district showdown with Kentucky Country Day.
A primary contributor on both sides of the ball for the Lions, in their 48-14 win over Greenup County Hicks turned in a big night offensively with 4 receptions for 84 yards and 1 touchdown, but perhaps his biggest impact came on the defensive side of the ball where he collected 3 solo tackles 2 assists and 2 interceptions (for 25 return yards). Currently the interceptions leader in Class AAAA (and #4 statewide) with 4 total picks, he has generated 5 solo tackles, 7 assists and 54 return yards while also hauling in 22 pass receptions offensively for 414 yards and 6 touchdowns (15th in Class AAAA). An athletic, competitive performer with speed and excellent ball skills, his performance will factor heavily in his team’s chances this week against district rival Ashland Paul Blazer.
Kenyon Martin
Kenyon Martin
After finishing his freshman season as the Colonels’ leading tackler, Martin has certainly fulfilled early season expectations this fall, as well, after collecting 12 solo tackles, 1 assist and a 40-yard scoop-and-score touchdown in his team’s 72-14 victory at Fulton County. A tall, physical presence who aligns as a walked up outside linebacker in a 4-4 defensive set, he has generated 35 solo tackles, 17 assists, and 1 tackle for loss in seven games (36th in Class A). In testament to his exceptional athleticism, it’s also noteworthy that he has transformed all three of his takeaways this fall into scores–with 2 fumble recoveries returned for 114 yards and two scores, as well as an interception returned 75 yards for another touchdown. Just a sophomore, Martin’s physical frame, speed and conspicuous athleticism make him a top trending prospect in the 2026 class.
Uriah Virzi
Uriah Virzi
A key returning starter for the Blue Tornado defense, Virzi finished his junior season as his squad’s 7th-leading tackler and was integral to Tilghman’s stifling defensive performance in their most recent 63-20 win over Logan County. Contributing 7 solo tackles, 5 assists and 4 tackles for loss, his disruptive presence as an inside linebacker kept his opponents’ offense behind the chains for most of the night and prevented the Cougars’ prolific offense from ever getting untracked. Currently his squad’s #2 tackler for the season, he has collected 29 solo tackles, 18 assists and 7 tackles for loss in 5 games, and his average of 9.4 tackles per game ranks him 19th among all Class AAAA defenders. An aggressive, downhill presence versus the inside run and a perimeter player with speed and excellent leverage skills, his defensive performances are a primary reason that the Blue Tornado are 7-0 for the first time since 2003.