2025 Defensive Playmakers On The Rise

Much like a top-flight dual threat quarterback, having a defensive playmaker on the other side of the ball is essential to building a championship team. At the high school level these playmakers come in all shapes, sizes and styles of play but what they do have in common is they are usually great athletes who have a nose for the football.   A great defender at the high school level plays multiple positions and gets positioned by defensive coordinators where they can wreck the most havoc on opposing offenses. Whether as a smothering lockdown cornerback, a ball-hawk free safety or a hybrid gladiator that lines up at linebacker or strong safety, these guys fly to the ball and make things happen.   And, as offenses get more and more sophisticated and effectively stretch the field both vertically and horizontally, the defense must counter with elite athletic defenders who are not only fast and have a head-hunter mentality, but have fluid hips, change direction quickly and possess quick-burst closing speed.   In this report I have identified five players who more than meet the criteria for being defensive playmakers. These guys are proven athletes coming off breakout junior seasons when they gave fans a glimpse of great things to come. All are coming off seasons when they were among the top performers in the state in tackles, interceptions and creating headaches for opposing coaches.   [player_tooltip player_id='442661' first='Jace' last='Adler'], 6'3, 185, ATH, Andover Central, is ranked #149. All State on offense, defense and as a return man. Piled up an impressive 97 tackles from his safety position and picked off seven passes. On offense caught 61 passes for 837 yards and 13 TD's and is one the state's top return men. As one of the best three-way players in the state he dominates games with his athleticism, instincts, closing speed and quick lateral movement. He can play a ball-hawking free safety, smothering corner or will hit you in the mouth as a strong safety. Rangy, with fluid hips and the ability to adjust and pivot on a dime, he has a way of always being around the ball. Get your popcorn - this guy is the real deal.   [player_tooltip player_id='866491' first='Tannar' last='McDaniel'], 5'11, 185, ATH, KC Piper, is ranked #140. He is coming off a standout junior campaign when he lit up opposing teams with a whopping 131 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, three interceptions, including one for a touchdown, and a pair of sacks. He is a headhunter of a hybrid strong safety/linebacker who flies to the ball and will deliver a blow upon arrival. He has great football instincts and flows laterally quickly and is effective at deflecting blocks and disrupting plays. He is also a dangerous return man and playmaker who seems to be everywhere on the field. Definitely one to watch in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='570192' first='Ashton' last='Moore'], 6'0, 200, ATH, Louisburg, is ranked #42. Is another multi-position athlete who can play anywhere on the field. He is coming off a superlative junior year on both sides of the ball. As a running back is a bruising basher who is deceptively fast and elusive, rushing for 1,110 yards and 15 TD's and added another 292 receiving and three touchdowns. He is even better on the other side of the ball, racking up 107 tackles, including a 20-tackle game against Tonganoxie. He is a tough, rugged linebacker who will blow up the gaps inside. He is also a versatile athlete who has a nose for the ball, great instincts and super closing speed. Get out and see him play in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='733447' first='Garrett' last='Pierce'], 5'11, 200, ATH, Basehor-Linwood, is ranked #27. A fast, aggressive athlete who can play anywhere on the field, he is coming off a breakout season when he piled up a note-worthy 115 total tackles and 16 tackles for loss. He has outstanding overall speed, lateral movement and is a wrecking machine off the edge. As a read-and-react linebacker he gets in the backfield in a hurry and uses his superior closing speed to cause disruption all over the field. An excellent tackler in the open field he is a big hitter who will deliver a blow. Tough and aggressive, he has great instincts in getting to the football. He is poised and ready for another great season in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='570190' first='Maguire' last='Richman'], 6'2, 210, ATH, Blue Valley Stillwell, is ranked #9. The highest-ranked playmaker on the list is another outstanding athlete who supports his team in a number of ways. As one of the state's best kickers, he drilled nine field goals last year with a long of 50 yards. On defense he is an athletic, smothering hitter who totaled an impressive 132 tackles, including eight games with double-digit tackles. He also added 11 tackles for loss, two blocked punts and an interception. An athletic, rangy linebacker who is comfortable dropping into coverage or destroying off the edge. He has great instincts and uses excellent closing speed to fly to the ball. He is ready for a standout season in '24.   In conclusion, these guys are going to be among the best of the best in 2024. Get out and see them play, they are all definitely fun to watch. As always, if you know of other athletes who are top performers or flying under the radar, feel free to DM me on X.

Much like a top-flight dual threat quarterback, having a defensive playmaker on the other side of the ball is essential to building a championship team. At the high school level these playmakers come in all shapes, sizes and styles of play but what they do have in common is they are usually great athletes who have a nose for the football.