Top 2025s in Kentucky to Watch For (Defense)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an outstanding year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it's time to highlight some of the top playmakers that established themselves on the field this past season. After breaking down the top 2025 standouts on the offensive side of the ball, here's my list of the top 2025s in Kentucky to watch for on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["373821"],"_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":"In the first place spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='373821' first='Austin' last='Alexander'], a defensive lineman at Cooper High School. What impresses me about Alexander is how he can read the offense like a book, maneuver the pocket and quickly apply pressure on the quarterback. I also like Alexander's ability to absorb pressure as well as utilize his arms to stun the offensive line, create disorganization and sack the gunslinger.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15530685/65431c652347600808bc8625u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65bc2f8dce94e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1149630"],"_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":"I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='1149630' first='Javeon' last='Campbell'], a defensive lineman at Western Hills High School. What makes Campbell such a defensive weapon is his explosiveness in the pocket. Campbell showcased his ability to blast past the defense and consistently stop the running back all throughout last year. I also liked how Campbell could get to the quarterback for the sack quickly off the snap.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17091535/656de29ac11a8507a8ce9be1u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65bc2f8dce9b9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["422907"],"_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":"Claiming the number three spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='422907' first='Hunter' last='Adams'], a linebacker at Lexington Christian Academy. Adams stands out with his ability to disrupt the ground game, using his electric speed and strength to stop the running back in the pocket. I also like how Adams can read his opponent by spotting the handoff. Adams also impresses me with his ability to quickly shut down the quarterback.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16566501/653d6d95da5c260cc4000d48u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65bc2f8dcea07"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["919064"],"_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":"Another skilled prospect to keep an eye on is [player_tooltip player_id='919064' first='Buddy' last='Collins'], a defensive back at Scott County High School. What impresses me about Collins is his ability to read the passing game and tackle receivers quickly after the completion. Collins also proved that he can use bursts of speed to catch the rush from along the edge. I also like how Collins can lock in and make significant stops in third-down scenarios.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MkFPHu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65bc2f8dcea4e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["735552"],"_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":"Coming in at number five on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='735552' first='Brock' last='Driver'], a linebacker at Boyle County High School. Driver stands out with his aggression, showing off his ability to be shifty in the pocket, block punts and quickly tackle the offense from along the edge. I also like how Driver can breach the pocket and shut down the running back. Driver also impresses me with his ability to apply pressure on and sack the quarterback.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16604022/657c690e7bdd430140bcf1e1u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65bc2f8dcea94"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["735613"],"_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":"Also worth mentioning is [player_tooltip player_id='735613' first='Caleb' last='Ricks'], a defensive back at Trinity High School. Ricks stands out due to his deceptively quick execution off the snap, ability to slip past openings in the pocket and his ability to sack the quarterback. I additionally like how Ricks can lock down receivers in coverage, stunning foes with his physicality. Ricks also does a good job of utilizing his wing span to attack the ball in the air and break up the deep pass.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16326916/651c1eaaf56a3b06e8b3bfb9u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65bc2f8dcead8"} /-->