2024 Midseason All-State Teams: 2A Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we enter the month of October, we have reached the halfway point in the 2024 high school football regular season in the state of Kentucky. With that being said, I wanted to take a look back at some of the top players of the first half by releasing my Midseason All-State teams in each class. After covering classes 3A-6A, I have now turned my attention to class 2A. With the offensive side of the ball already being covered, here is my Midseason 2A All-State Defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401709"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67084331d73f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='401709' first='Jackson' last='Whitten'] is a player who has been on my radar for a while now and has continued to stand out so far this season. Whitten lines up at defensive end where he is dominant off the edge as a pass rusher. He uses an impressive combination of strength and speed to blow by opposing offensive tackles with ease. Through six games, Jackson leads 2A in sacks with 8.5. He has also continued to show the ability to stop the run, accounting for 50 tackles and 20 tackles for loss so far. Whitten is also Bracken County's starting quarterback, throwing for 512 yards and seven touchdowns while also scoring one rushing touchdown this season. Jackson doesn't currently hold any offers but he has received a strong amount of college interest and has the talent to play at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1517145"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-670843c45ef70"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1517145' first='Ethan' last='Adkins'] is a defensive lineman who has jumped onto my radar with a strong start to his senior season. Adkins lines up at defensive end where he causes disruption as a pass rusher. Ethan explodes out of his stance and uses his strength to drive straight through blocks on his way to the quarterback. He currently has 5.5 sacks through the first 6 games. Ethan has also proven to be reliable against the run with 45 tackles and one tackle for loss so far. Adkins doesn't currently hold any offers but he should be a player to keep an eye on this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1200723"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-670846314b491"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1200723' first='Crayson' last='Lafferty'] has made a huge impact in his first season at Martin County. Lafferty lines up at inside linebacker where he is very impressive against the run. He does a great job of reading his keys then comes downhill in a hurry to meet the ball carrier and make the tackle before they can get going. Lafferty currently leads his team with 102 tackles and nine tackles for loss in seven games. He has also accounted for 1.5 sacks, one interception, and has made an impact on offense, scoring one rushing touchdown so far. Crayson doesn't currently hold any offers but he should be a player to continue to watch over the next few seasons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1517153"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-670848f0a6ae8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1517153' first='Keshawn' last='Dixon'] is a player who has caught my attention with a strong start to his junior year. He lines up at linebacker where he is very reliable against the run. Dixon does a great job of flowing to the ball carrier in a hurry and is a very reliable tackler in the open field once he gets there. Through six games, Dixon leads 2A in tackles with 105 and also has 15 tackles for loss. He has also shown the ability to make plays against the pass with one sack and two interceptions so far. Keshawn is also his team's leading rusher with 63 carries for 595 yards and six touchdowns, and has also caught 10 passes for 106 yards. Dixon doesn't currently hold any offers but he should be a player to keep an eye on over the next couple seasons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1517151"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-670848f0a6b3a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1517151' first='Robert' last='Magalong'] is another linebacker who has jumped onto my radar this season. He is very impressive against the run, showing the ability to read his keys quickly then use his speed to blow by opposing offensive linemen to get to the ball carrier and make the tackle in the open field. Robert leads his team with 84 tackles and six tackles for loss through the first seven games. Magalong doesn't currently hold any offers but he is a player to keep an eye on over the next two seasons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["919065"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67084b1071d64"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='919065' first='Jeremiah' last='Jones'] is a player who has been high on my radar for a while now and has continued to stand out this season. He lines up in a linebacker/strong safety role where he is dominant against the run. Jones reads the play quickly and explodes downhill in a hurry to make the tackle before the ball carrier can get going. Through seven games, Jones leads his team with 80 tackles and 12 tackles for loss. He has also shown the ability to make plays against the pass, both as a pass rusher and in coverage, accounting for seven sacks and one interception so far. Jeremiah also leads Murray in receiving with 44 catches for 663 yards and six touchdowns, and has also scored two rushing touchdowns this season. Jones is committed to Nebraska where I can see him making a big impact once he gets there. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["971497"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67084b1071dbe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='971497' first='Isaiah' last='Martin'] is another member of the Murray defense who has impressed this season. Martin lines up at safety where he is a true ballhawk in the secondary. He does a great job of reading the quarterback then covering a ton of ground quickly to put himself in a position to make a play on the ball. Through seven games, Martin is tied for the 2A lead in interceptions with five, returning one for a touchdown. Isaiah has also accounted for 76 tackles, one tackle for loss, and half a sack this season. He also plays a key role on offense, catching 37 passes for 560 yards and seven touchdowns, and scoring one rushing touchdown so far this season. Isaiah currently holds an offer from Eastern Kentucky and I expect more to come his way as he is a Division I caliber prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1517148"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67084f25bdeb0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1517148' first='Luke' last='Parker'] is a player who has caught my attention with an impressive start to his senior year. Parker lines up at safety where he is very impressive in pass coverage. He does a great job of reading the quarterback then breaking on the ball with perfect timing to make a play. Parker is currently tied for the 2A lead in interceptions with five in six games. Luke has also shown the ability to fill the lane and provide support against the run, accounting for 22 tackles and one tackle for loss this season. He has also made an impact on offense, catching 23 passes for 285 yards and one touchdown so far. Luke doesn't currently hold any offers but he will be a player to continue to watch this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1517158"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67084f25bdf0e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">To wrap up my Midseason 2A All-State Defense, I have [player_tooltip player_id='1517158' first='Devan' last='Maynard']. Maynard lines up at safety where he is very reliable in coverage. Once he reads the play, he breaks on the ball with perfect timing and has shown impressive ball skills, coming away with four interceptions in six games. He has also shown the ability to make plays against the run, accounting for 45 tackles and four tackles for loss so far. Maynard has also returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and is an electric playmaker on offense, throwing for 790 yards and ten touchdowns while also running the ball 120 times for 926 yards and 15 touchdowns so far this season. Devan doesn't currently hold any offers but he should be a player to keep an eye on over the next two years .</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Honorable Mention</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Line: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1577027' first='Ace' last='Daugherty'] (Edmonson County, 2025); Hunter Thomas (Knott County Central, 2025)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Linebacker: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1577031' first='Trevor' last='Holbrook'] (Pike County Central, 2025); [player_tooltip player_id='1200716' first='Brayden' last='Holland'] (Leslie County, 2027); Jon Reynolds (Somerset, 2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Back: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1577035' first='Brayden' last='Estep'] (Martin County, 2025); [player_tooltip player_id='1584351' first='Rylan' last='Simpson'] (Leslie County, 2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->