2024 Regular Season All-State Teams: 5A Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we begin the month of November, another regular season of high school football in the state of Kentucky has come and gone. With that being said, I wanted to acknowledge some of the top performers in each class before we head into the playoffs this weekend. Over the next week, I will be releasing my 2024 Regular Season All-State teams in each class. After already covering class 6A, I have now turned my attention to class 5A. With the offensive side of the ball already being covered, here is my 5A Regular Season All-State Defense!</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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-672cff796ac13"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='373821' first='Austin' last='Alexander'] has continued to prove that he is one of the best overall players in the state this season. He lines up at defensive end where he is dominant off the edge as a pass rusher. Alexander has an impressive combination of speed, strength, and pass rush moves which he is able to use to blow by opposing offensive tackles with ease. He finished the regular season with eight sacks in eight games. Alexander has also continued to show the ability to stop the run, finishing the regular season with 27 tackles and seven tackles for loss. He has also made an impact on offense at tight end, catching 27 passes for 453 yards and six touchdowns. Austin is committed to North Carolina where I can see him finishing a key role in their defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Dominic Storer","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"210","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Dixie Heights","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-672d01a81fe30"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dominic Storer is a player who has jumped onto my radar with a strong senior season. Storer lines up at defensive end where he is very impressive as a pass rusher. He does a great job of using his speed and bend to get around opposing offensive tackles with ease to get to the quarterback. Storer finished the regular season with 8.5 sacks in 10 games. He has also shown the ability to shed blocks and get to the ball carrier in a hurry to make tackles against the run, finishing the regular season with 66 tackles and 12 tackles for loss. Storer currently holds an offer from Pikeville and I expect more to come his way as he 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":["1200577"],"_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-672d0522b5022"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1200577' first='Ty' last='Ashley'] is a player who has truly made a name for himself this season. Ashley lines up at inside linebacker where he is very reliable against the run. He does a great job of reading his keys and coming downhill quickly to get to the ball carrier and make the tackle. Ashley finished the regular season with a team-high 109 tackles along with four tackles for loss in 10 games. He has also shown the ability to put pressure on the quarterback, coming away with three sacks so far this season. Ashley also serves as his team's backup quarterback, finishing the season with one passing and one rushing touchdown. Ty currently holds offers from Louisville and Eastern Kentucky, and I expect more to come his way as he is a talented linebacker with three years to continue to develop. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["735605"],"_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-672d063845bd1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='735605' first='Davion' last='Sturgis'] is a player who has been high on my radar for a while now and has continued to impress as a senior. Sturgis lines up at outside linebacker where he is a dangerous pass rush off the edge. Davion explodes out of his stance, and has shown the ability to use his speed and bend to blow by opposing offensive tackles with ease. Sturgis finished the regular season with the 5A leader in sacks with 12 in 10 games. Davion has also shown the ability to run sideline to sideline to make tackles in the open field against the run, finishing the regular season with a team-leading 90.5 tackles and 15 tackles for loss. Sturgis currently holds offers from Eastern Kentucky, Morehead State, and Thomas More, and I expect more to come his way as he has the talent to play for a Division I program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["331755"],"_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-672d083a07999"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='331755' first='Jeremiah' last='Parker'] is another linebacker who has been high on my radar for a while now and has continued to stand out this season. Parker lines up at outside linebacker where he is dominant against the run. He reads the play quickly and explodes downhill out of his stance to get to the ball carrier to make the tackle before they can get going. Jeremiah finished the regular season as his team's leader in tackles with 94 along with 23 tackles for loss in 10 games. He has also shown the ability to make plays against the pass, finishing the regular season with 10 sacks and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown. Parker has also caught one touchdown pass this season. Jeremiah currently holds offers from Eastern Kentucky, Marshall, Tennessee State, Kentucky State, and Walsh, and I expect more to come his way as he is a Division I caliber linebacker prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Skylar Minton","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Madisonville-North Hopkins","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-672d09710eca6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Skylar Minton is a player who has caught my attention with a very impressive senior season. Minton lines up at outside linebacker where he is very reliable against the run. He uses his speed to flow to the ball carrier in a hurry before opposing offensive linemen can get their hands on him. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he is a very reliable tackler in the open field. Minton finished the regular season with a team-high 105 tackles along with three tackles for loss in nine games. He has also proven to be a very dangerous pass rusher off the edge, finishing the regular season with 11 sacks. Skylar doesn't currently hold any offers but he should be a player to continue to keep an eye on. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Asher Brewer","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Scott County","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-672d0c3ce92b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Asher Brewer is a player who has jumped onto my radar with a very strong sophomore season. Brewer lines up at safety where he is a ballhawk in the secondary. He does a great job of reading the quarterback then breaking on the ball with perfect timing to make a play. Brewer finished the regular season as the 5A leader in interceptions with seven in 10 games. He has also shown the ability to come downhill and provide support against the run, finishing the regular season with 49 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss. Asher doesn't currently hold any offers but he is a player who college coaches should keep their eyes on as he continues to develop. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1508089"],"_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-672d111f86764"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1508089' first='Eh'Madjai' last='Badger'] is another defensive back who has stood out to me this season. Badger lines up at corner where he is very impressive in coverage. He is very reliable in man coverage, showing the ability to open up and run with receivers to mirror their routes. When the ball is thrown his way, he has shown the ability to react with perfect timing to make a play. Badger finished the regular season with six interceptions in 10 games. He also finished the regular season with 25 tackles and three tackles for loss, and has made an impact on offense at receiver, catching 16 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns. Badger doesn't currently hold any offers but he has received come college interest and is definitely a player to continue to keep an eye on. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1175817"],"_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-672d111f86802"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">To wrap up my 5A Regular Season All-State Defense, I have [player_tooltip player_id='1175817' first='Ryker' last='Campbell']. Campbell lines up at safety where he is very reliable against the run. He does a great job of reading the play quickly then coming downhill to make the tackle in the open field. Ryker finished the regular season with a team-leading 74 tackles along with one tackle for loss in 10 games. He has also been impressive in coverage, showing the ability to read route combinations to put himself in a position to make a play, finishing the regular season with four interceptions. Campbell has also caught one touchdown pass this season. Ryker doesn't currently hold any offers but he should be a player to continue to keep an eye on. </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>Jake Throgmorton (Graves County, 2025)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Linebacker: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1211382' first='Montez' last='Trussell'] (Bowling Green, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='311506' first='Preston' last='Williams'] (Madison Southern, 2025); [player_tooltip player_id='1248480' first='Colton' last='Veltkamp'] (South Warren, 2025)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Back: </strong>Jackson Dusel (North Bullitt, 2025); [player_tooltip player_id='735612' first='Jaiden' last='Shegog'] (Woodford County, 2025); Luke Kelly (Harlan County, 2025)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->