2024 Regular Season All-State Teams: 6A 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. I have kicked things off with class 6A. After already covering the offensive side of the ball, here is my 2024 Regular Season All-State Defense for Class 6A in the state of Kentucky!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1149579"],"_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-672ac43c2368d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1149579' first='Travis' last='Moten'] is a player who has been high on my radar for a while now and has continued to stand out this season. Moten lines up at defensive end where he is very impressive as a pass rusher. He explodes out of his stance and is able to use his speed and bend to blow by opposing offensive tackles with ease. Moten finished the regular season as the statewide leader (all classes) in sacks with 17.5 in 10 games. He also showed the ability to dominate against the run, using his strength to shed blocks quickly and his speed to get to the ball carrier in a hurry to make the tackle. Travis finished the regular season as his team's leading tackler with 79 along with 25 tackles for loss. Moten is committed to Western Michigan where I can see him making an early impact on the defensive line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["283954"],"_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-672ac56d700b7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='283954' first='Baron' last='Hardesty'] is another defensive end who has continued to impress this season. He is a very dangerous pass rusher off the edge, showing the strength to bull rush straight through offensive tackles along with the quick pass rush moves to shoot their inside gap before they can react. Hardesty finished the regular season with 15 sacks in 10 games. He has also shown the ability to stop the run, accounting for 49 tackles and 19 tackles for loss so far this season. Baron doesn't currently hold any offers but he has received some college interest and 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_player":["971538"],"_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-672ac82717567"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='971538' first='Josiah' last='Hope'] has continued to show that he is one of the best overall players in the state in his class this season. Hope has shown the versatility to line up both at defensive end and tackle where he is dominant against the run. He does a great job of shedding blocks quickly then using his speed to get to the ball carrier to make the tackle before they can get going. Hope finished the regular season with 59 tackles and 19 tackles for loss in 10 games. He has also shown the ability to rush the passer, finishing the regular season with seven sacks. Josiah currently holds offers from Kentucky, Louisville, Wisconsin, Auburn, and Eastern Kentucky, and I expect more to come his way as he is a high-caliber defensive line prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["373040"],"_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-672ac9a56c7f5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='373040' first='Tucker' last='Roth'] is a player who has been high on my radar for a while now and has continued to stand out this season. Roth lines up at inside linebacker where he is dominant against the run. He does a great job of reading his keys and flowing to the ball carrier in a hurry. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he explodes through contact and finishes his tackles with a ton of physicality. Tucker finished the regular season as the 6A leader in tackles with 138 along with 34 tackles for loss in nine games. Roth also finished the regular season with eight sacks, and returned one fumble recovery and a kickoff return for touchdowns. Tucker currently holds offers from Eastern Kentucky, Marshall, Army, and Air Force, 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_player":["1506776"],"_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-672accea77f6c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1506776' first='Wyatt' last='Highley'] is a player who has caught my attention with a strong junior year so far. Highley has shown the versatility to play both inside and outside linebacker. He is very reliable against the run, showing the ability to read his keys then flow to the ball carrier quickly to make the tackle before they can get going. Highley finished the regular season with a team-high 124 tackles along with 10 tackles for loss in 10 games. He also finished the regular season with half a sack and one interception. Highley doesn't currently hold any offers but he should be a player to continue to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["745573"],"_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-672accea77fc0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='745573' first='Matthew' last='Hardin'] is another linebacker who has jumped onto my radar this season. Hardin lines up at inside linebacker where he is very reliable against the run. He reads his keys quickly then explodes downhill out of his stance to get to the ball carrier and make the tackle before they have time to make a big play. Hardin finished the regular season as his team's leading tackler with 100 along with 14 tackles for loss in 10 games. He also finished the regular season with 6.5 sacks, two interceptions, and forced one safety. Matthew doesn't currently hold any offers but he is a player who college coaches should definitely have the eyes on. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["378835"],"_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-672ad1c72a700"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='378835' first='Jordan' last='Haskins'] has continued to prove that he is one of the top overall players in the state in his class. Haskins lines up at safety where he is a true ballhawk in the secondary. He does a great job of reading the quarterback and flowing through the secondary to put himself in a good position to make a play. When the ball is in the air, he has shown the ability to break on the ball with perfect timing to come away with an interception, finishing the regular season with four interceptions in 10 games. He has also shown the ability to provide support against the run, finishing the regular season with 67 tackles and a tackle for loss. Haskins also currently leads his team in receiving with 13 catches for 221 yards and two touchdowns, and has also scored two rushing touchdowns. Jordan currently holds offers from Akron, Ohio, Kentucky, Louisville, Miami (OH), Kent State, Toledo, Marshall, and Eastern Kentucky, and I expect more to come his way as he is a highly talented prospect with two more seasons after this one to continue to develop. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1506778"],"_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-672ad1c72a750"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1506778' first='Ryan' last='Giles'] is a player who has caught my attention with a strong junior season. Giles lines up at corner where he is very impressive in zone coverage. He does a great job of reading route combinations to put himself in a good position to make a play. When the ball is thrown his way, he has shown tremendous ball skills as he finished the regular season tied for the 6A lead in interceptions with five in nine games, returning one of them for a touchdown. He also finished the regular season with 22 tackles and caught four passes for 39 yards. Giles 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:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1073204"],"_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-672ad56759bd1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">To wrap up my 6A Regular Season All-State Defense, I have [player_tooltip player_id='1073204' first='Miller' last='Brown']. Brown lines up at safety where he is very reliable in coverage. He does a great job of reading the quarterback and route combinations while flowing through the secondary to put himself in a position to make a play. When the ball is thrown his way, he attacks it at its highest point to come away with the interception. He is currently tied with his teammate Giles for the 6A lead in interceptions with five in 10 games. Miller has also shown the ability to fill the lane and make tackles against the run, finishing the regular season with a team-high 80 tackles. He also leads his team in receiving with 38 catches for 495 yards and eight touchdowns while also running the ball 18 times for 140 yards and two touchdowns. Brown has also returned one kickoff for a touchdown this season. Miller currently holds an offer from Mount Saint Joseph and I expect more to come his way as he has received a lot of college interest. </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>Bailey Vance (Trinity, 2025); [player_tooltip player_id='735671' first='Dillon' last='Smith'] (Ryle, 2025); [player_tooltip player_id='373041' first='Cameron' last='Jessee'] (DuPont Manual, 2025)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Linebacker: </strong>Aven Bohms (Simon Kenton, 2025); [player_tooltip player_id='1175788' first='Karsten' last='Busch'] (St. Xavier, 2026); Corbin Wells (Barren County, 2027); [player_tooltip player_id='1577083' first='Clayton' last='Shaddix'] (Great Crossing, 2025)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Back: </strong>ZjaLijuon White (Bryan Station, 2025); [player_tooltip player_id='1315089' first='Jackson' last='Grantz'] (Lafayette, 2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->