Lockdown Legends in the Making: Top Freshman Defenders of 2024

Stepping onto the varsity stage as a freshman isn't for the faint of heart, but the Class of 2028's defensive stars are built differently. These young Ballhawks and Bruisers are flipping the script, proving age is just a number for shutting down the opposition. Offenses across the state are learning the hard way—don't test the freshmen.    With stats that feel more like a seasoned veteran than a first-year player, Jaiden Martinezz is already a menace to quarterbacks and offensive coordinators. Boasting 29 total tackles, one sack, and a jaw-dropping seven interceptions, Martinezz's highlight reel includes a single-game masterpiece against Cedaredge, where he snatched six interceptions like he had magnets in his gloves. Opposing QBs will learn to think twice before testing this young phenom.     Don't let [player_tooltip player_id='1649000' first='Amador' last='Lopez']'s 5'6, 135-pound frame fool you. This pint-sized playmaker packs a punch, racking up 14 total tackles, three interceptions, and one tackle for a loss. He's proof that heart and hustle outshine height on the field, and he's just getting started.     [player_tooltip player_id='1561706' first='Adam' last='Moore']'s numbers read like a defensive coordinator's dream. With 32 total tackles, three interceptions (including a pick-six), and one tackle for a loss, Moore's instinct for the ball is second to none. His ability to disrupt plays makes him a cornerstone for Holy Family's defensive unit.     At 6'2, 200 pounds, Lucas Lawson is a physical presence that offenses struggle to contain. His 21 total tackles, seven and a half tackles for loss, and four sacks showcase his ability to dominate both in the secondary and at the line of scrimmage. This is a freshman who plays like a seasoned enforcer.     [player_tooltip player_id='1650134' first='Mason' last='Godshall']'s 75 total tackles, including 57 solo tackles and 10 tackles for loss, scream one thing: relentless. His nose for the ball and ability to deliver punishing hits have made him a key player for Cheyenne Mountain and his opponents' nightmares.     At 5'11, 175 pounds, [player_tooltip player_id='1644516' first='Camdyn' last='Tacha'] plays bigger than his size. His 74 total tackles, 23 solo tackles, and six and a half tackles for loss are a testament to his sideline-to-sideline coverage and ability to anchor his team's defense.     [player_tooltip player_id='983146' first='Colt' last='Jones']' combination of speed and vision makes him a force in the secondary. His 54 total tackles, 34 solo tackles, one tackle for loss, and two interceptions have already turned heads, earning him a reputation as one of Regis Jesuit's brightest young stars     Please don't sleep on Mason Mondragon, whose 51 total tackles speak to his relentless motor. Mondragon's presence is impossible to ignore, whether lining up on offense or defense.     [player_tooltip player_id='1650140' first='Christian' last='Banks']' knack for solo tackles sets him apart. With 49 total tackles, including 35 solo stops, he's the kind of player who makes big plays look routine and gives his team a reliable defensive backbone.     [player_tooltip player_id='1649026' first='Manny' last='Jiron'] does it all. With 47 total tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, three quarterback hurries, and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown, Jiron's versatility and nose for the ball make him a nightmare for offenses. He's Monte Vista's Swiss Army knife on defense.    These freshman defenders aren't just holding their own—they're dominating. The Class of 2028 is here to show that the future of football isn't just bright; it's unstoppable. Keep your eyes on these young stars because they're just warming up.

Stepping onto the varsity stage as a freshman isn't for the faint of heart, but the Class of 2028's defensive stars are built differently. These young Ballhawks and Bruisers are flipping the script, proving age is just a number for shutting down the opposition. Offenses across the state are learning the hard way—don't test the freshmen.