2025 Preseason All-State Team: 4A Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The time has finally come, Week 1 of the 2025 high school football season is officially here! With this in mind, I wanted to highlight the top players in each class in the state of Kentucky with my Preseason All-State Teams. After already covering classes 5A and 6A, I have now turned my attention to class 4A. With the offense already taken care of, here is my Preseason All-State 4A defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1272160"],"_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-68a62e3b49df9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1272160' first='Malachi' last='Brown'] has established himself as the top defensive lineman in the state in his class. Brown lines up at defensive end where he is a dominant run stopper. He plays with a ton of physicality, showing the ability to shed blocks with ease on his way to the ball carrier. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he is a very reliable tackler, finishing his sophomore year with 46 tackles and 10 tackles for loss. He has also shown the ability to use a combination of speed and strength to blow by opposing offensive linemen as a pass rusher. Brown finished last season with eight sacks. Malachi currently holds multiple Power 4/Division I offers and I expect that list to continue to grow 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":["1284466"],"_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-68a6306ab2c13"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1284466' first='JJ' last='Goodman'] is a defensive lineman who has been high on my radar for a while now. Goodman lines up at defensive end where he is very impressive against the run. He does a great job of reading the play then stacking/shedding blocks quickly on his way to the ball carrier. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he explodes through contact to finish the tackle and not allow for extra yards to be gained. As a junior at Mercer County, Goodman finished with 60 tackles and three tackles for loss. He has also shown the ability to use an impressive bull rush to get to the quarterback as a pass rusher. Goodman currently holds an offer from Morehead State and I expect a lot of eyes to be on him after transferring to a very highly-regarded Boyle County program for his senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1513801"],"_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-68a6310eda730"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1513801' first='AJ' last='Paul'] caught my attention on the camp circuit this offseason and was just as impressive when breaking down his junior year film. Paul lines up at defensive end where he is a very effective pass rusher off the edge. He explodes out of his stance and uses his speed and bend to blow by opposing offensive tackles with ease on his way to the quarterback. AJ finished his junior year with seven sacks. He has also shown the ability to cause disruption against the run, finishing last season with 56 tackles and 17 tackles for loss. Paul currently holds offers from Kentucky Wesleyan and Minot State, and I expect more to come his way this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1200562"],"_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-68a6350318677"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1200562' first='Cooper' last='Benke'] is one of the young rising stars in the state of Kentucky. He lines up at defensive end where he is very impressive off the edge as a pass rusher. Benke uses a combination of explosive speed and pass rush moves to blow by opposing offensive tackles with ease on his way to the quarterback. He has also proven to be reliable against the run, showing the ability to read the play quickly then use his speed to get to the ball carrier in a hurry to make the tackle in the open field. Benke currently holds offers from Middle Tennessee State and Eastern Kentucky, and I expect more to come his way 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":["652507"],"_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-68a635d245278"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='652507' first='Brody' last='Simpkins'] will be one of the top linebackers in the entire state this season after transferring to Ashland from Rock Hill (OH) for his junior year. Simpkins lines up at inside linebacker where he is very impressive against the run. He does a great job of reading his keys quickly then using his speed to get 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. As a sophomore, Simpkins accounted for 101 tackles. He also finished last season with two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), and played a key role on offense at running back. Brody currently holds an offer from Morehead State 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":["335123"],"_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-68a63645669a3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='335123' first='Logan' last='Smith'] is a player who has been on my radar for a while now. Smith lines up at inside linebacker where he is very reliable against the run. He does a great job of reading the play quickly then flowing to the ball with a sense of urgency. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he has proven to be a very reliable tackler in the open field, finishing last season with a team-high 96 tackles along with five tackles for loss. He also finished his junior year with one sack and an interception, and led his team in rushing with 757 yards and two touchdowns. Logan doesn't currently hold any offers but he is a player who college coaches should definitely have their eyes on this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1715691"],"_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-68a63e7909176"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1715691' first='Jaxon' last='Gass'] jumped onto my radar with a strong sophomore season. He lines up at inside linebacker where he is at his best against the run. Gass does a great job of flowing downhill to the ball carrier in a hurry and fighting through blocks on his way there. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he runs his feet through contact to secure the tackle and not allow any extra yards to be gained. Jaxon finished last season with 83 tackles and four tackles for loss. Gass has also shown the ability to make plays in pass coverage, coming away with one interception as a sophomore. Jaxon doesn't currently hold any offers but he should be a player to keep a close 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":["1326126"],"_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-68a63e79091d9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1326126' first='Hank' last='James'] has been one of the most impressive defensive backs in the state over the past couple seasons. He lines up at safety where he has great instincts, reading the quarterback then using his speed to cover a ton of ground in a hurry to make a play on the ball. James finished his junior year with one interception and several pass breakups. He has also shown the ability to fill the lane and make tackles against the run, finishing last season with 41 tackles and one tackle for loss. James also caught one touchdown pass as a junior. Hank is committed to Troy where I can see him being a key contributor in their secondary once he gets there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1314807"],"_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-68a63fcc69d25"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1314807' first='Ashton' last='Drakeford'] is a player who has been high on my radar for a while now. Drakeford transferred from Mercer County to Boyle County where he will play safety. He is very impressive in pass coverage, showing the ability to read the quarterback then flow through coverage to put himself in a position to make a play. When the ball is thrown his way, he has shown impressive ball skills, finishing last season with one interception in seven games. He has also shown the ability to fill the lane to provide run support. Drakeford brings a ton of versatility as he played corner and receiver at Mercer County while also taking some snaps out of the backfield. Ashton currently holds multiple Division I offers and I expect more to come his way as he will get more exposure to college coaches playing for the Rebels this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["971500"],"_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-68a63fcc69d7e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='971500' first='Cameron' last='Davis'] is another player who has been on my radar for a while now. He lines up at safety where he is very impressive in coverage, reading the quarterback and breaking on the ball with perfect timing to make a play when it is thrown his way. Davis finished his junior year with a team-high six interceptions. He also finished last season with 47 tackles and one tackle for loss. Cameron honestly could've been included in my All-State offense as well as he led his team in receiving with 35 catches for 615 yards and eight touchdowns last year while also running for over 500 yards and nine touchdowns. He has also proved to be a reliable returner on special teams, returning one kickoff for a touchdown as a junior. Davis currently holds an offer from Morehead State and I expect more to come his way this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1655656"],"_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-68a6413f8a6ef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">To wrap up my 4A Preseason All-State defense, I have [player_tooltip player_id='1655656' first='Jakeem' last='Ray']. Ray lines up on the outside at corner where he is very impressive in man coverage. He does a great job of using his speed to open up and run with receivers to mirror their routes with ease, staying in their hip pocket the whole way. When the ball is thrown his way, he does a great job of breaking in front of the intended receiver to make a play. Jakeem finished his junior year with two interceptions and several pass breakups. He also finished last season with 22 tackles and caught one touchdown pass. Ray currently holds an offer from Southern Mississippi and I expect more to come his way during his senior year. </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='401693' first='Cliffton' last='Yocum'] (Boyle County, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='1200563' first='Griffin' last='Benke'] (Highlands, 2027); [player_tooltip player_id='1200573' first='Elijah' last='Luna'] (John Hardin, 2027); [player_tooltip player_id='401688' first='Andrew' last='Ferguson'] (Johnson Central, 2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Linebacker: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1691018' first='Brady' last='Guard'] (Covington Catholic, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='283962' first='Dalton' last='Matney'] (Johnson Central, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='1288478' first='Maddox' last='Hawkins'] (Taylor County, 2028)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Back: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1654083' first='Amere' last='Jones'] (Valley, 2028); [player_tooltip player_id='971570' first='Bubby' last='McPherson'] (Boyle County, 2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->