2025 Preseason All-State Team: 5A 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 class 6A, I have now turned my attention to class 5A. With the offense already taken care of, here is my Preseason All-State 5A defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1610654"],"_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-68a4eb3f3c856"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1610654' first='Zai'Vion' last='Meads'] is one of the most talented defensive linemen in the state, regardless of class. He lines up at defensive tackle where he is dominant against the run. Meads explodes out of his stance and using his strength to fight straight through opposing offensive linemen on his way to the ball carrier. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he is a very reliable tackler, finishing his sophomore year at Central with 66 tackles and 13 tackles for loss. He had also shown the ability to rush the passer, finishing last season with five sacks. Meads currently holds multiple Power 4/Division I offers and I expect a lot of eyes to be on him after transferring to a very talented Atherton program for his junior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1175815"],"_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-68a4eb3f3c8be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1175815' first='Malik' last='Coburn'] has been high on my radar for a while now. He lines up at defensive end where he very reliable against both the run and pass. Against the run, he does a great job of reading the play quickly then using his speed to get to the ball carrier to make the tackle before they can get going. Coburn caused a ton of disruption last season, finishing the year with 92 tackles and 19.5 tackles for loss. As a pass rusher, Coburn has shown an impressive blend of speed, strength, and pass rush moves, which he uses to blow by opposing offensive tackles with ease. Coburn finished his junior year with 9.5 sacks. Malik currently holds offers from Southeast Missouri State, Missouri Southern, UT-Martin, and Indianapolis, 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":["1264301"],"_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-68a4ebf231120"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1264301' first='Sam' last='Dawson'] is another defensive lineman who has been high on my radar for a while now. He lines up at defensive end where he is very impressive against the run. Dawson does a great job of using his strength to stack/shed blocks with ease followed by his speed to get to the ball carrier with a sense of urgency. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he explodes through contact to finish the tackle, finishing last season with 60 tackles and eight tackles for loss. Dawson also finished his junior year with one sack and an interception. Sam is committed to Louisville where I can see him developing into a key piece of their defense once he gets there. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1375202"],"_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-68a4ed5f86a09"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">My final defensive lineman on this list is [player_tooltip player_id='1375202' first='Josiah' last='McKee']. McKee lines up at defensive end where he is a very impressive pass rusher. He uses his explosive speed and pass rush moves to blow by opposing offensive tackles with ease on his way to the quarterback. McKee has also shown the ability to fight through blocks and make tackles in the open field against the run. Josiah currently holds offers from Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky, and I expect more to come his way as he continues to develop 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":["378839"],"_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-68a4ef4860def"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='378839' first='Garyon' last='Hobbs'] is one of the most talented players in the entire state. Last season at CAL, Hobbs played in an outside linebacker/strong safety role where he was very impressive against the run. He has great instincts, reading the play quickly then using his speed to get to the ball carrier to make the tackle before they can get going. Hobbs finished his sophomore year with 79 tackles and 15 tackles for loss. He also proved to be very reliable against the pass, finishing last season with one sack and three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown). Hobbs also made an impact on offense last season, running for over 360 yards and two touchdowns while also catching three touchdown passes. Garyon currently holds a long list of Power 4 offers and I expect that list to continue to grow as he takes on his new role at Atherton. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1211382"],"_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-68a4f1d1f043c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1211382' first='Montez' last='Trussell'] was one of the most productive linebackers in the state last season. He is very versatile, showing the ability to play both inside the box and off the edge. Against the run, Trussell reads his keys quickly then explodes downhill with a sense of urgency to meet the ball carrier and make the tackle. He finished last season with a team-high 121 tackles and 27.5 tackles for loss. Montez has also proven to be a dangerous pass rusher off the edge, using his speed to blow by opposing offensive tackles with ease. Trussell finished his junior year with 16 sacks. Montez currently holds an offer from Georgetown (KY) and I expect more to come his way during his senior year. </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-68a4f1d1f0499"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1200577' first='Ty' last='Ashley'] has been one of the more consistent linebackers in the state over the past couple seasons. He lines up at inside linebacker where he is dominant against the run. Ashley does a great job of reading his keys then flowing downhill to the ball carrier, using his strength to fight though blocks with ease on the way there. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he is a very reliable tackler, finishing his sophomore year with a team-leading 116 tackles along with five tackles for loss. He also finished last season with three sacks and has played a small role on offense as a backup quarterback over the past two seasons. Ashley currently holds offers from Louisville, Eastern Kentucky, Cincinnati, Kent State, and Murray State, and I expect more to come his way 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":["500831"],"_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-68a4f30c7940d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After missing most of last season due to injury, [player_tooltip player_id='500831' first='Darrian' last='Tomlin'] will be looking to prove himself as one of the top players in the state in his class this season. Tomlin lines up at outside linebacker where he is a very effective pass rusher off the edge, using his speed to blow by opposing offensive tackles with ease on his way to the quarterback. He has also proven to be very reliable against the run, showing the ability to run sideline to sideline to make tackles in the open field. Tomlin will also be looking to continue to make an impact on offense at running back. Darrian currently holds offers from Toledo and Eastern Kentucky, and I expect more to come his way as he has the talent to play at the Division I level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1638813"],"_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-68a4f30c79467"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As a freshman at CAL last season, [player_tooltip player_id='1638813' first='Grayden' last='Reid'] established himself as one of the best man coverage corners in the state, regardless of class. He does a great job of opening up and using his speed to run with receivers to mirror their routes, staying in their hip pocket the whole way. In the rare occasion that a quarterback tests him, Reid has shown the ability to fight across the intended receiver to break up the pass. He has also shown the ability to provide run support, finishing last season with 42 tackles and one tackle for loss. Reid has also shown the versatility to play safety when asked to do so. Grayden currently holds multiple Power 4 offers and I expect more to come his way over the next three seasons at Atherton. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1326127"],"_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-68a4f56fbb1cb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1326127' first='James' last='Briscoe'] is another member of the Atherton secondary who has stood out to me. He lines up on the outside at corner where he is very impressive in coverage. Briscoe played in mainly zone coverage last season and was very effective, showing the ability to read route combinations and put himself in a position to make a play. When the ball is thrown his way, he breaks with perfect timing to make a play on the football, finishing last season with a team-high four interceptions, returning one of them for a touchdown. He also finished his junior year with 42 tackles and one tackle for loss, and made an impact on offense, catching nine passes for 228 yards and three touchdowns. Briscoe currently holds offers from Western Illinois, Austin Peay State, UT-Martin, and Eastern Kentucky, 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":["1375197"],"_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-68a4f6957ac00"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1375197' first='JuJu' last='Harmon Jr'] is one of the most talented defensive backs in the entire state, regardless of class. He lines up at safety where he is a true ballhawk in coverage. Harmon does a great job of reading the quarterback and breaking on the ball with perfect timing to come away with an interception. He finished his sophomore year at Western Hills with a team-leading six interceptions, returning one of them for a touchdown. JuJu has also shown the ability to fill the lane and make tackles against the run, finishing last season with 49 tackles and 10 tackles for loss. He also made an impact on offense as a sophomore, leading his team with six receptions for 179 yards and a touchdown while also scoring one rushing touchdown. Harmon currently holds offers from Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky, Toledo, Miami (OH), Kent State, and Ohio, and I expect a lot of eyes to be on him after transferring back to Scott County for his junior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["971495"],"_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-68a4f788879a5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">To wrap up my Preseason All-State 5A defense, I have [player_tooltip player_id='971495' first='A'Davion' last='Dale']. Dale lines up at corner where he is very reliable in zone coverage. He does a great job of reading route combinations then flowing through his zone to put himself in a position to make a play. When the ball is thrown his way, he reacts with perfect timing to make a play on the football, finishing last season with one interception and several pass breakups. He also finished his junior year with 28 tackles and one tackle for loss, and played a role on offense, finishing the year with 133 rushing yards and a touchdown. Dale currently holds offers from Eastern Kentucky and Toledo, 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='1175821' first='Xavier' last='Conrad'] (Owensboro, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='1175818' first='Colton' last='Graham'] (Cooper, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='401702' first='Deven' last='Leclercq'] (Southwestern, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='1590575' first='Marveen' last='Moise'] (Boone County, 2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Linebacker: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1175823' first='Donee' last='Sutton'] (Atherton, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='401705' first='Eli' last='Hampton'] (Owensboro, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='1691016' first='Dax' last='Bolen'] (Cooper, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='1691015' first='Max' last='Wethington'] (Cooper, 2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Back: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='408628' first='Jordan' last='Holman'] (Woodford County, 2027); [player_tooltip player_id='971494' first='Quilshaun' last='Baines'] (Atherton, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='1715668' first='Jason' last='Briscoe'] (Atherton, 2027); [player_tooltip player_id='971506' first='Elijah' last='Ward'] (Woodford County, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='1175817' first='Ryker' last='Campbell'] (Cooper, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='953600' first='Kyle' last='Sledge Jr.'] (Bowling Green, 2028)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->