2025 Midseason All-State Team: 4A Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we approach the end of the month of September, we have already made it through the first half of the 2025 high school football regular season in the state of Kentucky. With that being said, I will be releasing my Midseason All-State teams for each class. After already covering 5A and 6A, I have turned my attention to 4A. With the offense already taken care of, here is my 4A Midseason All-State Defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1715698"],"_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-68dc29d2826be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1715698' first='Brayden' last='Winchester'] has had a breakout junior year so far. Winchester lines up at defensive end where he is a dangerous pass rusher off the edge. He uses his speed and pass rush moves to blow by opposing offensive tackles with ease on his way to the quarterback. Through six weeks, he is the 4A leader in sacks with 9.5. He has also recorded 23 tackles and four tackles for loss so far this season. Brayden recently picked up his first offer from Murray State 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":["1703774"],"_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-68dc2efc9bdc0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1703774' first='Ian' last='Aloo'] has jumped onto my radar with a strong start to his sophomore year. Aloo lines up at defensive end where he is very impressive against the run. He uses his speed to burst into his gap before the opposing offensive line has a chance to block him. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he is a very reliable tackler, accounting for 26 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss in the first six games. He has also shown the ability to rush the passer, recording 4.5 sacks so far this season. Ian doesn't currently hold any offers but he should be a player to keep an eye on over the next few seasons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1923314"],"_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-68dc3d14af219"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1923314' first='Joshua' last='Vaughan'] is another defensive lineman who has caught my attention this season. He has impressive versatility, showing the ability to play both defensive tackle and end. Vaughan is very disruptive in the backfield, showing the ability to shed blocks quickly then use his speed to get to the ball carrier to make the tackle before they can get going. Through six games, Vaughan has accounted for 27 tackles and seven tackles for loss. He is also a very effective pass rusher, recording five sacks this season. Vaughan currently holds offers from Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Morehouse, and Webber International, and I expect that list to continue to grow throughout his senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1638819"],"_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-68dc3d14af280"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Following a strong freshman season, [player_tooltip player_id='1638819' first='Darian' last='Bryant'] has continued to improve this year. Bryant lines up at inside linebacker where he is dominant against the run. He does a great job of flowing to the ball carrier with a sense of urgency and using his strength to shed blocks with ease on his way there. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he does a great job of running his feet through contact to secure the tackle. Through six games, Bryant leads his team with 87 tackles and 16 tackles for loss. He has also accounted for five sacks and has made an impact on offense, running the ball 69 times for 399 yards and five touchdowns. Bryant doesn't currently hold any offers but he is a player who college coaches should have on their radar over the next few seasons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1923315"],"_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-68dc3fa66e6aa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1923315' first='Jordan' last='Beck'] has caught my attention with an impressive start to his senior season. He lines up at inside linebacker where he is very impressive against the run. Beck explodes out of his stance and uses his speed to shoot into the gap to meet the ball carrier and make the tackle before they can get going. Through six games, Jordan has recorded a team-high 71 tackles along with six tackles for loss. He has also accounted for one sack and has played a role on offense, scoring two rushing touchdowns and catching one touchdown pass so far this season. Jordan doesn't currently hold any offers but he deserves some attention from college coaches as he has the talent to play somewhere at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1200689"],"_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-68dc4146ab672"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1200689' first='Dylan' last='Lemaster'] has been on my radar for a while now and has continued to impress as a senior. Lemaster lines up at middle linebacker where he is very reliable against the run. He does a great job of reading his keys then flowing to the ball carrier with a sense of urgency. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he is an impressive open field tackler, currently leading his team with 80 tackles along with two tackles for loss in six games. Lemaster doesn't currently hold any offers but he should be a player to keep an eye on this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1857212"],"_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-68dc4146ab6cd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After a strong junior season, [player_tooltip player_id='1857212' first='Kaleb' last='Kelley'] has picked up right where he left off this season. Kelley 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. Kelley is currently tied for the 4A lead in interceptions with four in six games. He has also shown the ability to fill the lane and make tackles against the run, recording 32 tackles and two tackles for loss this season. Kelley also leads his team in receiving with 23 catches for 333 yards and two touchdowns, and has returned one punt for a touchdown this year. Kaleb currently holds an offer from Muskingum 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":["1923320"],"_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-68dc43d020c2d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1923320' first='Blake' last='McPherson'] is a player who has jumped onto my radar with a strong start to his senior year. He lines up at safety where he is reliable in pass coverage. McPherson does a great job of reading the quarterback and route combinations to put himself in position to make a play. When the ball is thrown his way, he has shown impressive ball skills, coming away with four interceptions in six games this season (tied for 4A lead). He has also accounted for 31 tackles and has made an impact on offense, leading his team in rushing with 77 carries for 694 yards and 10 touchdowns, and also catching one touchdown pass so far this season. Blake doesn't currently hold any offers but he is a player who college coaches should have on their radar this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1870104"],"_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-68dc44f96d6de"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1870104' first='Shalom' last='Moore'] is another senior defensive back who has impressed me this season. Moore lines up at safety where he is very impressive in pass coverage. He does a great job of reading the quarterback then flowing through the secondary to put himself in a position to make a play. Moore reacts with perfect timing to make a play on the football when it is thrown in his direction, coming away with four interceptions (tied for 4A lead), and returning one for a touchdown so far this season. He has also recorded 37 tackles as a senior. Moore doesn't currently hold any offers but he should be a player to continue to keep a close eye on this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1200576"],"_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-68dc45f730898"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">To wrap up my 4A Midseason All-State Defense, I have [player_tooltip player_id='1200576' first='Gabe' last='Williams']. Williams lines up at safety where he does a great job in coverage. He drops into his zones and reads the quarterback then breaks on the ball with perfect timing to make a play once it is in the air. Williams has come away with a team-high two interceptions in six games this season, returning one of them for a touchdown. He has also recorded 28 tackles and two tackles for loss this season, and has made an impact on offense, leading his team with 18 receptions for 172 yards while also running the ball 57 times for 223 yards and a touchdown. Gabe doesn't currently hold any offers but I wouldn't be surprised to see some come his way soon as he has received some 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>Jvion Tennal (Mason County, 2026); Jordan Keith (Valley, 2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Linebacker: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='871298' first='Isaac' last='James'] (Paducah Tilghman, 2028); Brody Castle (Boyd County, 2026); Masyn Stewart (Harlan County, 2028)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Back: </strong>Paxton Dewitt (Breckenridge County, 2027); Jacob Reynolds (Nelson County, 2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->