2025 Midseason All-State Team: 2A Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we enter the month of October, we have already made it through the first half of the 2025 high school football regular season in the state of Kentucky. With that in mind, I have been releasing my Midseason All-State teams for each class. After already covering 3A-6A, I have turned my attention to 2A. With the offense already taken care of, here is my 2A Midseason All-State Defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401709"],"_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-68e0487e3be80"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='401709' first='Jackson' last='Whitten'] has been high on my radar for a while now and has continued to impress as a senior. Whitten lines up at defensive end where he is dominant against the run. He explodes out of his stance and uses his strength to shed blocks quickly followed by his speed to get to the ball carrier in a hurry. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he is a very reliable tackler, recording a team-high 45 tackles and 26 tackles for loss in six games this season. He is also a very effective pass rusher off the edge, currently leading his team with six sacks so far this season. Whitten currently holds multiple Division I offers and I expect that list to continue to grow this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1634711"],"_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-68e04ae584627"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1634711' first='Ashton' last='Rodgers'] is another senior defensive end who has stood out to me so far this season. Rodgers is very disruptive off the edge as a pass rusher, using his speed to blow by opposing offensive tackles then finishing at the quarterback once he gets there. He currently leads 2A with 7.5 sacks in six games. Ashton has also shown that he can stop the run, recording a team-leading 47 tackles and 20 tackles for loss so far this season. Rodgers currently holds offers from Kentucky Wesleyan, Georgetown (KY), and Pikeville, and I expect more to come his way throughout the rest of his senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1925646"],"_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-68e04c8f33a95"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1925646' first='Sasha' last='Wade'] is a defensive lineman who has jumped onto my radar with a strong start to his senior year. He lines up at defensive tackle where he is a very effective pass rusher. Wade uses his strength to to fight through blocks with ease to get to the quarterback with a sense of urgency. Through six games, he leads his team with six sacks. He has also proven to be reliable against the run, accounting for 27 tackles and four tackles for loss this season. Wade doesn't currently hold any offers but he is a player who should be on the radar of college coaches this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1925647"],"_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-68e04c8f33b2d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1925647' first='Eli' last='Embry'] is another player who has caught my attention as a senior. He lines up at defensive end where he is very impressive as a pass rusher. Embry explodes out of his stance and uses his speed to blow by opposing offensive tackles on his way to the quarterback. He does a great job of finishing once he gets to the quarterback, currently leading his team with six sacks in the first six games this season. Eli has also shown the ability to use his strength to fight through blocks and speed to get to the ball carrier in a hurry to make tackles against the run, accounting for 43 tackles and one tackle for loss so far this season. Embry is a player who college coaches should be keeping a close eye on throughout his senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1517151"],"_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-68e04eea9b447"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1517151' first='Robert' last='Magalong'] has been on my radar for a while now and has continued to impress this season. He lines up at outside linebacker where he is very impressive against the run, showing the ability to diagnose the play quickly then use his speed to get to the ball carrier in a hurry to make the tackle. Through his first six games, Magalong leads his team with 38 tackles along with seven tackles for loss. He has also shown the ability to rush the passer, recording a team-high six sacks so far this season. Robert has also played a role on offense this season, running the ball eight times for 89 yards. Magalong currently holds offers from Judson and Midway, and I wouldn't be surprised to see more come his way soon. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1200723"],"_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-68e068165c1ce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1200723' first='Crayson' last='Lafferty'] is another player who has been on my radar for a while now and has continued to stand out this season. Lafferty lines up at inside linebacker where he is very reliable against the run. He reads his keys and flows downhill to get to the ball carrier in a hurry, showing the strength to fight through blocks in his path. Lafferty is a very good tackler in the open field, currently leading his team with 82 tackles along with 7 tackles for loss in six games. He has also made an impact on offense this season, carrying the ball 76 times for 578 yards and 10 touchdowns. Crayson doesn't currently hold any offers but I expect college coaches to be paying close attention to him 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":["1192830"],"_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-68e068165c25b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1192830' first='Brycen' last='Everage'] has jumped onto my radar with a strong start to his senior season. Everage lines up at middle linebacker where he is dominant against the run. He reads the play quickly then explodes downhill out of his stance to meet the ball carrier in the gap before they can get going. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he runs his feet through contact to finish the tackle and not allow any extra yards to be gained. Through the first six weeks, Everage leads his team with 92 tackles and 14 tackles for loss. He has also record half a sack this season and has played a role on offense, running the ball 38 times for 238 yards and three touchdowns. Brycen currently holds an offer from Bethel (OK) 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":["1925649"],"_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-68e069137b637"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1925649' first='Jacaryous' last='Perryman'] is another player who has jumped onto my radar this season. He lines up at safety where he is very impressive in coverage. Perryman does a great job of reading the quarterback then breaking on the ball with perfect timing to make a play when it is thrown his way. He currently leads 2A with five interceptions in six games. Jacaryous has also recorded 18 tackles this season and has made an impact on offense, catching 14 passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns while also carrying the ball 29 times for 136 yards. He has also returned a kickoff for a touchdown this season. Jacaryous 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":["401921"],"_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-68e06b952850d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='401921' first='Malik' last='Kirby'] is a player who has continued to impress me as a senior. He lines up at safety where he is very reliable in coverage. Kirby does a great job of reading routes and flowing through the secondary to put himself in a position to make a play. When the ball is thrown in his direction, he has shown impressive ball skills, coming away with four interceptions in six games. He has also recorded 12 tackles and two tackles for loss this season, and has returned two punts for touchdowns. Kirby has also played a huge role on offense this season, leading his team in receiving with 16 catches for 273 yards and three touchdowns while also scoring three rushing touchdowns and throwing one touchdown pass. Malik currently holds an offer from Georgetown (KY) and I wouldn't be surprised to see more come his way soon. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1715673"],"_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-68e06b952858c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">To wrap up my 2A Midseason All-State Defense, I have [player_tooltip player_id='1715673' first='Eli' last='Caudill']. Caudill lines up at safety where he is a ballhawk in the secondary. He does a great job of reading routes and the quarterback then using his speed to cover a ton of ground in a hurry to get to the ball when it is in the air. Caudill has impressive ball skills, coming away with a team-high four interceptions in six games so far this season. He has also shown the ability to fill the lane to provide run support, recording 48 tackles this season. Eli has also made an impact on offense this season, scoring two rushing touchdowns and catching one touchdown pass. Caudill should be a player to keep a close eye on over the next two seasons. </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> Trevan Coiles (Hancock County, 2026); Baron Craft (Prestonsburg, 2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Linebacker: </strong>Hunter Stratton (McLean County, 2027); [player_tooltip player_id='1516127' first='Ross' last='Powers'] (Hancock County, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='1595186' first='Alexander' last='Yutze'] (Walton-Verona, 2027); [player_tooltip player_id='1706082' first='Greg' last='Benedict'] (Bracken County, 2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Back: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212333' first='Cayden' last='Varney'] (Belfry, 2026); Bradley Young (Clinton County, 2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->