2025 PRZ KY Defensive Player of the Year Finalists

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the 2025 high school football regular season coming to a close in the state of Kentucky this week, it's time to open up the polls for our end of the year awards for Prep Redzone KY! After already announcing our 2025 Offensive Player of the Year finalists, here are my breakdowns for our finalists for our 2025 PRZ KY Defensive Player of the Year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you would like to cast your vote, click <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/10/vote-2025-prz-ky-defensive-player-of-the-year/">here</a>. Voting will remain open until Black Friday, November 28th and the winner will be announced on X.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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-6905149447255"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1638819' first='Darian' last='Bryant'] has had a breakout sophomore year. He lines up at inside linebacker where he is dominant against the run, showing the ability to flow to the ball carrier quickly and use his strength to fight through blocks on his path. Once he gets to the ball carrier he is a very reliable tackler, leading his team with 143 tackles and 25 tackles for loss in nine games this season. He has also recorded six sacks this season and has made an impact on offense, running the ball 102 times for 598 yards and nine touchdowns. I expect college coaches to be keeping a close eye on Darian as he continues to develop over the next few years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["971508"],"_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-690516adf1dd4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='971508' first='Isaac' last='Estrada'] is another inside linebacker who has stood out this season. Estrada is very reliable against the run, showing the ability to read his keys quickly then use his speed to get to the ball carrier with a sense of urgency. He is a very good open field tackler, leading his team with 148 tackles and nine tackles for loss in 10 games this season. Isaac has also recorded one sacks this year. Estrada doesn't currently hold any offers but he is a player who 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":["1175825"],"_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-690516adf1e34"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1175825' first='Chris' last='Lauderdale'] has jumped onto my radar with a very impressive senior season so far. Lauderdale lines up at outside linebacker where he is a very effective pass rusher off the edge. He times the snap count perfectly and uses his speed to burst into the backfield before opposing offensive linemen have a chance to block him. Through nine games, Lauderdale leads the entire state with 17 sacks. He has also shown the ability to stop the run, leading his team with 59 tackles and 17 tackles for loss. Chris currently holds an offer from 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":["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-690518d810570"} --> <!-- 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 continued to be one of the most productive defensive linemen in the state this season. He lines up at defensive end where he causes a ton of disruption against the run. Whitten has shown the strength to fight through blocks with ease and speed to get to the ball carrier to make the tackle before they can get going. Jackson leads his team with 76 tackles and 37 tackles for loss in nine games. He has also recorded seven sacks and scored a rushing touchdown this season. Whitten currently holds multiple Division I offers and I expect him to be a true impact player wherever he decides to play at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1590575"],"_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-69051a9362d77"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1590575' first='Marveen' last='Moise'] is another senior defensive lineman who has stood out this season. Moise lines up at defensive tackle where he is a very impressive run stopper. He explodes out of his stance then uses his speed and strength to blow by opposing offensive linemen to get into the backfield in a hurry. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he is a very reliable tackler, accounting for 61 tackles and 22 tackles for loss in nine games this season. He has also proven to be a threat as a pass rusher, recording eight sacks so far this season. Moise surprisingly doesn't hold any offers but he is a player who college coaches should definitely have on their radar as he has the talent to be a productive defensive lineman at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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-69051a9362de0"} --> <!-- 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'] has continued to prove to be one of the best defensive linemen in the state this season as he has played a key role in Atherton being the top defensive in the state. Meads lines up at defensive tackle where he is very impressive against the run, using his speed to shoot the gaps and get to the ball carrier to make the tackle before they can get any momentum going. Through nine games, Meads leads Atherton with 56 tackles and 12 tackles for loss. He has also been disruptive as a pass rusher this season, recording eight sacks so far. Zai'Vion currently holds several Power 4/Division I offers and I expect them to keep piling up over the next couple years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1217741"],"_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-69051b69eb7f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1217741' first='Allen' last='Evans IV'] has continued to show that he is the best defensive back in the state this season, regardless of class. Evans stats don't pop out as much as other defensive backs but that is because most quarterbacks try to stay away from him. He is a lockdown corner on the outside who truly runs receivers' routes for them, staying in their hip pocket the whole way. When the ball is thrown his way, he does a great job of breaking across the intended receiver's body to break up the pass. He has also shown the ability to come downhill and provide support against the run, recording 19 tackles and one tackle for loss in 10 games this season. Allen currently holds a long list of Power 4 offers and I expect that list to continue to grow as he is a high-caliber prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1994524"],"_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-69051ccb981ce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">My final finalist for our 2025 PRZ KY Defensive Player of the Year is [player_tooltip player_id='1994524' first='Evan' last='Kincaid']. Kincaid has had an outstanding junior year at safety for the Raiders. He is a true ballhawk in pass coverage, showing the ability to read routes and the quarterback then flow through the secondary to put himself in a position to make a play. When the ball is thrown in his direction, he breaks on the ball with perfect timing and has shown tremendous ball skills, coming away with a state-leading seven interceptions in nine games, returning one of them for a touchdown. He has also recorded 12 tackles and has caught three passes for 56 yards this season. Evan should definitely be a player worth keeping an eye on throughout the rest of this season and going into his senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->