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Colorado’s 4A Defensive Enforcers: Names to Watch This Postseason

Colorado’s 4A Defensive Enforcers: Names to Watch This Postseason
Robert Davis
Robert Davis October 30, 2025 @ 05:42 PM
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In this article:

Stetson Howes
Stetson Howes 6'0" | 185 lbs | LB/LS | 2026
CO
Byrel Frierson
Byrel Frierson 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB | 2026
CO
RyLee Sondrup
RyLee Sondrup 6'2" | 205 lbs | LB/LS | 2027
CO
Ryan Pankey
Ryan Pankey 6'6" | 215 lbs | TE/LB | 2027
CO
Jake Coyle
Jake Coyle 5'11" | 185 lbs | DB | 2026
CO
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we will be looking at some defenders that will be some names to know as we head into playoff. These are the players that might be under the radar but will make a splash. If you are new and looking to subscribe use the code: Davis30 for a 30% discount off of your first subscription. If you are returning and want 30% off of the monthly subscription use code: DavisPRZ30 for a discount.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1641469"],"_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-6903e9c46cd84"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pankey has transitioned from a physical blocking tight end into a defensive difference maker this season. With 32 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and a forced fumble, he's consistently creating chaos in the backfield. Pankey's combination of size, strength and leverage allows him to shed blocks and close on the quarterback with authority. His physicality sets the tone for his defense, and his ability to disrupt plays before they develop makes him a key defender coming off of the edge. As the postseason nears, Pankey's name continues to gain attention from college programs looking for an edge defender who can impact both the run and pass game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1394627"],"_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-6903e9c46cddb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coyle is a defensive back who thrives on physicality and quick decision making. With 37 total tackles, one tackle for loss and an interception, he's shown the ability to come downhill and deliver punishing hits. Coyle's speed allows him to close gaps fast and provide reliable support in both coverage and run defense. His instincts and tackling ability have made him a tone setter in the secondary. He is great in the open field chopping down ball carriers quickly. As Palmer Ridge heads into the postseason, Coyle's aggressive play and leadership will be key to shutting down opposing passing attacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1992300"],"_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-6903e9c46ce20"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Frierson has been the heartbeat of the Mesa Ridge's defense, flying to the ball on every snap. With 72 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss, half a sack and 2 forced fumbles, he's proven himself as a reliable and physical linebacker. Frierson's ability to diagnose plays quickly allows him to shoot gaps and make stops before runners can gain momentum. His toughness and high motor make him one of the most consistent tacklers in 4A. Frierson's leadership and effort stand out on film, and as the playoffs begin, expect him to continue setting the tone defensively and making plays all over the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1992305"],"_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-6903e9c46ce61"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Howes has emerged as one of the most consistent producers on defense for Pueblo West, recording 68 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. His sideline to sideline range and ability to read plays make him a true problem for opposing offenses. Howes uses his speed to fill gaps quickly and chase down ball carriers in space, turning potential big plays into tiny gains. His physical style of play and ability to shed blocks makes him a beast when his number is called. As his team gears up for a playoff push, Howes' presence will be critical in shutting down opposing run games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1987604"],"_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-6903e9c46cea0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sondrup has become one of the most complete defenders, contributing in every phase of the game. With 66 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and 2 interceptions, he's proven to be both a tackling machine and a threat in coverage. Sondrup's ability to anticipate plays allows him to position himself perfectly to make stops near or behind the line of scrimmage. His versatility gives coaches the flexibility to use him in multiple roles, from linebacker to coverage responsibilities. As the postseason approaches, Sondrup's football IQ and consistency make him a key player to watch for Broomfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Today we will be looking at some defenders that will be some names to know as we head into playoff. These are the players that might be under the radar but will make a splash. If you are new and looking to subscribe use the code: Davis30 for a 30% discount off of your first subscription. If you are returning and want 30% off of the monthly subscription use code: DavisPRZ30 for a discount.

Ryan Pankey

Ryan Pankey

CO
TE/LB
HEIGHT 6'6"
WEIGHT 215
POS TE/LB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Ryan
Pankey TE/LB
Class
2027
Height
6'6"
Weight
215
HS
Montrose
|
CO
Colorado’s 4A Defensive Enforcers: Names to Watch This Postseason
Pankey has transitioned from a physical blocking tight end into a defensive difference maker this season. With 32...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Ryan Pankey

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Montrose
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jake Coyle

Jake Coyle

CO
DB
HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 185
POS DB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Jake
Coyle DB
Class
2026
Height
5'11"
Weight
185
HS
Palmer Ridge
|
CO
Colorado’s 4A Defensive Enforcers: Names to Watch This Postseason
Coyle is a defensive back who thrives on physicality and quick decision making. With 37 total tackles, one...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jake Coyle

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Palmer Ridge
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Byrel Frierson

Byrel Frierson

CO
LB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 210
POS LB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Byrel
Frierson LB
Class
2026
Height
6'1"
Weight
210
HS
Mesa Ridge
|
CO
Colorado’s 4A Defensive Enforcers: Names to Watch This Postseason
Frierson has been the heartbeat of the Mesa Ridge’s defense, flying to the ball on every snap. With...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Byrel Frierson

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Mesa Ridge
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Stetson Howes

Stetson Howes

CO
LB/LS
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 185
POS LB/LS
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Stetson
Howes LB/LS
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
Weight
185
HS
Pueblo West
|
CO
Colorado’s 4A Defensive Enforcers: Names to Watch This Postseason
Howes has emerged as one of the most consistent producers on defense for Pueblo West, recording 68 total...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Stetson Howes

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Pueblo West
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

RyLee Sondrup

RyLee Sondrup

HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 205
POS LB/LS
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
RyLee
Sondrup LB/LS
Class
2027
Height
6'2"
Weight
205
HS
Broomfield
|
CO
Colorado’s 4A Defensive Enforcers: Names to Watch This Postseason
Sondrup has become one of the most complete defenders, contributing in every phase of the game. With 66...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

RyLee Sondrup

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Broomfield
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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