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Colorado’s Tackling Titans: 4A Defensive Leaders Owning the Field

Colorado’s Tackling Titans: 4A Defensive Leaders Owning the Field
Robert Davis
Robert Davis October 20, 2025 @ 10:40 AM
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In this article:

Jasiah Hopkins
Jasiah Hopkins 5'7" | 190 lbs | RB/LB | 2027
CO
Nicholas Parana
Nicholas Parana 5'11" | 150 lbs | DB/RB | 2026
CO
Kael Proffit
Kael Proffit 5'11" | 180 lbs | LB/RB | 2027
CO
Bobby Knapp
Bobby Knapp LB/RB | 2028
CO
Marcus Salmeron
Marcus Salmeron 5'6" | 135 lbs | DB/RB | 2026
CO
Landon Kalsbeck
Landon Kalsbeck 6'1" | 210 lbs | ATH | 2026
CO
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we will be taking a look at the states top tacklers in 4A, these are the players who have been flying around and making plays. These are the players that need to be on your radar and scouts radars moving forward. 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":["1420786"],"_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-68f657e354796"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Salmeron has been nothing short of outstanding this season, racking up 89 total tackles and proving that size doesn't limit impact. He's one of the most relentless defenders in 4A, playing with exceptional effort and awareness. His 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery show his ability to affect multiple aspects of the game. Salmeron's speed and anticipation allow him to quickly diagnose plays and close in on ball carriers. He's a defender who takes pride in doing the dirty work and rarely misses an assignment. His consistency and high motor make him the heartbeat of his defense and one of the most dependable tacklers in 4A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1969480"],"_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-68f657e35482a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Knapp has been the definition of controlled chaos this season, flying around the field with purpose. With 84 total tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries, Knapp's production speaks volumes about his instincts and toughness. He plays sideline to sideline with relentless effort, often finding himself around the football regardless of where the play develops. His ability to track down runners and finish with authority makes him a leader on any defense. Knapp's motor never stops and his ability to create turnovers gives his team extra opportunities. Through eight weeks, he's become one of the most reliable and disruptive defenders in 4A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1969483"],"_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-68f657e3549a9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Proffit continues to set the tone defensively for his team, consistently anchoring the middle of the field with toughness and discipline. His 83 total tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack and an interception highlight his versatility and football IQ. Proffit thrives on physicality, filling running lanes and delivering punishing hits that halt ball carriers in their tracks. His presence in the box gives his team an edge against the run, while his ability to drop into coverage makes him a complete linebacker. Proffit's leadership and reliability have made him a steadying force and his ability to command the defense from the middle has earned him recognition as one of 4A's premier tackling machines.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1969490"],"_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-68f657e354a1c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Parana has been a standout in the secondary, showing elite instincts and playmaking ability. With 82 total tackles, four tackles for loss and four interceptions, Parana's production reflects a complete defensive back who excels in both run support and coverage. He plays with intelligence and range, closing on ball carriers with authority while reading quarterbacks like a veteran. His ability to force turnovers has shifted momentum in multiple games and his tackling numbers are a testament to his willingness to get physical. Parana's versatility as a safety who can play downhill or drop deep makes him one of the stock risers you need to know in 4A. He's the type of player who quietly takes over games on both effort and big play ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1969492"],"_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-68f657e354a7f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hopkins has been one of the most impactful two-way players in 4A this season, consistently delivering on defense with 81 total tackles. His energy and intensity make him a constant presence around the football. Hopkins plays with controlled aggression, filling gaps and wrapping up runners with a pop. He has the ability to play in space or crash down near the line of scrimmage, he brings a physical edge that sets the tone for his team. His ability to play both sides of the ball adds to his value but it's his defensive consistency that separates him. Hopkins embodies what it means to play with passion and grit and he continues to be one of the most reliable tacklers in 4A to this point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["547631"],"_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-68f657e354acb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Few players in Colorado have been as dominant defensively as Kalsbeck. With 80 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, six sacks, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries, Kalsbeck has been nearly unstoppable. His combination of speed, power and instinct allows him to make plays all over the field, disrupting offenses and setting the tone at the line of scrimmage. Kalsbeck's ability to create turnovers and deliver big hits makes him a difference maker every game. His relentless pursuit and vision to support in the running game separate him from most defenders and his impact extends beyond statistics. Kalsbeck possesses the traits of a Power 4 prospect and his dominance through Week 8 proves he's one of the state's elite defensive talents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Today we will be taking a look at the states top tacklers in 4A, these are the players who have been flying around and making plays. These are the players that need to be on your radar and scouts radars moving forward. 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.

Marcus Salmeron

Marcus Salmeron

CO
DB/RB
HEIGHT 5'6"
WEIGHT 135
POS DB/RB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Marcus
Salmeron DB/RB
Class
2026
Height
5'6"
Weight
135
HS
Frederick
|
CO
Colorado’s Tackling Titans: 4A Defensive Leaders Owning the Field
Salmeron has been nothing short of outstanding this season, racking up 89 total tackles and proving that size...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Marcus Salmeron

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

Highlights

Bobby Knapp

Bobby Knapp

POS LB/RB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Bobby
Knapp LB/RB
Class
2028
HS
Skyline
|
CO
Colorado’s Tackling Titans: 4A Defensive Leaders Owning the Field
Knapp has been the definition of controlled chaos this season, flying around the field with purpose. With 84...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Bobby Knapp

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

Highlights

Kael Proffit

Kael Proffit

HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 180
POS LB/RB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Kael
Proffit LB/RB
Class
2027
Height
5'11"
Weight
180
HS
Liberty
|
CO
Colorado’s Tackling Titans: 4A Defensive Leaders Owning the Field
Proffit continues to set the tone defensively for his team, consistently anchoring the middle of the field with...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Kael Proffit

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

Highlights

Nicholas Parana

Nicholas Parana

HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 150
POS DB/RB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Nicholas
Parana DB/RB
Class
2026
Height
5'11"
Weight
150
HS
Centaurus
|
CO
Colorado’s Tackling Titans: 4A Defensive Leaders Owning the Field
Parana has been a standout in the secondary, showing elite instincts and playmaking ability. With 82 total tackles,...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Nicholas Parana

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

Highlights

Jasiah Hopkins

Jasiah Hopkins

HEIGHT 5'7"
WEIGHT 190
POS RB/LB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Jasiah
Hopkins RB/LB
Class
2027
Height
5'7"
Weight
190
HS
George Washington
|
CO
Colorado’s Tackling Titans: 4A Defensive Leaders Owning the Field
Hopkins has been one of the most impactful two-way players in 4A this season, consistently delivering on defense...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jasiah Hopkins

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

Highlights

Washington State
Landon Kalsbeck

Landon Kalsbeck

CO
ATH
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 210
POS ATH
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Landon
Kalsbeck ATH
Class
2026
Height
6'1"
Weight
210
HS
Dakota Ridge
|
CO
Colorado’s Tackling Titans: 4A Defensive Leaders Owning the Field
Few players in Colorado have been as dominant defensively as Kalsbeck. With 80 total tackles, 14 tackles for...
Written by Robert Davis
Washington State
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Landon Kalsbeck

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

Highlights

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