First Team All-Central Ohio Underclassmen: Defense

<p>With the regular season in the books, several underclassmen in Central Ohio have made a name for themselves. Over this week, I will be releasing my personal All-Central Ohio Underclassmen teams for both offense and defense. I have already released my <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/10/first-team-all-central-ohio-underclassmen-offense/">First Team Offense</a>, so make sure to give that a look! Today, we will continue with the First Team All-Central Ohio Defense. These are some of the best of the best in terms of rising talent on the defensive side of the ball in the region, and guys who play well above their age. Let's dive in.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Defensive Line</strong></h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">Damion has now been a stud for the Warriors in back-to-back seasons. He's put up an even better season than last season, which led to him being added to our 2027 rankings at the time. He's a balanced prospect with positives in the pass and run games. He sets the edge well and can use his arms to make plays. As a rusher, he uses his hands to shove tackles. He's a good athlete who does well at getting great timed jumps and bursting off the line. With the season and film Damion had this season, I could see him rise in our next 2027 rankings update.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><strong>Defensive Line</strong></strong></h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">Michael recently committed to the home state Buckeyes of Ohio State to wrestle. Listed as one of the best wrestlers in the state for the class of 2027, he brings his strength and body control to the gridiron. He is quick to get off the line and can use his hands to swipe past interior offensive linemen in pass rush. He does a great job at standing his blocker up and uses his strength to push forward. I've said it many times, and I'll repeat it: Boyle is one of my favorite watches on tape because of what he can do at his position and for making the "undersized" tag irrelevant.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><strong>Defensive Line</strong></strong></h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">Thomas was a recent addition to our latest 2028 rankings update. He is ranked highly for a reason and has been one of the most dominant interior defensive linemen in all of Central Ohio. He's got an explosive release and uses his size and power to push his blocker back. He's got vicious hands and swipes past with finesse. He defends the run well. He's quick enough to get outside if the run gets off the tackle. He's one of the most challenging matchups for any offensive lineman in the area, and I am excited to see how he performs in the playoffs.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><strong>Defensive Line</strong></strong></h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">Logan had an excellent season for Hilliard Darby this year. He's explosive off the edge and has great bend. He can win inside with his cut ability and a swipe with his hands.. He can win outside with bend, quickness, and power in his hands. He sets the edge well in the run game and plays bigger than his listed size. He was an excellent part of the Darby defense, creating havoc and a lot of turnovers this season.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Linebacker</strong></h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">I said it in my September write-up for Brennan, and I'll stick by it: Brennan has been one of Central Ohio's best defenders in 2025. He's a versatile piece for the Pioneers' defense. He can line up on the line as a rusher and as a cover linebacker. He's a tremendous athlete who works hard on every snap. He brings an edge to this unit that has transcended this unit from last season. I hope to see him added to our next 2027 rankings update.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><strong>Linebacker</strong></strong></h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">Ben was someone who impressed in person last season for me, but has taken a step up for the reigning D3 state champions. He is a linebacker who can cover a lot of the middle of the field. He seemed to advance as an athlete, and has kept the same field vision that stood out to me last season. He's able to crash downhill and thump runners. Ben is a total package at linebacker and will look to make another strong impression on people during playoff time.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><strong>Linebacker</strong></strong></h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">I got to see Demetrius work against rival Pickerington Central early this season, and he did not disappoint. He's a great athlete who can fly over the field. He plays well against the run despite his listed size. He can bend and work his way into the backfield as a rusher, or blow up a hole and plug it against the run. I like his game and am excited to see him get some playoff experience.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Defensive Back</strong></h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">Geo is someone who caught nearly every scout's eye in Ohio during his freshman season, and after a strong camp season, he has seemingly increased his stock further. He's got several interception touchdowns this season and has been playing safety. He has excellent playmaking ability. He breaks to the ball so well with his closing speed. I believe he'll play corner at the next level, but he's versatile enough to play every secondary spot.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><strong>Defensive Back</strong></strong></h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">Cedric was someone who lead Ohio scout Jared Luginbill and I have discussed as someone to watch out for heading into the 2025 season. He's put together a stellar season that has gotten him on this list. Like Geo above, he's playing safety but projects to be a corner at the next level. He has a twitch to him, but is a fluid athlete overall. He's got excellent closing speed to make plays on the ball and sees plays well as they develop. I'm happy to see him ball out this season.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><strong>Defensive Back</strong></strong></h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">Damontae had a big debut in our recent 2028 ranking update. He's a defensive back prospect that college coaches should love. He plays physically. He can play press coverage and has excellent instincts against the run. He's shown to be a great athlete and has the ability with the ball in his hands. He's lengthy and can make plays on the ball as a playmaker. He still has room to grow and fill out his frame. Damontae is someone I look at as an X-factor-level player who can get Pickerington North over the regional final hump.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><strong>Defensive Back</strong></strong></h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">Nolan is a complete prospect for the Golden Bears. He plays great coverage as a safety, but can play in the box or as a crashing safety. He uses his hands well in pass coverage and is athletic enough to play deep or crash to short-to-intermediate routes. He showcases excellent technique in his tackling and wraps up nicely. He's got a great frame and still has time to fill out.</p>

With the regular season in the books, several underclassmen in Central Ohio have made a name for themselves. Over this week, I will be releasing my personal All-Central Ohio Underclassmen teams for both offense and defense. I have already released my First Team Offense, so make sure to give that a look! Today, we will continue with the First Team All-Central Ohio Defense. These are some of the best of the best in terms of rising talent on the defensive side of the ball in the region, and guys who play well above their age. Let's dive in.