2025 PRZ KY All-State Team: 6A Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we approach the last few days of the year, the 2025 high school football season has come and gone in the state of Kentucky. With that being said, I will be taking the next couple weeks to release my 2025 All-State teams to highlight the top players from this season in each class. After already covering the offensive side of the ball, here is my 2025 6A-All State Defense!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["971538"],"_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-694b097c75171"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='971538' first='Josiah' last='Hope'] continued to solidify himself as one of the best players in the state this season. He lined up at defensive tackle where he was very impressive against the run. Hope explodes out of his stance and uses his strength to drive through blocks with ease then follows it up by using his speed to get to the ball carrier in a hurry. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he is a very reliable tackler, finishing his senior year with 76 tackles and 18 tackles for loss in nine games. Josiah also showed the ability to rush the passer, finishing the season with 3.5 sacks. Hope signed with Purdue where I can see him becoming a key piece of their defensive line unit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1665337"],"_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-694b11323a112"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1665337' first='Juleone' last='Carney'] jumped onto my radar last season and continued to impress as a junior. Carney lined up at defensive end where he proved to be very effective as a pass rusher. He does a great job of using a combination of speed and strength to blow by opposing offensive tackles with ease on his way to the quarterback. Once he gets there, he does a great job of finishing at the quarterback, finishing the year as the 6A leader in sacks with 11.5 in 15 games. He also proved to be reliable against the run, recording 38 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss as a junior. Carney currently holds an offer from Southern Mississippi and I wouldn't be surprised to see more come his way this offseason. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1610711"],"_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-694b11323a180"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1610711' first='Sebastian' last='Blue'] is another member of the Trinity defensive line who stood out this season. Blue is a very impressive pass rusher off the edge, using his speed to blow by opposing offensive tackles. He has also showed the ability to use his flexibility to bend and avoid blocks with ease. Sebastian finished this past season with nine sacks in 15 games. He also accounted for 39 tackles and seven tackles for loss this year. Blue currently holds multiple Division I/Power 4 offers and I expect that list to continue to grow going into his senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1907204"],"_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-694b122aaffc2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1907204' first='Lincoln' last='Weaver'] jumped onto my radar with a very impressive junior season. Weaver lined up at defensive end where he caused a ton of disruption against the run. He does a great job of reading the play quickly then using his speed to run down the line and get to the ball carrier before they can get going. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he has proven to be a very reliable tackler, finishing the year with 51 tackles and 18.5 tackles for loss in 10 games. He has also proven to be a very effective pass rusher off the edge, recording 9.5 sacks this season. Weaver is a player who I expect college coaches to be paying close attention to heading into his final season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1506776"],"_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-694b1441398ee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1506776' first='Wyatt' last='Highley'] finished his high school career on a high note with a very impressive senior year. Highley lined up at inside linebacker where he was dominant against the run. He does a great job of reading his keys then flowing downhill to get to the ball carrier in a hurry. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he does a great job of running his feet through contact to secure the tackle quickly, finishing his senior season as the 6A leader in tackles with 153 in 11 games, along with 18 tackles for loss. He also recorded two sacks this season. Highley doesn't currently hold any offers but he is a player who definitely has the talent 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":["1175788"],"_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-694b144139967"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1175788' first='Karsten' last='Busch'] established himself as the top overall player in the state in his class with a strong senior year. Busch lined up at inside linebacker where he was very effective against the run. Karsten reads the play quickly then uses his speed to get to the ball carrier with a sense of urgency. He explodes through contact with a ton of physicality once he gets to the ball carrier to finish the tackle. Busch finished the year with a team-high 110 tackles and 10 tackles for loss in 14 games. He also recorded one sack this season and played a role on offense, catching 13 passes for 274 yards and five touchdowns. Karsten signed with Miami (FL) where I can see him being a very productive player at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401710"],"_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-694b15617dac1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='401710' first='Jacob' last='Savage'] is another high-caliber player who continued to stand out as a senior. Savage lined up at inside linebacker this season where he was very reliable against the run. He does a great job of diagnosing the play quickly then using his speed to run sideline to sideline to make tackles in the open field. Jacob finished his senior year with a team-leading 112 tackles and 15 tackles for loss in 13 games. He also showed the ability to make plays against the pass, recording two interceptions and half a sack this season. Savage also made a huge impact on offense as a senior, leading his team in rushing with 163 carries for 1,222 yards and 24 touchdowns while also catching 12 passes for 204 yards and five touchdowns. Jacob signed with Indiana where I can see him becoming a true impact player at the next level. </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-694b16b549654"} --> <!-- 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'] continued to prove that he is the best defensive back in the state this season. Evans lined up at corner where he locked down any receiver across from him in man coverage. He does a great job of jamming receivers at the beginning of their routes then using his speed to mirror their routes with ease. When the ball is thrown his way, he breaks on the ball with perfect timing to make a play, finishing the year with two interceptions and several pass breakups in 15 games. He also recorded 28 tackles and one tackle for loss this season. Allen currently holds several Power 4 offers and I expect them to continue to pile up for him moving forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1596532"],"_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-694b17a14c2d3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1596532' first='Elijah' last='Burns-Crump'] is another member of the Trinity secondary who stood out to me this season. He lined up at safety where he was very reliable in coverage. Elijah showed the ability to read route combinations and the quarterback then break on the ball with perfect timing to make a play once the ball was in the air. He finished his junior year with four interceptions in 15 games, returning two of them for touchdowns. Burns-Crump also accounted for 56 tackles, four tackles for loss, and half a sack this season while also recovering three fumbles, returning one of them for a touchdown. Elijah currently holds multiple Power 4 offers and I expect more to come his way going into his senior year. </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-694b18b276895"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1994524' first='Evan' last='Kincaid'] jumped onto my radar with a very impressive junior year. Kincaid lined up at safety where he was a true ball hawk in coverage. He does a great job of reading route combinations then flowing through the secondary accordingly. Once the ball is in the air, he breaks on the ball with perfect timing to make a play, coming away with seven interceptions (tied for 6A lead) in 14 games, returning one of them for a touchdown. He also finished the year with 25 tackles and made an impact on offense, catching seven passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns. Kincaid is a player who college coaches should have on their radar heading into his senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1617477"],"_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-694b19af2ad75"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">To wrap up my 2025 6A All-State Defense, I have [player_tooltip player_id='1617477' first='Avant' last='Baxter']. Baxter lined up at safety this season where he was very reliable in coverage. He showed the ability to read routes then flow through the secondary to put himself in position to make a play. When the ball was thrown in his direction, he showed impressive ball skills, coming away with seven interceptions in 13 games (tied for 6A lead). He also recorded 21 tackles this season and played a key role on offense, catching a team-high 31 passes for 635 yards and seven touchdowns while also running the ball 33 times for 161 yards and two touchdowns. Avant doesn't currently hold any offers but he is a player who is deserving of an opportunity at the next level. </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>[player_tooltip player_id='1584363' first='Bo' last='Gay'] (Ryle, 2026); Korey Tutt Jr (St. Xavier, 2027); [player_tooltip player_id='1683520' first='Brennen' last='Garr'] (St. Xavier, 2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Linebacker: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1954625' first='Liam' last='Dailey'] (Madison Central, 2027); [player_tooltip player_id='840738' first='Wyatt' last='Raney'] (Meade County, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='1706076' first='Cohen' last='Campbell'] (North Hardin, 2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Back: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='400890' first='Sekou' last='Kamara'] (Trinity, 2027); [player_tooltip player_id='1594843' first='Myles' last='Howze'] (Trinity, 2027); Jaydyn Jackson (Fern Creek, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='1907201' first='Isaiah' last='Bridges'] (South Warren, 2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->