All-Michigan Dream Team – Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who were the best defenders in Michigan this season? This list compiles the best of the best from every position! Here's who I'd select for my 2025 all-star defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB - [player_tooltip player_id='212358' first='Corey' last='Sadler'] - Cass Tech</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The #1 prospect in Michigan's class of 2026, Corey is a CFB superstar in the making. Some say his college and NFL upside are at DB. Corey is likely the most aggressive DB I've ever watched, and one of the most passionate football players I've seen. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB - [player_tooltip player_id='318570' first='Marcello' last='Vitti'] - Divine Child</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025 Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year, Marcello, made his name known in this year's postseason. Additionally, he had a legendary State Championship performance that will be remembered for a very long time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB - [player_tooltip player_id='1687171' first='Gideon' last='Gash'] - Detroit Catholic Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top prospects in the entire state, and someone who should be a blue-chip P4 prospect. Someone of his size should not be as agile as he is. Simply an incredible football player who I'd expect to earn several more offers in the coming months. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB - [player_tooltip player_id='1157440' first='Elijah' last='Goins'] - Dakota</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speedy, rangy, DB from Dakota. Elijah has been a great gadget player who can play practically any skill position. Defensively, he's one one of the smartest, fastest DBs Michigan has to offer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB - [player_tooltip player_id='1233561' first='Darryl' last='Flemister'] - Detroit MLK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Darryl has been one of the most athletic and passionate players in the state of Michigan for a long time. Defensively, he's a smart, physical player who makes a habit of forcing turnovers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LB - [player_tooltip player_id='566881' first='Nathan' last='Gersh'] - Dexter </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nathan has been one of my favorite linebacker prospects for a long time. He has a combination of speed, agility, and smarts that few off-ball LBs possess. A Toledo signee, I am supremely confident that Nathan will find success in the MAC. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LB - [player_tooltip player_id='1615810' first='Bryce' last='Barbarino'] - Saline</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bryce has some of the best film in the state. He's all gas, no brakes. Always full-on sprinting to the football, and hits like a truck. Bryce has gotten some well-earned attention as of late, and I can't wait to see where he ends up committing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LB - [player_tooltip player_id='528080' first='Deondre' last='Hill'] - Brother Rice</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A star in the making, [player_tooltip player_id='528080' first='Deondre' last='Hill'] was one of the most impressive sophomores I watched all season. He's an extremely passionate football player who did well against a grueling schedule. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LB - [player_tooltip player_id='568150' first='Brayden' last='Sweeney'] - Grand Rapids Catholic Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another one of the best off-ball LB prospects in the state. The Prudue commit had another incredible season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LB - [player_tooltip player_id='568100' first='Brody' last='Sink'] - Notre Dame Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brody had an incredible career at Notre Dame Prep. In what I'd call a hybrid LB role, Brody played all over the field, and proved to be an extremely strong defender against the run and the pass. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DL - [player_tooltip player_id='977789' first='Jayden' last='Bell'] - Brother Rice</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of those guys that I've talked about a ton in the past few months. Simply one of the best rising stars in Michigan, and someone who I think has a chance to become an extremely special football player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DL - [player_tooltip player_id='1684275' first='Myles' last='Smith'] - Farmington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Myles came out of practically nowhere for Farmington this past offseason. A summer standout and one of the most feared DEs in Michigan during the season. A Power 4 prospect who should continue to get better this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DL - [player_tooltip player_id='1298716' first='William' last='Reed'] - Oak Park</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A very high riser last offseason, [player_tooltip player_id='1298716' first='William' last='Reed'] had himself an impressive 2025 senior season. There are simply not many DTs who can explode off the ball like Reed can. Signed to Buffalo, I'd expect Reed to have an amazing career. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DL - [player_tooltip player_id='1246338' first='Darrius' last='Summers'] - Cass Tech</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The all-state DE had himself another amazing season. Simply dominant against Cass Tech's competition. High-end burst, bend, and motor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DL - [player_tooltip player_id='1298563' first='Max' last='Bollman'] - Big Rapids</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Max has developed into an incredibly impressive DT. I first watched Max a year and a half ago at an MHSAA Evaluation camp, and I wasn't quite sure how he'd develop. Well, it seems like he's doing an excellent job, as he possesses a rare combination of strength and explosiveness. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->