2025 PRZ KY All-State Team: 2A Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we enter the new year, the 2025 high school football season has come and gone in the state of Kentucky. With that being said, I have been taking the past couple weeks to release my 2025 All-State teams to highlight the top players from this past season in each class. After already covering 3A-6A, I have now turned my attention to 2A. With the offense already taken care of, here is my 2025 2A All-State Defense!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401709"],"_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-69695b89635a0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='401709' first='Jackson' last='Whitten'] has been high on my radar for a while now and continued to stand out as a senior. Whitten lined up at defensive end where he was dominant against the run. He is very explosive out of his stance and uses his strength to fight straight through opposing offensive linemen on his way to the ball carrier. Once he gets to the ball carrier, Whitten is a very reliable tackler, finishing this past season with a team-high 94 tackles and 46 tackles for loss in 12 games. He also recorded eight sacks and scored one rushing touchdown as a senior. Jackson is committed to Colgate 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":["1634711"],"_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-69695b8963617"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1634711' first='Ashton' last='Rodgers'] is another defensive lineman who continued to impress as a senior. He lined up at defensive end where he caused a ton of disruption against the run. Rodgers uses his speed and high motor to his advantage to blow by opposing offensive linemen with ease to get to the ball carrier before they can get going. He does a great job of running his feet through contact to secure the tackle quickly and not allow any extra yards to be gained. Rodgers led his team with 81 tackles and 28 tackles for loss in 12 games as a senior. He also proved to be an effective pass rusher, finishing the year with eight sacks. Rodgers is committed to Kentucky State where I can see him being 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":["2106534"],"_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-69695cda5174d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2106534' first='Baron' last='Craft'] jumped onto my radar with a very impressive senior season. Craft lined up at defensive end where he was dominant off the edge as a pass rusher. He has an impressive combination of strength and speed as a pass rusher which he was able to use to his advantage to blow by opposing offensive tackles with ease. Craft does a great job of finishing at the quarterback once he gets there, finishing his senior year as the 2A leader in sacks with 17 in 13 games. He also recorded 77 tackles and 20 tackles for loss this past season, and caught one touchdown pass. Baron holds an offer from Midway and I wouldn't be surprised to see more come his way soon. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401711"],"_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-69695dd79b28f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='401711' first='Jakob' last='Bartley'] finished his high school career on a high note with a strong senior year. He was very effective as a pass rusher from the defensive end spot in 2025. Bartley showed the ability to use his speed to blow by opposing offensive tackles along with showing the ability to bend to avoid blocks on his way to the quarterback. Jakob finished his senior season with 13.5 sacks in 13 games. He also showed the ability to stop the run, finishing the year with 77 tackles and 12 tackles for loss. Bartley holds multiple offers and I can see him finding success regardless of where he decides 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":["1192830"],"_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-696964f843d85"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1192830' first='Brycen' last='Everage'] wrapped up his high school career with a very impressive senior season. Everage lined up at middle linebacker where he proved to be very reliable against the run. He does a great job of read his keys quickly then bursting through the gap with a sense of urgency to meet the ball carrier. Once he gets to the ball carrier, Everage does a great job of running his feet through contact to finish the tackle quickly. Brycen finished his senior year with a team-high 180 tackles and 23 tackles for loss in 11 games. He also finished the season with a sack and two interceptions, and made an impact on offense, running the ball 57 times for 375 yards and three touchdowns. Everage holds several offers and I can see him making an impact wherever he ends up playing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1200723"],"_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-696964f843de5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1200723' first='Crayson' last='Lafferty'] has been on my radar for a while now and continued to impress as a junior. He lines up at inside linebacker where he is very reliable against the run. Lafferty does a great job of diagnosing the play quickly then reacting accordingly. He uses his speed to flow to the ball carrier in a hurry while also showing the strength to fight through blocks when necessary. Lafferty has proven to be a very good tackler in the open field, finishing this past season with a team-leading 150 tackles and 10 tackles for loss in 12 games. He also played a key role on offense, carrying the ball 146 times for 935 yards and 18 touchdowns while also catching four passes for 40 yards. Crayson is a player who I expect college coaches to be paying close attention to heading into his senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2106532"],"_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-696964f843e31"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2106532' first='Jude' last='Evans'] caught my attention with a very strong sophomore season. He lined up at inside linebacker where he proved to be a very effective run stopper. He reads his keys quickly then uses his speed to get to the ball carrier in a hurry. Once he gets to the ball carrier, Evans has proven to be a sure tackler, finishing this past season with a team-high 130 tackles along with 10 tackles for loss in 14 games. He also recorded 2.5 sacks and an interception, and made an impact on offense, running the ball 42 times for 200 yards and five touchdowns while also catching 12 passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. Evans should be an intriguing player to keep an eye on moving forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1715673"],"_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-69696c8538b41"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1715673' first='Eli' last='Caudill'] caught my attention as a sophomore and continued to impress in 2025. As a junior, Caudill lined up at safety where he was very reliable in coverage. He does a great job of reading route combinations and reacting accordingly to put himself in position to make a play. Once the ball is in the air, he breaks with perfect timing and has shown the ability to cover a lot of ground quickly to get to make a play on the ball. Caudill finished this past season with six interceptions (tied for 2A lead) in 14 games, returning two of them for touchdowns. He also showed the ability to fill the lane in a hurry to provide run support, recording 90 tackles and one tackle for loss as a junior. Caudill also made an impact on offense, running the ball 15 times for 171 yards and three touchdowns while also catching two passes for 88 yards and a touchdown. Eli is a player who I expect college coaches to have on their radar this offseason. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1697792"],"_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-69696c8538ba3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1697792' first='Jude' last='Cecil'] is another defensive back who continued to stand out this past season. He lined up at corner where he proved to be very effective in zone coverage. Cecil does a great job of dropping into his zone and reading routes then reacting quickly to flow through the secondary as needed. When the ball is thrown his way, he has shown very impressive ball skills, coming away with a team-high five interceptions in 14 games as a senior. He also finished the year with 51 tackles. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1925649"],"_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-69696c8538bf6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1925649' first='Jacaryous' last='Perryman'] jumped onto my radar in 2025 with a strong senior season. He lined up at safety where he was very impressive in coverage. Perryman has shown the ability to read routes and the quarterback effectively then flow through the secondary accordingly. When the ball is thrown in his direction, he has shown the ability to react with perfect timing to make a play on the ball, finishing his senior year with a team-leading five interceptions in nine games. He also accounted for 47 tackles and a sack as a senior. Perryman also made an impact on offense and special teams this past season, catching a team-high 25 passes for 400 yards and seven touchdowns while also making rushing for over 150 yards and returning two kickoffs for touchdowns. Jacaryous doesn't currently hold any offers but he has the talent to play at the next level if given an opportunity. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1517158"],"_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-69696c8538c40"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">To wrap up my 2025 2A All-State Defense, I have [player_tooltip player_id='1517158' first='Devan' last='Maynard']. Maynard had an impressive senior year at safety where he proved to be reliable in coverage. He is a true ball hawk in the secondary, showing the ability to read the play effectively then break on the ball with a sense of urgency once it is in the air. Maynard has shown impressive ball skills when the ball is thrown in his direction, coming away with a team-leading five interceptions in 12 games, returning two of them for touchdowns. He also recorded 50 tackles and four tackles for loss as a senior. Devan also returned a kickoff for a touchdown this past season and led the Martin County offense at quarterback, throwing for 1,692 yards and 14 touchdowns while also leading the team in rushing with 135 carries for 1,332 yards and 23 touchdowns. Maynard holds multiple offers and I expect him to be a true impact play at the next level with the versatility to play multiple positions. </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='1925646' first='Sasha' last='Wade'] (Danville, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='1925647' first='Eli' last='Embry'] (Hancock County, 2028); [player_tooltip player_id='478102' first='Bode' last='Darland'] (Lexington Christian, 2028)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Linebacker: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='971503' first='Miles' last='Edge'] (Owensboro Catholic, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='1668609' first='Braiden' last='Ford'] (Danville, 2029); Maddox Pugh (Prestonsburg, 2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Back: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401921' first='Malik' last='Kirby'] (Mayfield, 2026); Brayden Donato (Walton-Verona, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='1200701' first='JB' last='Woolum'] (Belfry, 2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->