2025 PRZ KY All-State Team: 3A 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 4A-6A, I have now turned my attention to 3A. With the offense already taken care of, here is my 2025 3A All-State Defense!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1638814"],"_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-696561b2ab7ec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1638814' first='Kellan' last='Hall'] continued to show why he is our top-ranked player in the 2028 class in Kentucky this season. He lined up at defensive end where he caused a ton of disruption against the run. Hall is very tough to block once he gets going as he is able to use his strength to stack/shed blocks effectively and with a sense of urgency. Once he sheds the block, he is able to use his speed to get to the ball carrier to make the tackle before they can get going, finishing his sophomore year with 53 tackles and 17.5 tackles for loss in 11 games. He also proved to be a skilled pass rusher, recording 6.5 sacks this season. Kellan currently holds several Power 4 offers and I expect them to continue to pile up for him over the next couple seasons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1638818"],"_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-69656858ba615"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1638818' first='Brody' last='Cherry'] was another member of the CAL defensive line who stood out in 2025. He showed the versatility to play both defensive tackle and end, and was very reliable against the run. Cherry uses his speed to shoot gaps with ease before the opposing offensive line has a chance to block him. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he is a very good open field tackler, finishing this past season with 53 tackles and 18 tackles for loss in 15 games. He was also a very effective pass rusher as a senior, recording seven sacks. Cherry doesn't currently hold any offers but he is a player who has proven that he has the talent to play somewhere at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1925247"],"_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-69656f2559920"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1925247' first='Blake' last='Mullins'] caught my attention with a very strong junior year. Mullins lined up at defensive end/outside linebacker where he was very effective off the edge as a pass rusher. He explodes out of his stance and uses his speed to blow by opposing offensive tackles with ease on his way to the quarterback. Blake does a great job of finishing once he gets to the quarterback, leading 3A in sacks this past season with 11 in 12 games. He also recorded 86 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and three interceptions this past season. Mullins also played a role on offense and special teams as a junior, catching a team-high 20 passes for 532 yards and seven touchdowns while also returning a kickoff for a touchdown. Blake should be a player to keep a close eye on 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":["1665346"],"_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-69656f25599f8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After jumping onto my radar last season, [player_tooltip player_id='1665346' first='Jesse' last='Clark'] continued to stand out as a junior. Clark lined up at defensive tackle where he was very impressive against the run. He explodes out of his stance and uses his strength to fight through blocks with ease followed by the speed to get to the ball carrier before they can get going. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he is a very reliable tackler, recording 115 tackles and six tackles for loss in 15 games this past season. He also finished his junior year with two sacks. Clark currently holds an offer from Murray State 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":["1706059"],"_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-69656f2559aa8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1706059' first='Simon' last='Rickman'] is another member of the Murray defense who had a very impressive 2025 season. Rickman lined up at outside linebacker where he asserted his dominance against the run. He reads the play quickly then uses his speed to flow to the ball carrier in a hurry, showing the ability to fight through blocks with ease on his way there. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he runs his feet through contact to secure tackles quickly, recording a team-high 164 tackles in 15 games this season. Rickman also finished his senior year with eight sacks and an interception, and played a role on offense, running the ball 62 times for 352 yards and 10 touchdowns while also catching 10 passes for 103 yards. Simon is committed to Lindsey Wilson where I can see him having a successful collegiate career. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1516140"],"_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-69656f2559b4e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Following a strong freshman season, [player_tooltip player_id='1652072' first='Lincoln' last='Tomlinson'] picked up right where he left off in 2025. On defense, he lined up at outside linebacker where he was very impressive against the run. Tomlinson does a great job of reading his keys effectively then using his speed to get to the ball carrier in a hurry. He has proven to be a very reliable open field tackler, finishing this past season with a team-leading 149 tackles and 16 tackles for loss in 14 games. Lincoln also finished his sophomore year with 2.5 sacks and an interception, and made a huge impact on offense, running the ball 113 times for 726 yards and 16 touchdowns while also catching 16 passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns. Tomlinson is a player who I expect college coaches to have their eyes on heading into his junior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["773225"],"_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-69657256c3b71"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='773225' first='Jake' last='Crump'] finished his high school career on a high note with a strong senior year. Crump showed a ton of versatility on defense, showing the ability to play both inside linebacker and off the edge at outside linebacker. He is very explosive out of his stance, showing the ability to burst into the backfield before the opposing offensive line has a chance to react. Crump caused a ton of havoc against the run this season, recording a team-high 141 tackles and 14.5 tackles for loss in 12 games. He also finished the year with four sacks and an interception, and played a key role on offense, running the ball 120 times for 960 yards and 11 touchdowns while also catching eight passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns. Jake currently holds multiple offers and I can see him finding success wherever 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":["331725"],"_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-69657256c3bd0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='331725' first='Willem' last='McPeake'] has been on my radar for a while now and continued to stand out as a senior. McPeake played in a linebacker/strong safety role this season where he was very reliable in pass coverage. He does a great job of reading route combinations and the quarterback then breaking on the ball with perfect timing to make a play when it is thrown in his direction. McPeake finished his senior year with a team-high seven interceptions in 13 games, returning one of them for a touchdown. He also showed the ability to stop the run, recording 69 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss this season. Willem also played a huge role on offense as a senior, leading his team in rushing with 229 carries for 1,505 yards and 16 touchdowns while also catching four passes for 137 yards and a touchdown. McPeake currently holds an offer from Thomas More 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":["1516130"],"_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-6965771d0f9f4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1516130' first='Blake' last='Burnett'] is another player who continued to impress as a senior. Burnett lined up at safety where he was a true ballhawk in the secondary. He reads routes then reacts accordingly, showing the ability to use his speed to cover ground quickly. When the ball is thrown in his direction, he has shown tremendous ball skills, leading the entire state with 10 interceptions in 14 games this season. He also recorded 43 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack as a senior. Burnett also served as Bell County's starting quarterback, throwing for over 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns while also rushing for over 400 yards and eight touchdowns. Blake hasn't reported any offers but he definitely 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":["2104177"],"_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-696578d39d460"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2104177' first='Braxton' last='Davis'] jumped onto my radar with an impressive senior year. Davis lined up at corner where he proved to be effectively both in zone and man coverage. He has great instincts, showing the ability to read routes then react to the ball with perfect timing to make a play once it is thrown his way. Braxton finished his senior year with a team-high six interceptions in 13 games, returning one of them for a touchdown. He also recorded 38 tackles and one tackle for loss this past season, and played a role on offense, catching nine passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns. Braxton holds multiple offers and I can see him making an impact wherever he ends up playing at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1971892"],"_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-69657ad47b5c0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">To wrap up my 2025 3A All-State Defense, I have [player_tooltip player_id='1971892' first='Jaylen' last='Bradley']. Bradley had a strong junior year at corner for Glasgow. He is very reliable in coverage, showing the ability to read routes then flow through the secondary as needed to put himself in position to make a play. When the ball is thrown his way, he has shown impressive ball skills, coming away with a team-high five interceptions in 12 games in 2025, returning two of them for touchdowns. Bradley also made a huge impact on offense, leading his team in receiving with 26 catches for 612 yards and nine touchdowns while also running the ball 59 times for 471 yards and eight touchdowns. He also returned two punts for touchdowns as a junior. Jaylen is a player who I expect college coaches to have on their radar this offseason. </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='1236577' first='Xander' last='Contreras'] (Glasgow, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='1925245' first='Cortayvion' last='Rapier'] (Union County, 2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Linebacker: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='283969' first='Jackson' last='Settle'] (Christian Academy of Louisville, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='2084268' first='Micah' last='Newsome'] (Christian Academy of Louisville, 2027); [player_tooltip player_id='1200703' first='Donavon' last='Smith'] (Knox Central, 2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Back: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1925249' first='Malachai' last='Rennie'] (Bourbon County, 2026); Owen McDowell (LaRue County, 2028)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->