1A All-State Team: Defense Edition

Concluding the All-State defensive series we’re taking a look at 1A Football throughout the state of Illinois. I have determined the first team and honorable mention. Without further ado, let’s dive into the 1A All-State Team – Defensive Edition. <hr /> <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 14pt;"><em><strong>1st Team</strong></em></span> <em>DL [player_tooltip player_id="155346" first="Colby" last="Ryan"] 22’ Cumberland <a href="https://twitter.com/Colby63395838">Twitter</a></em> Mr. Ryan is from Cumberland, he gets pressure on the QB and is quick off the ball. He has good use of hands at the point of attack, fills gaps in run support, and gets off blocks to make the tackle. Mr. Ryan doesn’t give up on plays by taking pursuit angles to make the tackle downfield and gets after it. <em>LB [player_tooltip player_id="119172" first="Tucker" last="Miller"] 21’ Wethersfield</em> Mr. Miller is from Wethersfield, he fills holes in run support and gets pressure on the QB. He has closing speed, makes open-field tackles, and gets his hands up resulting in deflecting passes. Mr. Miller also doesn’t give up on plays by taking pursuit angles to make the tackle downfield. <em>LB Damon Miller 21’ Milledgeville </em> Mr. Miller is from Milledgeville, he fills holes in run support and gets off blocks to make the tackle. He meets the running back at the line of scrimmage, gets pressure on the QB, and gets in the backfield quickly. Mr. Miller isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder, has closing speed, and reads/reacts quickly for interceptions. <em>LB [player_tooltip player_id="155424" first="Jarrett" last="Basten"] 22’ Galena</em> Mr. Basten is from Galena, he fills holes in run support and meets the running back at the line of scrimmage. He gets pressure on the QB, makes open-field tackles, and has closing speed. Mr. Basten doesn’t give up on plays by taking pursuit angles to make the tackle downfield. <em>LB Javaughn Bailey 21’ Chicago Hope Academy </em> Mr. Bailey is from Chicago Hope Academy, he fills holes in the run support and gets off blocks to make the tackle. He attacks downhill with his closing speed, makes open-field tackles, and gets pressure on the QB. Mr. Bailey has quick acceleration, attacks, and gets after it with his aggressive playstyle. <em>CB [player_tooltip player_id="155256" first="Brock" last="Mason"] 22’ Fulton <a href="https://twitter.com/BrockMasonn">Twitter</a></em> Mr. Mason is from Fulton, he reads/reacts quickly resulting in interceptions and makes open-field tackles. He gets off blocks to make the tackle, doesn’t give up on plays to make the tackle downfield, and is used as a return man because of his quick acceleration. <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 14pt;"><em><strong>Honorable Mention</strong></em></span> <em>LB Hunter Boland 21’ Princeville</em> <em>LB Andrew Haas 21’ Stockton <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewHaas_29">Twitter</a></em> <hr /> There is an abundance of talented athletes in 1A Football throughout the state of Illinois. That being said, this is your 1A Football All-State Team Defensive Edition. I wish all of the seniors the best on their journey after they graduate high school. There’s still work left to do for the juniors and sophomores, and I’m excited to watch you all compete. <em>Be sure to follow @jamaskane regarding news &amp; information for Illinois High School Football,  @PrepRedzoneIL, and @PrepRedzone. </em>