Defensive Players to Watch for: KHSA Class 5A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last time, we looked at some highly talented offensive recruits from the KHSA 5A state division. There is never a shortage of talent across all division classes, no matter the level of competitive play found in each one. From 1A to 6A, top-tier talent will be found in each position held on the gridiron. This pattern will continue today as we list some talented 5A division defensive prospects to watch for this upcoming 2023 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["311506"],"_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_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='311506' first='Preston' last='Williams'] is an impressive outside linebacker prospect that excels at covering lots of ground in zone coverage and finishing defensive takedowns when other defenders are unable to. Williams, a 6'2 230lb 2025 grad from Madison Southern High School had a great 2022 season as he recorded 98 total tackles and 12 tackles for loss in 10 games played. Williams's reflexes are incredibly fast, which goes along with how quickly he gets to full speed when charging at an offensive player. When making a tackle, Williams is exceptionally skilled at finding the right spots to target on the opposing runner to hit to loosen up the ball for a potential forced fumble. The best aspect of Williams's style of play is that he can make a defensive play across the field. If he started on one corner of the field and ended on the other, Preston makes it no problem to have to cover multiple spots at once and still make a crucial defensive stop. His reliability and skills at the LB position make him a valuable prospect for any college recruiter to look for. Preston has attended numerous collegiate camps and has been given lots of interest from many schools. I believe offers will pour out by the end of his junior season.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2KJKcHu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["373821"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Austin is a highly impressive defensive end prospect who is equipped with extreme athleticism and superior defensive technique. Alexander, a 6'3 242lbs 2025 grad from Cooper High School had a great 2022 season as he picked up 85 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks in 11 games played. Alexander can produce a bunch of different methods for creating defensive pressure on the opposing QB. One of his primary methods is his combination of athleticism and hand skills. When lined up with an opposing offensive lineman, Austin is incredible at creating separation through his upper body strength and consistent leg drive. Alexander's dexterity is a byproduct of his edge mechanics to bounce off the opposing lineman to cross over the line of scrimmage. Nearly every snap, Austin wins the line of scrimmage battle. This loss of time makes it a more difficult process of getting the ball out of the opposing QBs hands. Even on a double team, Alexander has shown to be capable of maneuvering himself through not just 2 but 3 linemen to get to the QB. His sack and tackle numbers compared to many other edge rushers in the state will further prove how successful he's been at creating pressure. As of now, it is not shocking that he is one of the best prospects in the Bluegrass and has already received multiple Power 5 offers. I expect more to pull through by the end of this 2023 season.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Jnhx7u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"Grayson Newman","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"Bowling Green High School","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_2_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Grayson Newman is a gifted strong safety prospect who always makes a significant impact in his team's secondary line of defense. Newman, a 5'11 188lbs 2025 grad from Bowling Green High School had an amazing 2022 season as he recorded 126 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 2 interceptions in 14 games played. Being 1 shy off the top 5 list for most total tackles in the 5A class for being solely a SS is truly a feat of its own. Not only has Newman been one of the best DB prospects at making defensive stops in Kentucky, but he is also one of the best prospects at making defensive stops in the entire 5A class. Combined with Grayson's speed, lateral agility, and insanely quick reflex time, these traits help him make critical takedowns across the field. Newman is one of the best at maintaining his ground and not being fooled by jukes or offensive fake moves. If a runner is lined up in front of Newman, chances are that runner is not going to get anywhere whatsoever. Grayson is truly a unique DB talent that can be utilized at any level of play. With numerous college visits recently, there is little to no doubt in our minds that he will begin to receive plenty of offers coming his way.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2K9zaMu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["373809"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Although [player_tooltip player_id='373809' first='Makhi' last='Smith'] is one of the best primary receiving prospects in the state, his talented capabilities on the defensive side of the ball should be noted at the same level. Smith, a 6'3 173lbs 2025 prospect out of Woodford County High School had a good year defensively as he picked up 4 interceptions at the strong safety spot in 13 games played (4th in state 5A class in recorded interceptions). For Makhi, he transfers a lot of offensive skills towards his defensive capabilities to help him become a lockdown threat. This is a nice trait for many DBs ,who are also receivers, as they can mirror the movements and cuts that receivers will try to create separation. Not only can Smith do this exceptionally well, but he is also able to redirect his assignment into areas that make it extremely difficult for them to make a play. Moreover, Smith likes to force receivers to go off-route and trap them in an area where it will be making them unable to make a reception. Along with this, Smith's acrobatic receiving ability directly transfers into his play as a safety when recording interceptions. Smith is a great talent as a receiver but should be receiving nearly just as much praise on the defensive end as well. Right now, Smith has received multiple Power 5 offers and will continue to pour them in by the end of this upcoming 2023 season.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2JchSFu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["373794"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='373794' first='Kanyon' last='Johnson'] is another dual prospect who mainly finds success on the offensive side but also should be looked at for his defensive contribution. Johnson, a 6'4 200lbs 2025 grad, is set to have an amazing season this year after moving to North Hopkins High School. While playing at Muhlenberg County High School last fall, Kanyon had a productive season on the defensive end as he picked up 4 interceptions in only 8 games played. Despite having a tall athletic frame and high vertical leap to reach the higher throws, Johnson is excellent at reading where the ball is going to be thrown. On a lot of defensive drives, Kanyon is great at reading the QB and where his intentions are going. This enables Johnson to position himself in the right spots to either make a defensive deflection or intercept the pass. Johnson's QB IQ from his own playing experience at the position helps him figure out what other QBs are thinking about when a play is being drawn out. This play style is unique and makes a significant impact on any defense looking to have a major advantage over the opposing offense. As of now, Johnson has received some interest from D1 schools, and I expect that to continue as he starts playing this 2023 season.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2JgewDu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e02fc07f78c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->