First Team DefenseJermauria Rasco, DL, 6-3, 247, Evangel Christian Academy (Shreveport, La.), Senior, Undecided
The Shreveport area defensive MVP led Evangel Christian to a 2A state title over rival Curtis. He finished the season with 92 tackles and 21 sacks and was a three-time all-state selection.
Channing Ward, DL, 6-5, 250, Aberdeen (Miss.), Junior, Undecided
Ward earned all-state honors after a sensational junior campaign in which he made 119 tackles and 13 sacks. He should be one of the top recruits in the state next season. Also named the 3A state defensive MVP.
Steve Edmond
Photo by Kyle Dantzler
With more than 70 sacks in his career, Green has led a dominant Clairton defense that produced 10 shutouts en route to a 16-0 record and a Class A state championship. The state defensive player of the year, Green also threw for 1,891 yards and 29 touchdowns.
Marcus Taylor, DL, 6-3, 180, Maplewood-Richmond Heights (Mo.), Senior, Undecided
Taylor earned a spot on the Post Dispatch Team after making 87 tackles, including 28 for loss with 21 sacks. He helped lead Maplewood to a 14-1 record and a berth in the Division 2 state championship game.
Steve Edmond, LB, 6-3, 230, Daingerfield (Texas), Senior, Texas
The 2A state defensive player of the year, Edmond sparked a defense that helped Daingerfield win its third straight state championship. He had more than 150 tackles on the season including 25 for loss.
Chris Pohlman, LB, 6-2, 240, St. John's (Delphos, Ohio), Senior, Undecided
The two-time state Division VI defensive player of the year, Pohlman racked up 130 tackles and three interceptions in leading St. John's to a 15-0 record and the state title. He also earned a spot on the JJ Huddle's All-Ohio first team.
Shannon Brown, LB, 6-2, 225, Cook (Adel, Ga.), Senior, Alabama
Brown earned AA state defensive player of the year honors and was the Valdosta Daily Times Defensive Player of the Year after making 113 tackles with three sacks and two interceptions.
Tanner Burch, LB, 6-3, 225, Savannah Christian (Ga.), Senior, Gardner-Webb
Burch was named the state 1A defensive player of the year and the Greater Savannah Defensive Player of the Year while racking up 133 tackles, including 20 for losses, with seven quarterback sacks.
C.J. Johnson, LB, 6-3, 230, Philadelphia (Miss.), Senior, Undecided
A two-time all-state pick by the Clarion Ledger, Johnson had 149 tackles and two interceptions.
Jonathan Rose, DB, 6-1, 180, Leeds (Ala.), Senior, Auburn
A Super 12 Player on the Alabama Sportswriters Association All-State Team, Rose had 73 tackles and five interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. Helped lead Leeds to the 3A state championship and a 16-0 record.
Nick Marshall, DB, 6-2, 188, Wilcox County (Rochelle, Ga.), Senior, Georgia
The two-time Macon Telegraph Middle Georgia Offensive Player of the Year, Marshall threw for 2,728 yards (139 of 253) and 41 touchdowns and set a state record with 102 career touchdown passes. Also the Class A state player of the year, Marshall added 684 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. He also had six interceptions on defense, returning two for touchdowns.
Valdez Showers, DB, 6-0, 178, Madison (Madison Heights, Mich.), Senior, Florida
The Detroit News Dream Team Player of the Year, Showers rushed for 2,024 yards and 29 touchdowns and also had three interceptions and 28 tackles on defense.
Jack Rhoades
Photo by Robbie Rakestraw
An impact player since his freshman season, Washington made 111 tackles and six interceptions while leading Trinity Christian to the state finals. A two-time all-state pick, Washington was also the Jackson Sun Player of the Year.
Jack Rhoades, P, 6-2, 165, Cameron Yoe (Cameron, Texas), Senior, Undecided
The Player of the Year by the Austin Statesman, Rhoades averaged 43.5 yards per punt and also completed 239 of 357 attempts for 3,553 yards and 48 touchdowns while leading Yoe to the 2A state championship game.
Continue reading
