Top 20 Defensive Players to Watch in West Texas in 2025

Boston Wiese, Water Valley, Sr.

Wiese was a first-team all-state linebacker who had an eye-popping 198 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, one sack, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and three interceptions. He’s one of the more impactful players in West Texas.

Billy Perry, Richland Springs, Sr.

Perry was a menace on the defensive line last year with 24 sacks, 80 tackles, three forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, a safety, an INT and three defensive TDs. He was named first-team all-state as a spread rusher and should be a one-man wrecking crew again.

Clancy Osbourn, Mason, Sr.

Osbourn has been named the Defensive MVP of his district the last two years, and he’s a preseason all-state selection by Texas Football magazine. Last year, he recorded 101 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 13 QB hurries, four sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception.

Brylan Naylor, Water Valley, Sr.

Naylor is a disruptive force for the Wildcats. Last year, he had 122 tackles, five sacks, eight tackles for loss, one safety, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries to earn first-team all-state honors as a spread rusher.

Fisher Bradley, Mason, Sr.

Bradley was praised by his former coach as one of the hardest-hitting players in the area. He had 121 tackles last year, including 21 tackles for loss, three sacks, six QB hurries, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and three pass breakups. 

Bryan Gonzales, Junction, Sr.

Gonzales was again the anchor of the Eagles’ defense last year, leading them in tackles for the second consecutive season. He had 124 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, three sacks and a fumble recovery to earn Defensive MVP honors in District 14-2A Division II.

Demarcus Reed, Brady, Sr.

Reed is an outstanding player on both sides of the line for the Bulldogs. As a defensive lineman, he had 77 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five sacks, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery returned for a TD. He will play a big role in Brady’s success this fall.

Crue Levien, Junction, Sr.

Levien has patrolled the middle of the field for the Eagles the last two seasons, racking up more than 90 tackles each time. Last year, he had 101 stops, two sacks and two INTs, one of which was returned for a TD. He’ll help Junction field one of the best defenses in the area again.

Colt Floyd, Christoval, Sr.

Floyd wreaked havoc on the defensive line for Christoval last year with 93 tackles, six sacks and 21 QB hurries. He’ll be the leader of the Cougars’ defense this season.

Jaekob Jackson, San Angelo Central, Sr.

Jackson had a breakout season last year to earn first-team all-district honors for the Bobcats. The 5-foot-10, 200-pounder should team with Mason Van Sickle again to give the Bobcats one of the best linebacking corps in West Texas.

Landon Lacy, Water Valley, Sr.

Lacy was one of the state’s best six-man quarterbacks, but he was also a first-team all-state safety. He had 89 tackles, seven tackles for loss, one sack, three INTs, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery during the Wildcats’ state semifinal run.

DB Kasen Rodgers, San Angelo Central, Jr.

Rodgers was a first-team all-district safety last year who had 48 tackles, three tackles for loss, two pass breakups and an INT. He’s part of an experienced group of players from Central’s defense returning.

Brason Brock, Eldorado, Sr.

Brock had 37 tackles and five interceptions last year as a free safety. He’ll be counted on to lead the Eagles’ secondary this year.

Nasir Menefield, Brady, Jr.

The 6-foot-4, 360-pound Menefield had 74 tackles, eight tackles for loss and two sacks last year to earn first-team all-district honors on both sides of the ball. He is a serious problem as a run-stopping defensive tackle.

Hagyn Barbee, Wall, Sr.

Barbee missed six games last year due to injury, limiting him to 59 tackles, four pass breakups and a forced fumble in nine games of action. With his 4.5 speed, he should be one of the area’s top defensive backs if he can stay healthy this fall. He was named the Preseason Defensive MVP of District 4-3A Division II by Texas Football magazine.

Cado Bannowsky, Menard, Sr.

Bannowsky was honorable mention all-state and the Defensive MVP of District 15-1A Division I last year. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound defensive lineman had 62 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. 

Grant Simon, Junction, Sr.

Simon had 86 tackles, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and an interception he returned for a TD in the Eagles’ third-round playoff win last year. His 4.5 speed helps make him a lockdown cornerback.

Koda Bierschwale, Junction, Jr.

Bierschwale had a standout sophomore season with 91 tackles, two INTs and a forced fumble for a Junction team that reached the state semifinals. He’s one of seven starters returning from a defense that allowed 12 points per game.

Kreed Cummings, Blackwell, Sr.

Cummings had 114 tackles to lead Blackwell’s defense last year and earn honorable mention all-state recognition. 

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