As the 2024 high school football season draws closer let's take a look at some of the top players back on the defensive side of the ball from the five teams in the Herald-Times coverage area, including five members of last year's H-T All-Area squad:
Will Breedlove, North, Sr. FS
Physical run-stopper one of four starters behind the defensive line who return for the Cougars, piled up 77 tackles, including a team best 39 solos and had 3.5 for loss.
Camden Eaton, North, Sr. CB
Starter at corner opposite UIndy-bound Stephon Opoku, he picked off two passes, recovered a fumble and caused another. Had 35 tackles.
Ben Godar, South, Sr. LB
Playmaker for the Panthers who had 68 tackles, 43 solo and had seven tackles for loss to go along with two interceptions and five sacks. With the graduation of Ralph Rogers, Duke Conrad and Ben Ridner, he's the leader of the Panthers' linebacking corps.
Nate Hankins, North, Sr. NT
Top returning defensive lineman for Cougars it'll be his job to clog up the middle again. Had 39 tackles with eight for loss and had a sack and 10 quarterback hurries.
Rhett Manuel, Owen Valley, Sr. S
Two-year returning starter for a rebuilding squad under new coach Eric Crouch, had five takeaways last year. Will also use his 6-2 180-pound frame on offense at wide receiver. He caught a 55-yard TD pass last season.
Miles McKay, South, Sr. CB
Had a team-best four interceptions and was No. 3 in tackles with 95, including 62 solo to earn Indiana Football Coaches Association Class 5A Junior All-State. Also helped with kickoff returns.
Ross Ogden, North, Jr. FS
Hybrid linebacker/safety kept making plays for the Cougars with 52 tackles, including 28 solos and 10 for loss. Had two sacks, three interceptions and three passes defended.
Lucas Rice, North, Jr. DE
Three-sport standout (basketball and thrower in track) returns up front for the Cougars. Had 44 tackles and eight QB hurries. Will also back up the tight end position this year.
Carter Salyers, Owen Valley, Jr. S
Returning letter winner from last season will lead the secondary from his safety spot and will also see time at receiver.
Nehemiah Strunk, Edgewood, Sr. FS
A valuable player who could fill a number of spots when injuries hit last year. Had 57 tackles. He'll also play receiver after piling up 200 yards through the air last year.
Brody Teague, Eastern Greene, Sr. LB
Middle backer will be the captain of the defense and one of its smartest members. He leads a defense rebuilding after heavy graduation losses. Led the team with 85 tackles, including 10 for loss.
Zeke Trueblood, North, Sr. LB
All-Area backer has been a varsity presence since his freshman year. Finished last year with 71 tackles, 9½ for loss and had a team-high four sacks. Recovered two fumbles.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: High school football: Top Bloomington area defensive players back for 2024
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