Corpus Christi high school football preview: Here are 13 defenders to watch in 2024

The Caller-Times continues its preview of the 2024 high school football season with a summer series looking at the best players across the Corpus Christi area.

Over the next several weeks, leading up to kickoff in Week 1, we will highlight some of the best players in various positions, continuing with 11 defensive players to watch.

Here are the players listed in alphabetical order:

Alejandro Asevedo, sr., Alice

Asevedo is one of the best all-around players in the Coastal Bend and has a chance to be a two-way star for the Coyotes, looking to build off last season's district title. Asevedo finished with 90 tackes, two interceptions and five pass breakups last season.

Shawn Burdick, sr., Tuloso-Midway

A stalwart up front for the Warriors, which fielded one of the best scoring defenses in the state in 2023, Burdick will be a recognizable face on a defense that was hit by graduation. Burdick tallied 47 tackles and two tackles for loss as a junior.

Lamarcus Cullum, sr., Miller

On a defense littered with playmakers, Cullum stands out for the Bucs. A savvy vet for Eric John's ever-improving unit, Cullum finished with 146 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.

Seth Gutierrez, jr., Beeville

Gutierrez made an impression as a sophomore, becoming a team leader for the Trojans at linebacker. The athletic junior had 77 tackles, one sack, an interception and six hurries.

Jude Hernandez, sr., Calallen

At a school that churns out high-caliber linebackers, Hernandez is the latest. The senior returns for his third season as a starter and the unquestioned leader of the new-look Wildcats, where he could be a focal point on both sides of the ball. Hernandez posted 106 tackles and four sacks in 2023.

More: Corpus Christi High School Football Preview: Here are five linemen to watch in 2024

Danny McKenna, sr., Ray

The Texans will hang their hat on defense, with seven starters back, and the 6-foot-3 McKenna is an impact player. The end totaled 48 tackles with nine sacks for Ray as a junior.

Brendon Ray, sr., Bishop

Ray was a unaminous first-team all-district selection for the Badgers on both sides of the ball, as a tight end and defensive end. Ray will again be counted on to lead Bishop as the team moves back to Class 3A.

Andrew Rendon, sr., London

The first-team all-state defender tallied 120 tackles and nine sacks as a junior and could take on an even larger role this season.

Jasiah Rivera, sr., Kingsville

One of the best athletes in the Coastal Bend and top high school hurdlers in the country, Rivera will play at various spots for the Brahmas this year after totaling 42 tackles, three interceptions and deflecting seven passes.

Andrew Silva, sr., Sinton

On a team filled to the brim with offensive skill players returning, Silva is back to guide the defense from the secondary after earning district Newcomer of the Year accolades as a junior. Silva finished wiht 87 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and three interceptions.

Quinn Supnet, sr., Gregory-Portland

The Wildcats were hit heavy by graduation on defense but Supnet will be a guiding force for G-P on that side of the ball, returning after posting 80 tackles and two interceptions.

More: Corpus Christi High School Football Preview: Here are five receivers to watch in 2024

Chris Vasquez, sr., Veterans Memorial

Vasquez's experience on the field is evident and he is expected to be the leader of the Eagles' talented defensive unit. Vasquez tallied 81 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and six sacks and can play various spots.

Zander Wills, jr., Refugio

Wills had a stellar sophomore season for the Bobcats, which always have high expecations and the junior will again be a focal point on defense. Wills finished with 90 tackles and nine sacks in 2023.

More to watch: Steven Richardson, sr., Miller; Jonathan Hall, jr., Carroll; Ian Ward, sr., Gregory-Portland; Marcus Jones, sr., Flour Bluff; Michael Vierra, sr., Calallen; Michael Williams, jr., Robstown; Tra'Jhaun Vurns, so., West Oso; Israel Leal, sr., London; Kyle Wuenschel, sr., Odem; David Davis Jr., sr., Taft; Cole Spalek, sr., Woodsboro; Ryan Casas, sr., San Diego; Shane Ryan, sr., Benavides; Chase Schanen, sr., Skidmore-Tynan

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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Corpus Christi high school football preview: Here are 13 defenders to watch in 2024