Zack's List: Crawford County's Top 10 defensive football players for 2024

BUCYRUS - Week 1 of football will be here before we know it.

After taking a look at the top skill players returning on offense , we'll shift to defense and see who the premier returners are that can make a difference when their team doesn't have the ball.

Again, in no particular order, we'll see what sets these 10 athletes apart, while also giving a nod to some honorable mention athletes. And in order to feature as many athletes as possible, nobody is listed more than once.

So without further ado, let's dive in!

Sam Evans, Galion, junior

A tenacious linebacker, Evans returns with the third-most tackles this season in the county and will be a leader on what will be a relatively young Tigers defense. He had 88 tackles, eight for loss, one sack, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery as a sophomore. More than 650 tackles of the team's 934 last fall have graduated, so Evans is primed for an even bigger year.

Brennen Reber, Colonel Crawford, senior

An absolute nightmare on the line, Reber finished with 43 tackles, 16 for loss, three sacks, and one forced fumble. Standing at 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, he's quick on his feet and excels at getting in the backfield. As one of 12 players last season with 40-plus tackles, expect him to take an even bigger step this year as one of the leaders on the defensive line.

Bryce Locker, Wynford, junior

Bursting onto the scene as a sophomore after featuring briefly as a freshman recording one tackle, Locker developed into an versatile player capable of playing on the line or as a linebacker. He returns with the most tackles on the team at 91, 17 for loss, and 29 solo, along with 5.5 sacks earning honorable mention All-Northwest District in Division VI. Locker still has plenty of growth ahead of him, and it's almost scary to think about what's to come these next two years.

Haden Butcher, Bucyrus, sophomore

Thrust into the starting lineup as a freshman, Butcher wasted no time showing he belonged. His 10.5 tackles for loss and five sacks led Bucyrus last fall, while also recording 38 tackles and forcing one fumble. He's one of a handful of young players back for Bucyrus this fall and is poised for an even bigger year now that he has a full season of varsity under his belt, and another year to grow. Keep an eye out for him on the line.

Kaden Bruner, Colonel Crawford, senior

His 79 tackles and two interceptions are the most among returners on the Eagles defense and 17 tackles for loss is second only to an All-Ohio defensive end. A relentless linebacker, Bruner's athleticism is what makes him such a problem on defense for opposing teams. He earned second team All-Northwest District in Division VI and will undoubtedly be in for a senior year he won't forget.

Ayden Schmidt, Galion, junior

After carving out a role as a sophomore, Schmidt developed quickly into a standout defensive back totaling 55 tackles, one interception and two fumble recoveries as part of a ferocious defense. Even as a junior, he'll be one of only a handful of returners and be looked upon to be a leader on and off the field. Galion never has a shortage of athleticism, but it'll be up to Schmidt and Evans (see above) to help them adjust to the varsity game quickly.

Hunter Routson, Wynford, senior

One of just two returners for the Royals with multiple interceptions, Routson was a staple in the secondary as a junior having patiently waited for the opportunity to present itself. He isn't the most intimidating presence on the field standing at 5-foot-8, 140 pounds, but his tenacity on defense is what sets him apart as a safety. He had 51 tackles, 29 solo, two for loss, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery last season.

Brady Hill, Colonel Crawford, senior

Making play-after-play on defense and special teams, Hill's 56 tackles, two for loss, as a defensive back are the fourth-most among returners. He has a real nose for the ball and will be one of the leaders on the field as a senior. Hill's experience in the secondary will be huge for the new faces that'll be lining up beside him. And his numbers should be even better this fall as he looks to help guide the Eagles to a league title.

Evan Wright, Wynford, senior

The area is flush with talent at linebacker, and Wright deserves to have his name among the best. A tireless engine, he had 91 tackles, 36 solo, 5.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks, and three fumble recoveries as a junior helping the Royals to seven wins including an overtime thriller on the road in the playoffs. He was named second team All-Northwest District in Division VI and should again be one of the standouts in the second line of defense.

Payne DeGray, Colonel Crawford, junior

The lone All-Ohioan returning on the gridiron in Crawford County, DeGray's breakout sophomore season was a big reason why the Eagles had such a stifling defense. He had 76 tackles, 28 for loss, six sacks, and three forced fumbles quickly becoming one of the best defensive ends in the greater area. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism make him a matchup nightmare for opponents on the line. And with two years still to go, we've yet to see DeGray's potential.

HONORABLE MENTION: Gabe Bellamy, Buckeye Central; Cade Daniel, Buckeye Central; Jacob Green, Bucyrus; Walker Cramer, Colonel Crawford; Ky Taylor, Crestline; Brett Cheney, Crestline; Allen Carver, Galion; Zach Sallee, Galion.

zholden@gannett.com

419-617-6018

Twitter/X: @Zachary_Holden

This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Zack's List: Crawford County's Top 10 defensive football players for 2024