2024 Football Defense Finalists

Drake Robinson

Robinson was one of the best defensive players in all of Southeast Missouri as he posted over 170 tackles in 2023. He proved to be a consistent piece for a good St. Vincent defense. Robinson and the Indians finished the season 9-4 and made a final-four appearance against Marionville.

Logan Hite

Hite didn’t hold back for his final season with the Mules, as he dominated on the defensive side of the ball. Hite finished at the top of the area this season with 113 tackles, including 59 solo stops and nine for a loss and recovered a fumble. He was also presented with the Derland Moore Award as the top defender in the conference. Hite recorded double-digit tackle totals in seven games, including the first five that featured 18 at Valley View in Jonesboro, Arkansas, in Week 2. He averaged 11.3 tackles in SEMO North games, during which the Mules finished 3-1. Hite also finished with 324 career tackles, a modern-day team record, along with four sacks, two fumbles recovered and an interception over four seasons.

Mason Adams

Adams's impressive defensive stats speak volumes about his impact on the game - recording an outstanding 95 tackles, including 17.5 tackles for a loss. Additionally, his exceptional coverage skills resulted in eight pass breakups and two interceptions. Moreover, Adams, a senior, showcased his ability to create turnovers, with a forced fumble and fumble recovery. Recognized for his exceptional contributions, Adams was named first-team all-conference, solidifying his status as one of the best defensive players in his conference. Even more impressively, he garnered the coveted first-team all-state honor, a testament to his skill, dedication, and overall impact on the game. Adams played a vital role in the team's success, leading a unit that allowed a mere average of 10.8 points per game.

Rhyder Williams

Williams was a two-year starter at safety. He was a team captain and a leader for a defense that allowed just 17.2 points and less than four yards per rushing attempt this past season. The senior helped lead the Bearcats to a 6-3 record and finished with 37 tackles, four tackles for loss, seven pass deflections and an impressive eight interceptions. He was named All-SEMO Conference-Central, all-district, all-region and third-team all-state (Class 3). Williams also received the Dexter Football Charles Bland Award.

Josh Schwartz

Schwartz’s seven interceptions were the most in the Southeast Missourian coverage area. Schwartz was another key member of a St. Vincent defense that saw a lot of success in 2023. He also helped lead the Indians to a 9-4 season.

Levi McKinnie

Perhaps one of the best athletes in the area, McKinnie shined on the gridiron in the fall as he picked up 7 sacks and nearly 50 tackles during the 2023 campaign. Along with having a dynamic year on the defensive side, he also put up respectable numbers offensively to lead the Red Devils to a 5-5 season, their most successful season since the 2017-18 school year. With McKinnie graduating, the Red Devils will have a big hole to fill both on the field and off the field as a leader.

Kaleb Huber

Huber played a key role on the defensive side of the ball for the Perryville Pirates in 2023. Huber had 95 tackles to lead the Pirates and it was good enough for the third most tackles in the Southeast Missourian coverage area in 2023. Just a junior, Huber will return and once again look to lead the Pirates’ defense as they continue to build on this season.

Reid Landers

Landers was one of the best pieces of the Jackson Indians’ stellar defense in 2023. Finishing the year with 5 sacks, Landers’ impact went deeper than that. He was consistently pressuring opposing quarterbacks while also doing his part to stuff the run game. Landers was crucial in the Indians finishing the season with a record of 10-2.

Trey Gorman

As a first-team All-SEMO Conference-North selection, Gorman showcased his exceptional skills and became a bright spot in the defensive backfield. The senior amassed a total of 34 tackles while exhibiting his exceptional coverage skills with 18 pass breakups, one interception, and two forced fumbles. Gorman's talents have earned him a well-deserved opportunity to pursue college football, as he has signed to play at Central Methodist University.

Jason Jones

Despite facing significant injuries that led to missed playing time, the senior exhibited true resilience and determination by battling through the pain to make a significant impact on the field. Throughout the season, he recorded 41 tackles, showcasing his ability to make crucial stops. Additionally, he contributed two tackles for a loss and one interception, further demonstrating his versatility and impact on the game earning All-SEMO Conference-Central first-team honors. Jones signed to play college football at Missouri Baptist University.