Michigan defensive standout Brandon Graham. (Lon Horwedel | Ann Arbor.com)
MLive has spent the last month counting down some of the greatest high school football players of the last 25 years. So far, the focus has been on the offensive side of the line of scrimmage, with top 25 lists of the greatest quarterbacks, greatest running backs and greatest wide receivers from the last quarter of a century.
Now, it is time to talk about defense. Who are the top 25 defensive high school football players from the last 25 years?
Check out the list below to see MLive's take, including plenty of Honorable Mention names.
Which players were overlooked or omitted? Which players have given you the greatest memories? Check over the list and let us know.
(John A. Lacko/Special to the Gazette) 10/12/1998 T.J. Duckett smiles as he sits surrounded by college recruitment offers on the floor of the living room of his Kalamazoo home. The Loy Norrix senior is considered one of the nation's premier football players.
Honorable Mention
Josh Allison, DT, Lake Orion (Class of 2007)
Jason Babin, DE, Paw Paw (Class of 2001)
David Bowens, LB, Orchard Lake St. Mary's (Class of 1995)
Zach Brigham, DB, Concord (Class of 2011)
Asantay Brown, DB, Muskegon Mona Shores (Class of 2014)
Brandon Carr, CB, Flint Carman-Ainsworth (Class of 2004)
Boubacar Cissoko, DB, Detroit Cass Tech (Class of 2008)
Donnie Corley, DB, Detroit Martin Luther King (Class of 2016)
Amari Coleman, DB, New Lothrop (Class of 2014)
T.J. Duckett, LB, Kalamazoo Loy Norrix (Class of 2000)
LaVert Hill of Detroit Martin Luther King commits to Michigan on Signing Day in 2016. (MLive.com)
Honorable Mention
Delano Hill, DB, Detroit Cass Tech (Class of 2013)
LaVert Hill, CB, Detroit Cass Tech/King (Class of 2016)
Will Johnson, DL, Lake Orion (Class of 2004)
Brad Jones, LB, East Lansing (Class of 2004)
Jaylen Kelly-Powell, DB, Detroit Cass Tech (Class of 2017)
Prescott Line, LB, Oxford (Class of 2012)
Lawrence Marshall, DE, Southfield (Class of 2014)
Ken McClure, DB, DeWitt (Class of 2007)
Mike McFadden, DL, Saginaw Heritage (Class of 2002)
Trent Mulder, DB, McBain (Class of 2002)
Ambry Thomas of Detroit Martin Luther King football. (Jared Purcell | japurcell@mlive.com)
Honorable Mention
C.J. Nightingale, DB, Mendon (Class of 2010)
Mario Ojemudia, DE, Farmington Hills Harrison (Class of 2012)
Terry Richardosn, DB, Detroit Cass Tech (Class of 2012)
James Ross III, LB, Orchard Lake St. Mary's (Class of 2012)
Clifton Ryan, LB/DE, Saginaw Arthur Hill (Class of 2002)
Brandon Shafou, DL, Walled Lake Western (Class of 2009)
Ambry Thomas, DB, Detroit Martin Luther King (Class of 2017)
Damon Webb, DB, Detroit Cass Tech (Class of 2014)
Marvin Wright, DB, Saginaw Arthur Hill (Class of 1993)
Ohio State Athlete, Vernon Gholston
25. Vernon Gholston, LB/DE, Detroit Cass Tech
Class of 2005
As a linebacker and offensive guard in high school, Gholston had 75 tackles and six sacks during his senior season. In college at Ohio State, Gholston moved to defensive end and blossomed, setting program records for sacks in a game (4) and sacks in a season (14.5). He earned All-American status won three Big Ten championships with the Buckeyes. He was drafted sixth overall by the New York Jets, however, he did not see the field much in his NFL career.
[MSU28 1]Caption: Michigan State freshman linebacker Josh Thornhill (50) is getting a better feel for the college game since he's been inserted into the starting lineup. (Photo by Kris Reitz. See story slugged MSU28.)Photographer: KRIS REITZTitle: STFCredit: BPNCity: EAST LANSINGState: MICountry: USADate: 19981026Object Name: MSU28 1Caption Writer: KRRCategory: SSource: LA
24. Josh Thornhill, LB, Lansing Eastern
Class of 1998
Thornhill is recognized as one of the top players to come out of the Lansing area. As a senior, he totaled 150 tackles. As a junior, he had 151 tackles. He was one of the premier players in the state in 1997 and earned Parade and USA Today All-American honors. He went on to play at Michigan State University, where he was a two-time all-Big 10 linebacker.
Farmington Hills Harrison defensive end Khalid Kareem honored to play in Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl. (Jared Purcell | japurcell@mlive.com)
23. Khalid Kareem, DE, Farmington Hills Harrison
Class of 2016
A finalist for Michigan High School Football Player of the Year as a senior, Kareem had 56 tackles, 36 of which were for a loss. He also led Oakland County that year with 16 sacks. He also had five forced fumbles and four pass deflections as a senior. As a junior, he had 85 tackles and 18 sacks. The 6-foot-4, 255-pound talent originally committed to Alabama before eventually committing to Notre Dame.
Green team #39 Trenton Robinson, right, blocks a pass intended for White team Quarterback acting as a receiver #10 Andrew Maxwell, left, in the Michigan State University Green and White Spring football game at MSU Saturday April 30, 2011. The Green team won 24-10. (Darren Breen | The Grand Rapids Press)
22. Trenton Robinson, DB, Bay City Central
Class of 2008
As a senior, Robinson recorded 45 tackles (12 solos, 33 assists), four interceptions and 14 pass break-ups while also recovering two fumbles.
Robinson went on to be a three-year starter at safety for Michigan State, where he served as a senior captain on the winningest class in program history. While at MSU, he won a Big Ten championship and had four wins over rival Michigan. He was selected in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Eventually finding his was into the Washington Redskin’s starting lineup at safety before an injury caused him to be released. He had a short stint with the Carolina Panthers in 2016 but didn’t make it out of the preseason because of another injury.
Michigan's Will Campbell runs through drills with his defensive mates during Thursday afternoon, August 20th's practice at the Michigan practice facility. (Lon Horwedel | Ann Arbor.com)
21. Will Campbell, DT, Detroit Cass Tech
Class of 2009
As a senior, Campbell registered 55 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, nine sacks, two fumbles caused, two fumble recoveries and one touchdown off a fumble. He was also a three-year starter at offensive tackle for the Technicians and had 98-percent grade for blocking as a senior year senior. When needed, he was also Cass Tech's punter. He then played for Michigan and, after bouncing around various NFL teams, he is currently with the Toronto Argonaughts of the CFL.
Stuart Schweigert as a member of the Omaha Nighthawks. (Courtesy | Jim McQuillan)
20. Stuart Schweigert, S, Saginaw Heritage
Class of 2000
Ranked as a top-100 recruit in the nation, Schweigert had 50 tackles, three interceptions and seven pass break ups as a senior. In high school, Schweigert was also rival of famed Saginaw wide receiver Charles Rogers, both on the football field and in track and field. He went on to set the career interceptions record at Purdue with 13 as a free safety. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2004 and spent a few productive seasons with the team. After brief stints with a few other NFL teams, including the Lions, he had a brief stints in arena football as a player and a coach.
19. Malik McDowell, DE, Detroit Loyola/Southfield
Class of 2014
As a senior at Southfield, McDowell recorded 89 tackles, including eight sacks, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He spent his first three years with the highly successful Detroit Loyola football program, where he had 70 tackles, 19 tackles for loss with 15 sacks as a junior when he was named the Associated Press Player of Year for Divisions 7-8. Noted as one of the top defensive recruits in the country by various recruiting services, McDowell made national headlines when he committed to Michigan State on national signing day against the will of his mother, causing a holdout in his signing.
He eventually went on to Michigan State where he collected 90 tackles, 24.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks over three seasons. He was drafted in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. However, due to an ATV accident, McDowell has yet to play for the Seahawks as he recovers from his head and facial injuries.
Michigan State linebacker Jon Reschke (33) runs a drill during their practice at at the team practice facility in East Lansing Saturday, August 2, 2014. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)
18. Jon Reschke, LB, Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice
Class of 2013
Reschke had an explosive year for Brother Rice as a senior with 86 solo tackles, 133 total tackles and 21 tackles for a loss. as he led the Warriors to a Division II state championship. He also had eight sacks and an interception to his credit. As a junior, Brother Rice won another state title as Reschke had 140 tackles (69 solos, 71 assists) with seven resulting in losses, including one sack. Reschke brought solid speed to the linebacker position and was able to blitz effectively when his number is called. He went on to play for Michigan State.
Michigan defensive back Jourdan Lewis (26) points while on the field in the first quarter against UNLV at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, September 19, 2015. (Melanie Maxwell | The Ann Arbor News)
17. Jourdan Lewis, DB, Detroit Cass Tech
Class of 2013
A star on both sides of the ball for Detroit Cass Tech, Lewis recorded eight interceptions as a junior. He was an anchor on offense and defense as the Technicians won back-to-back Division I state titles his junior and senior year. He went on to blossom even further at the collegiate level, becoming Michigan's career leader in pass breakups with 45. After being a semifinalist for both the Jim Thorpe Award and the Chuck Bednarik Award, Lewis was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Michigan's Gabe Watson celebrates with fans after the win against Penn State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday. (ALAN WARREN)
16. Gabe Watson, DT, Southfield
Class of 2002
As a senior, Watson recorded 78 tackles and 10 sacks. Southfield also ran a majority of its running plays behind him on offense. While he was ranked as a top-level defensive lineman in the state and in the country, some publications had him ranked even higher as an offensive lineman. The University of Michigan utilized Watson as a defensive tackle and became a two-time All-Big Ten first team selection. Watson was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2006 and enjoyed an NFL career that ended in 2011.
Michigan State's Max Bullough, 40, and Trenton Robinson celebrate a defensive stop in the first quarter of a game against Youngstown State on Friday night in East Lansing.Date Shot 9-2-2011(Matt Gade | Grand Rapids Press)
15. Max Bullough, LB, Traverse City St. Francis
Class of 2010
As a senior, Bullough recorded 137 tackles (71 solos, 66 assists), including four sacksvand three interceptions as a senior. Leading St. Francis to a Division 7 state championship, he was also named the Division 7 Player of the Year by The Associated Press as a senior. He had 102 tackles and five sacks as a junior while notching 97.5 tackles and four sacks as a sophomore. He went on to be an All-Big Ten selection at Michigan State as a middle linebacker and got drafted by Houston Texas in 2014.
Josh Ross of Orchard Lake St. Mary's. (MLive.com)
14. Josh Ross, LB, Orchard Lake St. Mary's
Class of 2017
Ross had a dominant senior season, accumulating 136 tackles (78 solo), 19 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries and an interception. However, as a junior, Ross registered 173 total tackles (110 solo tackles), 22 tackles for a loss, nine forced fumbles, eight sacks and three interceptions as a junior. He was named the MLive Detroit Defensive Player of the Year. Following in his brother’s footsteps, Ross signed with the University of Michigan and his currently in his freshman season with the Wolverines.
13. Joe Barksdale, DT, Detroit Cass Tech
Class of 2007.
During his senior season, Barksdale recorded 73 tackles (17 for loss), 14 hurries, seven quarterback sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles. He was named an All-American by Parade Magazine, USA Today and the U.S. Army. As a junior, he made 83 tackles (20 for loss), five forced fumbles, eight sacks and 10 fumble recoveries. He committed to LSU and switched to the offensive line in college as a tackle. He won a national championship at LSU as a freshman and eventually went on to be drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2011. He is currently with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Ogemaw Heights football player Anthony Zettel at the Michigan High School Football All-Star Game. Zettel is signed to play at Penn State University. (Courtesy)
12. Anthony Zettel, DL, Ogemaw Heights
Class of 2011
Zettel showed off his athleticism on the gridiron at Ogemaw Heights throughout his prep career, helping the Falcons reach the state semifinals as a junior and earning All-State as a senior. While he also played offensive line, quarterback, receiver and running back, Zettle had 113 tackles and seven sacks on the defensive line as a senior. He went on to become a two-time all-Big Ten selection for Penn State, finishing among the program’s top-15 all-time for career sacks and tackles for loss. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2016 and is starting at defensive end for them this year.
Lowell's quarterback Mark Catlin (3) rush pass the Hudsonville defense during Friday night Division 2 playoff game at Lowell High School. (GRPhoto Paul L. Newby II)
11. Mark Catlin, DB, Lowell
Class of 2003
One of the best two-way players ever from West Michigan, Catlin got a lot of praise for his quarterback abilities in high school and leading Lowell to the 2002 state championship. However, on defense, he was a menace as a defensive back, snatching up 24 interceptions in his career, which ranks tied for fourth all time in the state record books. He went on to play for Grand Valley State where he won three NCAA Division II national championships.
Holland West Ottawa running back Justin Caserta is stopped by Muskegon defenders Terrance Taylor (left) and George Evans (right) in the second quarter. Muskegon won 17-12. Date shot: 9/19/03.
10. Terrance Taylor, DL, Muskegon
Class of 2005
A four-year varsity player for the Big Reds, he helped lead Muskegon to a state title his senior year. Taylor totaled 100 tackles as a freshman and had 25 sacks over his final three years. In the state’s 2005 all-star game, he scored two defensive touchdowns. He was also a state champion wrestler. Taylor played at University of Michigan where he was All-Big Ten and finished his college career with 104 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He had a brief stint the NFL with Carolina and Detroit before moving on to arena league teams.
Michigan State defensive lineman Lawrence Thomas (8) runs to the student section after Michigan State defeated Indiana 52-26 in their Big Ten football at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing Saturday, October 24, 2015. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)
9. Lawrence Thomas, DL, Detroit Renaissance
Class of 2011
Thomas recorded 85 tackles as a senior, including 28 tackles for a loss, nine sacks and forced four fumbles. He also saw action at tight end, wide receiver and running back in addition to handling the team's punting duties at times. As a junior, he posted 97 tackles (26 for loss), including eight sacks and three interceptions. In a game against Detroit Cody, he produced a career-best 19 tackles, including seven for losses, and an interception. He went to Michigan State where played as an interior defensive lineman, linebacker and fullback. He signed undrafted to the the New York Jets in 2016 and is currently on the active roster.
Michigan's James Hall(56) and Sam Sword (93) raise the Little Brown Jug after the Wolverine's defeated the Golden Gophers, 15-10. At far left, looking on is Rob Renes. (Ann Arbor News photo by LARRY E. WRIGHT)
8. Sam Sword, LB, Saginaw Arthur Hill
Class of 1994
Sam Sword played both linebacker and tight end for the legendary Arthur Hill 1991 state championship team. In 1992 as a junior, Sword helped lead Arthur back to the title game, falling to Detroit Catholic Central. At the University of Michigan, Sword totaled 377 tackles during a four-year career and became the second player to lead Michigan tackles for three consecutive seasons. He was the starting inside linebacker for the Wolverine’s 1997 national championship team, earning all-conference honors and finishing as a semifinalist for the Butkus Award. Sword was not drafted, but played four years in the NFL, one year with Oakland and three with Indianapolis.
Michigan State defensive end William Gholston (2) tries to get the crowd to cheer before a third down during their game against Eastern Michigan Saturday at Spartan Stadium. Michigan State defeated Eastern Michigan, 23-7. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)
7. William Gholston, DE, Detroit Mumford/Southeastern
Class of 2010
He recorded a career-best 115 tackles as a senior, including 44 tackles for a loss, 27 sacks while also forcing 10 fumbles and two blocked punts. A multiple All-American, he also recorded 101 tackles as a junior, including 37 for losses. He went on to play for Michigan State where he won a Big Ten title in 2010 and registered 30 tackles for a loss in his career, good for 10 all-time in program history. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2013, where is still active and has recently signed a long-term extension.
Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Nick Perry (53) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the second of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
6. Nick Perry, DE, Detroit Mackenzie/King
Class of 2008
After spending his first three seasons at Detroit Mackenzie, he transferred to King after Mackenzie closed. As a senior at King, Perry recorded 147 tackles and 36 sacks. He also caught eight touchdown passes as a tight end. As a junior at Mackenzie, he had 75 tackles and 11 sacks. He was named an All-American by numerous publications and became a prized recruit with his 6-foot-4, 235-pound frame and 4.51 40-yard dash speed.
He went on to play for USC where he earned freshman All-American honors and eventual All-Pac-12 offers. After college, Perry was drafted in the first round by Green Bay in 2012. He is still an active member of the Packers today.
Michigan safety Ernest Shazor, left, struggles to take down Northwestern runningback Noah Herron during Saturday's game in Ann Arbor. (Dave Weatherwax/The Grand Rapids Press)
5. Ernest Shazor, DB, Detroit Martin Luther King
Class of 2001
As a senior, USA Today named him the Michigan Player of the Year while Parade Magazine named him an All-American. During his senior season, Shazor collected 97 tackles, eight interceptions, two forced fumbles and blocked two punts during his senior year. In his final two years of high school, he totaled 224 tackles, two fumbles, blocked eight punts and 21 interceptions. He also caught four touchdown passes. He went on to become a consensus All-American for the University of Michigan and was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. He was undrafted after his junior season at Michigan but he managed to sign as a free agent with the Arizona Cardinals. However, his NFL career did not pan out due to injuries and he quickly fell off of the football scene.
Larry Foote and Dave Petruziello wrap up Northwestern's Louis Ayeni during the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 37-3. (Ann Arbor News photo Alan Warren)
4. Larry Foote, LB, Detroit Pershing
Class of 1998
During his senior season, he recorded 16 sacks for Pershing, which ranks tied for 15th on the state record list. He earned All-State status and was considered one of the top recruits in the state his senior year. At the University of Michigan, he became a two-time All-Big Ten First-Team selection and was an All-American as a senior. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and won Super Bowl 40 and 43 with them. He also had a stint with the Detroit Lions in 2009 and ended his NFL career after 13 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals after the 2014 season.
3. Desmond King, DB, Detroit East English/Crockett
Class of 2013
Although not recognized by the MHSAA, Kings' 29 career interceptions is the most in state history. He recorded 56 tackles and seven interceptions as a senior, 49 tackles and 12 interceptions as a junior and 44 tackles and 10 interceptions as a sophomore. King also excelled at running back for East English, setting a school record for career rushing yards and while rushing for 2,360 as a senior.
King went on to have a stellar college career at Iowa, where he eventually won the Jim Thorpe Award and earned All-American status during his senior season. He was also an excellent return specialist on punts and kickoffs. He is currently a member of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Michigan's Brandon Graham stomps over Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clauson after knocking him to the Michigan Stadium turf during third quarter action of the Wolverine's 38-34 win over Notre Dame, Saturday, September 12th at Michigan Stadium .Lon Horwedel | Ann Arbor.com
2. Brandon Graham, LB, Detroit Crockett
Class of 2006
Graham was one of the most decorated high school players in state history, recording 307 tackles, 112 tackles for loss, 56 sacks, 16 fumble recoveries, six forced fumbles more and two interceptions during his high school career. Despite playing in just seven games as a senior because of an injury, Graham still managed 98 tackles, 47 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, two interceptions and six forced fumbles. He was also a basketball player and a shot put thrower in track and field for Crockett. He was a two-time All-State player who also earned numerous All-American honors as a senior, including USA Today, Parade and EA Sports. He was also named a captain for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl game.
Graham went on to be an All-American at University of Michigan, finishing second in program history in tackles for loss (56) and sacks (29.5). He was drafted in the first round by the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles in 2010 and was named Second-Team All-Pro in 2016. He is in the middle of a four-year contract with the Eagles.
Michigan defensive end LaMarr Woodley, left, was the leader on Michigan's highly regarded defense. (ALAN WARREN, THE ANN ARBOR NEWS)
1. LaMarr Woodley, LB, Saginaw
Class of 2003
Considered a five-star prospect according to Rivals.com as a senior, Woodley lived up to his billing his senior year, getting 80 tackles and 10 sacks despite being priority number one in opponent’s blocking schemes. Along with former NFL receiver Charles Rogers, Woodley helped lead Saginaw to the 1999 Division 2 championship. Along the way as a senior, he was named an All-American by USA Today, Parade, Sports Illustrated and Super Prep. He was also named the Gatorade Player of the Year for Michigan.
At the University of Michigan, he became a unanimous All-American selection as a senior, winning the Lombardi Award given to the best lineman or linebacker in college football. He also won the Ted Hendricks Award, given to the nation’s best defensive end. During his time in Ann Arbor, T-shirts were made with the slogan, "Guns don't kill people. LaMarr Woodley kills people." He led the Big Ten with 12 sacks as a senior. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007, Woodley went on to become a Super Bowl XLIII champion and a Pro Bowl selection the following year for the 2009 season. He finished his NFL career in 2015 with the Arizona Cardinals, collecting 314 tackles and 58 sacks in his 9 seasons as a pro.
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