Editor’s Choice Top Defensive Players – Football Spotlight – Presented by Pond Agency

All-Area Defense

Linebacker

Lukas Burd – 6-0, 190, Sr. Weatherford Eagles

Tough and determined, Lukas Burd is relentless in his pursuit in becoming a great football player. With tremendous size and good speed, Burd has a tremendous work ethic and plays a physical brand of football the Weatherford linebackers are known for playing.

Defensive Back

Jaxon McArthur – 5-10, 180, Sr. Elk City Elks

A 4.0 GPA student and a confident player at the corner position, Jaxon McArthur holds an offers to play ball at the next level and is an outstanding baseball player. Expect a big year from the senior.

Darren Hester – 5-11, 175, Sr. Clinton Red Tornados

A two-way starter, Hester has the ability to play safety or corner for the Red Tornados thanks to his speed and physical style of play. 2025 could be his best season on record.

Defensive Line

Diego Gonzalez – 6-1, 265, Sr. Hinton Comets

A tackle on both sides of the ball, Diego Gonzalez is a versatile lineman with good feet and a mobile blocker in the run game. Gonzalez has been called the hardest working player on the team.

Tugger McQuistion – 6-2, 230, Sr. Elk City Elks

With excellent hands and the ability to slip past would-be blockers, Tugger McQuistion is a tough block for anyone in the class. His aggressive style of play will help set the tone for the Elks defense this season.

Brayden Fuller – 6-1, 235, Sr. Clinton Red Tornados

Fuller understands the offensive mindset having played both sides of the ball. At nose guard, Fuller is a tough matchup due to his speed off the line and ability to shoot gaps and get into the backfield.

Athlete

Braxton Souza – 6-3, 180, Jr. Corn Bible Academy Crusaders

A player who knows adversity, Souza has fought hard to be where he is and will be a major factor in helping the Crusaders push for a playoff spot as quarterback. His success story has yet to be written.