FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE

DL - McCoy Casey, Sr., Crosby

Blocking McCoy was a priority for any offense the Cougars faced, but that task proved quite challenging. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound senior finished with 164 tackles, 43 tackles for loss and 16 sacks for the state semifinalists.

Stats: 164 tackles (102 solo), 43 TFLs, 16 sacks, 38 QB hurries, 3 FFs, 3 FRs.

DL - Kris Ross, Sr., North Shore

Ross was named the Touchdown Club of Houston defensive player of the year for his dominance in the trenches. The Texas signee wrapped up his prep career with 48 tackles, 5½ sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Stats: 48 tackles, 6 TFLs, 5½ sacks, 6 QB hurries, 1 INT, 5 PBUs, 2 FFs, 2 FRs.

DL - Malick Sylla, Sr., Katy

Sylla was a menace at defensive end for the Tigers and had another standout season as one of the senior leaders on the unit. The Texas A&M signee capped the year with 61 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, eight sacks and two forced fumbles. Stats: 61 tackles, 18 TFLs, 8 sacks, 2 FFs, 1 INT, 1 TD.

DL - A.J. Holmes, Sr., Westfield

Holmes was named the District 14-6A most valuable player after dominating the competition. The Houston signee finished the year with 94 tackles, 48 tackles for loss, 20 sacks, three forced fumbles and a pick.

Stats: 94 tackles, 48 TFLs, 20 sacks, 17 QB hurries, 3 FFs, 1 INT, 1 TD, 1 BLK.

LB - Martrell Harris, Sr., The Woodlands Harris was a constant game-wrecker for the Highlanders and was named the top defender in District 13-6A for his efforts.

The Texas A&M signee collected 66 tackles, five sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and three interceptions. Stats: 66 tackles, 8 TFLs, 5 sacks, 4 FFs, 3 FRs, 3 INTs, 2 PBUs.

LB - Daymion Sanford, Jr., Paetow

The Panthers will be glad to have Sanford back next season after a breakout junior campaign. The District 10-5A Division I co-defensive player of the year had 83 tackles, 13 sacks, two fumble recoveries and one interception.

Stats: 83 tackles, 13 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF, 2 FRs, 1 TD.

LB - Ty Kana, Sr., Katy

Kana was a steady presence in the middle of the field for the Tigers and earned District 19-6A defensive player of the year honors for his efforts. The Texas Tech signee finished with 101 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and a sack.

Stats: 101 tackles, 11 TFLs, 1 sack, 4 PBUs, 10 QB hits.

LB - Roy Morris, Sr., C.E. King

Morris had a monster year for the Panthers, who led District 21-6A with 202 yards allowed per game. The senior capped his season with 109 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, eight sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Stats: 109 tackles, 25 TFLs, 8 sacks, 15 QB hurries, 3 FFs, 3 FRs, 3 BLKs, 2 TDs.

DB - Kentrell Webb, Paetow

Webb was named the defensive MVP of the state title game, but his standout contributions helped the Panthers get there as well. He finished his season with 44 tackles, six tackles for loss, 10 interceptions and six pass breakups.

Stats: 44 tackles, 6 TFLs, 10 INTs, 6 PBUs.

DB - Jayven Anderson, Jr., North Shore

Anderson should be the unquestioned leader of the Mustangs’ secondary next season after a stellar junior campaign. He finished with 78 tackles, two fumble recoveries and five interceptions, including one in the state title game.

Stats: 78 tackles, 5 TFLs, 5 INTs, 3 PBUs, 2 FRs.

DB - Caleb Flagg, Sr., North Shore

Flagg made several big plays for North Shore during its state title run and had a strong senior season altogether. He capped his prep career with 68 tackles, four interceptions, 11 pass breakups and three forced fumbles.

Stats: 68 tackles, 5½ TFLs, 4 INTs, 11 PBUs, 3 FFs.

DB - Graham Gillespie, Sr., Bridgeland

Gillespie was a consistent playmaker in the secondary and came down with five interceptions in the playoffs alone. He finished the year with 88 tackles, nine interceptions, 13 pass breakups and a forced fumble.

Stats: 88 tackles, 7 TFLs, 9 INTs, 13 PBUs, 1 FF.

DB - Julian Humphrey, Sr., Clear Lake

Most offenses avoided throwing the ball in Humphrey’s direction, but his skills as a lockdown cornerback are undeniable. The Georgia signee and four-star recruit finished the year with 27 tackles and eight pass breakups.

Stats: 27 tackles, 8 PBUs.

UTL - Kameren Kirkwood, Sr., Crosby

Kirkwood did a little bit of everything for the Cougars en route to being named the District 12-5A Division II most valuable player. He had 62 tackles and seven interceptions on defense and 1,090 yards and 18 scores receiving.

Stats: 62 tackles, 7 INTs; 57 catches, 1,090 yards, 18 TDs; 2 rush TDs; 1 KOR TD.