SBLive's Michigan high school football 2023 All-State defense
The Michigan high school football 2023 season is over, and thousands of athletes across the state competed on the gridiron.
SBLive Michigan has named a first and second team all-state defense with the goal of highlighting the top performers this season. The teams are built regardless of division to encompass 11 standout players. Earlier this week, SBLive named an All-State offense.
Many of the following athletes will be included in SBLive's Michigan Defensive Player of the Year poll to be posted later this week.
FIRST TEAM ALL-STATE
Defensive Line
Brandon Davis-Swain — West Bloomfield
Davis-Swain (Colorado commit) was one of the best players in the state in 2023. He was dominant rushing the passer off the edge, and he had a knack for getting in the backfield.
The senior standout was also used on offense as a tight end, and the Lakers coaching staff would dial up anything they could to get him the ball.
Noah Bishop — Cass Tech
Bishop was one of the hardest people to block in 2023. A senior committed to Western Michigan, Bishop found himself in the backfield regularly for the Technicians.
In a year when Cass Tech’s offense saw its struggles, Bishop was a big factor in the success of its defense.
Callen Campbell — Sault Area
Campbell had a stellar senior season. The Northwestern commit racked up 11 sacks and 24 tackles for loss.
Campbell is listed at 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds, and there is some potential for him to play linebacker at the next level.
Xavier Newsom — Detroit King
Newsom is an uncommitted junior defensive end and tight end. Newsom checks in at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, but he’s extremely athletic.
He has the ability to beat the block of a big lineman, and also chase down a scrambling quarterback. He was a playmaker for the Crusaders all season long.
Linebacker
Carter Herriman — Davison
Herriman was a critical piece in Davison's run to the MHSAA Division 1 semifinals. He dominated during the Cardinals' quarterfinal win over Rockford with 14 tackles, three tackles for loss and an interception. Herriman is committed to Miami (OH).
Jeremiah Beasley — Belleville
Beasley is the only player in the state to make both first team offense and first team defense. Beasley is committed to Michigan as a linebacker, and he was a dominant one throughout his high school career.
With the explosiveness and strength of Beasley, he could be making an impact in Ann Arbor sooner rather than later.
Brady Pretzlaff — Gaylord
Pretzlaff ended his high school career in strong fashion, finishing his senior season with 126 tackles (31 for loss), eight sacks, a forced fumble and a recovery. Pretzlaff is committed to Minnesota, and he showed a great ability to burst through running lanes and take down ball carriers.
At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Pretzlaff could fit right in with the Golden Gophers next fall.
Beasley runs with the football in the MHSAA Division 1 title game against Southfield A&T. He played at an all-state level on both sides of the ball. Photo by Mariusz Nowak.
Defensive Back
Corey Sadler Jr. — Cass Tech
Sadler was one of the top players in the state in 2023, and it was only his sophomore season. Sadler has great ball skills, and he has the speed to keep up with anyone.
He will likely be one of the top rising players in the country in the coming years.
Jalen Todd — Southfield A&T
Todd was arguably the best defensive back in Michigan this season. The senior Kansas commit plays great at the line of scrimmage and has the leaping ability to challenge taller receivers.
Southfield A&T made school history in 2023 by reaching the state final, and Todd was a big factor in making it happen.
Jacob Oden — Harper Woods
Oden, a senior committed to Michigan, was an absolute ballhawk this season. Oden checks in at 6-foot-1 with long arms, so he has the length to cover anybody. Oden has the potential to make an impact early in his career as a Wolverine.
Woods led Harper Woods to a state championship.
Desman Stephens — Clarkston
Stephens was an all-around playmaker for the Wolves. Not only was he a force as a defensive back, but he was also used on offense and special teams.
Stephens, an uncommitted senior, racked up 88 tackles, six pass break ups (PBU) and three interceptions. Stephens is committed to USC.
Sadler Jr. runs with the ball in a game against Southfield A&T. Photo by Mariusz Nowak.
SECOND TEAM ALL-STATE
DL Victor Earl (Romeo)
DL Bobby Kanka (Howell)
DL Willie Fletcher Jr. (King)
DL Shamar Riser-Pressley (Clintondale)
LB Marvell Eggleston (King)
LB Kari Jackson (West Bloomfield)
LB Stellan Bowman (East Kentwood)
CB Jawon Jarrett (Southfield A&T)
CB Jamir Benjamin (West Bloomfield)
S Ty Hudkins (Forest Hills Central)
S Rayshaun Hester (Chippewa Valley)
HONORABLE MENTION
Brady Hamby-LB (Romeo); Cody Raymond-LB (Eisenhower); Ty Bensinger-DB (Gaylord); Marcello Vitti-LB (Dearborn Divine Child); Sam Talaga-DL (Freeland); Stone Chaney-DL (Detroit Catholic Central); Derrick Jackson III (Cass Tech);
Jack Butler contributed to this article.
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