Early Contenders: Top 10 defensive players in high school football

Kayvon Thibodeaux, Chris Steele and Nolan Smith lead a star-studded list.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Zack Poff
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Jul 12, 2018, 1:00pm
Video: Early Contenders Top 10 Defensive Players
Zack Poff looks at the best on the defensive side of the ball heading into the 2018 season.

Our Early Contenders preview series is coming to a close, but not without a look at the stars on the defensive side of the ball.

After all, defense wins championships.

Eight of the 10 players highlighted in the video above are from the Class of 2019 while the other two are from the Class of 2020.

Four of the players selected this year were featured in 2017. The other names on that list included Xavier Thomas, Palaie Gaoteote, Brendan Radley-Hiles, Jaiden Woodbey, Anthony Cook and Patrick Surtain II.

MORE EARLY CONTENDERS: Top 10 Underrated Players | Top 10 Transfers | Top 10 Running Backs | Top 10 Toughest Schedules | Top 10 Games | Top 10 Playmakers | Top 10 Quarterbacks

Friday we feature the Top 10 offensive players in high school football to close out our preview series. Then we set the tone for 2018 on Monday, July 16 with the unveiling of our annual look at the nation's top programs with Early Contenders presented by Shock Top.