MaxPreps Preseason Defensive Medium Schools All-Americans presented by DonJoy Performance

Video: Preseason All-Americans Presented by DonJoy // Medium Schools - Defense
See some of the best defenders from the nation's medium-sized schools

MaxPreps and DonJoy have teamed up to honor the best high school football players in the nation coming into the 2016 season. They come from many different schools and many different states - but they all are immense talents.

The Texas commit is an extremely disruptive force and a matchup nightmare. Carson is tabbed as the nation's third-ranked strong side defensive end.

DL - Jaelan Phillips, 6-5, 235, Redlands East Valley (Calif.)
The rangy and athletic specimen is as versatile a playmaker as they come. There's a reason why Phillips is rated the nation's top weak side defensive end. The UCLA commit logged 76 tackles, 10.5 sacks and two interceptions last season.

DL - Malik Herring, 6-3, 261, Mary Persons (Forsyth, Ga.)
The nation's seventh-best weak side defensive end is a powerful force who has established residency in the backfield. Twenty-eight percent of Herring's tackles were behind the line of scrimmage last season. The uncommitted recruit also snagged three touchdowns and guided the Bulldogs to an 11-1 mark. He seems to be headed for Georgia.

DL - Hunter Echols, 6-3, 231, Cathedral (Los Angeles)
Echols practically requires a double team. The UCLA commit notched 79 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 17 sacks and 37 hurries last season. He's the nation's sixth-best weak side defensive end.

LB - Baron Browning, 6-3, 230, Kennedale (Texas)
Browning is arguably the most exciting defensive player in America. The nation's No. 2 outside linebacker is a heart-stopping hitter who makes plays all over the field. Browning was a MaxPreps junior all-American last season. Texas, Baylor, TCU and Ohio State are mainly in the mix for the uncommitted prospect's services.

LB - Justin Foster, 6-4, 240, Crest (Shelby, N.C.)
The aggressive and versatile playmaker is rated the nation's fourth-best outside linebacker. Foster recorded 67 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and three sacks in helping the Chargers nab a North Carolina Class 3AA state championship last season. Clemson and Tennessee appear to be the main suitors for the uncommitted recruit.

LB - Levi Draper, 6-3, 222, Collinsville (Okla.)
The nation's fourth-best inside linebacker is a menacing playmaker. Draper tallied 143 tackles and averaged 11 tackles a game last season. The Oklahoma commit could be the Sooners' next Brian Bosworth.

LB - Christopher Allen, 6-4, 234, Southern Lab (Baton Rouge, La.)
Allen is a hybrid athlete who makes his presence felt. The nation's No. 7 outside linebacker and LSU commit led the Kittens to a Louisiana Division IV state championship last season.

LB - Nathan Proctor, 6-2, 217, Lackey (Indian Head, Md.)
Proctor is a downhill threat and a hard-hitting linebacker. The nation's No. 13 outside linebacker registered 83 tackles and 28 tackles for loss last season. Penn State appears to be the front runner for the uncommitted prospect.

DB - Deommodore Lenoir, 5-10, 191, Salesian (Los Angeles)
Lenoir is a lockdown cornerback. The Oregon commit registered 48 tackles, five tackles for loss and three pass deflections last season on defense. He also posted 1,499 total yards and 12 touchdowns on offense. He's ranked the nation's eighth-best cornerback. DB - Darnay Holmes, 5-10, 190, Calabasas (Calif.)
Holmes might be the best athlete in the country. The nation's top-rated corner turned in the fastest 40-yard dash at The Opening with a wowing time of 4.32 seconds. The MaxPreps junior all-American racked up 1,751 total yards, 20 total touchdowns on offense last season. He also notched 31 tackles and 10 pass deflections on defense. Holmes is uncommitted with UCLA and Nebraska appearing to be at the top of his list.

DB - Richard Lecounte, 5-10, 174, Liberty County (Hinesville, Ga.)
The Georgia commit is arguably the most complete player in high school football. He impacts the game in a variety of ways. The nation's No. 2 safety totaled 1,967 total yards and 15 touchdowns on offense last season. Lecounte also logged 100 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 10 pass deflections and four forced fumbles on defense. He's the ultimate ball-hawking safety.

DB - Todd Harris, 6-0, 180, Plaquemine (La.)
Harris is an elite and versatile playmaker. He blankets the entire field. The nation's 7th-best safety seems headed to LSU.

P - Manny Berz, 5-10, 180, Citrus Hill (Perris, Calif.)
The MaxPreps junior all-American was a key reason why the Hawks captured the California Division II-A state title. Berz averaged 47 yards a punt. The uncommitted recruit was also a perfect 85 of 85 on PATs and a respectable 13 of 15 on field goal tries.