Monroe’s Tanner Collett, who racked up a Monroe County Region-best 113 tackles last year, and two-time Defensive Player of the Year Brady Hines were lost to graduation.
But the cupboard is far from bare when it comes to outstanding defensive football players in the Monroe County Region.
Bret Gennoe of Jefferson and Erie Mason’s Leroy Cuykendall, who both topped 100 tackles in 2025 are back, along with Landon Loveland of Monroe, who fell just five shy of that standard.
So, who will be the top defensive player in the Monroe County Region this season?
Vote now: Who will be the most dangerous offensive weapon in the Region?
More: Previewing football teams for Bedford, Monroe, Gibraltar Carlson
You can cast your vote now at www.monroenews.com. The poll will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4.
Here are the candidates. Alternate positions are listed in parenthesis. All quotes are from the players’ head coach. Players at each position group are listed in alphabetical order.
LINEMEN
Alex Abram, Ida (G): The strongest player on the team and one of the fastest. “Alex is stout against the run and able to put pressure on the quarterback in passing situations as he relentlessly pursues.”
Caleb Ball, New Boston Huron: Drawing some college interest after an outstanding junior season.
Makal Dusseau, Erie Mason (OL): “He is the strongest player on the team but has added some quickness this off-season as well. He is much more confident.”
Masyn Moran, Bedford (LB-TE): A state qualifier in the discus last spring. “Strong, fast and he will hustle. He has had a great off-season preparing and is ready for his senior year. He is powerful on defense.”
Zyshonne Reid, Monroe: Emerged last year with 83 tackles. “Had a huge junior season. Explosive off the edge and is a playmaker.”
Wally Sisler, Airport (OL): “Had a break out year as a junior. Sets the edge defensively and is a nightmare for tackles to block one-on-one with his length.”
Caden Stewart, Whiteford (TE): Racked up 28 tackles, including 3 sacks and intercepted a pass last fall. Caught 7 passes for 98 yards on offense.
Grady Whitting, Summerfield (OL): A three-year starter for the Bulldogs. “He plays the game with a very high motor and a high level of grit and determination. He is also one of the smartest players I have ever coached.”
Jeremiah (JJ) Woods, Milan (WR): Uses athleticism to pressure quarterbacks. “Naturally gifted first year pass rusher, strong receiver and great with the ball in his hands.”
LINEBACKERS
Grady Brooks, Jefferson (WR): A transfer from Monroe High who brings versatility to the Bears. “Looking forward to his speed and ability to play at high level at multiple positions for us on both sides of the ball.”
Leroy Cuykendall, Erie Mason (RB): Entering his third season as a two-way starter. Racked up 101 tackles last season. “He once again was one of our off-season leaders in the weightroom.”
Levi Evans, Dundee (C): “He has had a tremendous camp and is starting to develop a voice of leadership for the team. This year we are also asking him to help out our offensive line at center and has picked it up very well.”
Bret Gennoe, Jefferson (TE): Ranked second in the Region with 111 tackles in 2025. “He has gotten bigger and stronger. Bret's defensive awareness and toughness will be hard to match up against.”
Noah Herron, New Boston Huron (OL): A three-year starter on both sides of the ball.
Landon Loveland, Monroe (RB): Ranked fifth in the Region last season with 93 tackles. “Has gotten faster and stronger this offseason.”
Patrick Murphy, Airport (RB). “We will move him around to help fill some holes that we have at linebacker. Patrick has the tools to play inside and outside linebacker.”
Cash Nye, Airport (TE): “He plays downhill and has a nose for the football. We expect him to be a big time run stopper and anchor the strong side of our defense.”
Blake Recore, Flat Rock (RB): Racked up 65 tackles last fall. “Blake has started at linebacker the last two years and saw time at running back as well. This year he will be our feature running back.”
Andy Trejo, Whiteford (FB-WB): An all-league linebacker who ranked fifth on the team last season with 56 tackles. Offensively, he averaged 7 yards per carry and 20.7 yards per reception.
Myles Hampton, Gibraltar Carlson: Gets a chance to show what he can do after a strong freshman season on the junior varsity. “He combines good size, vision, and physicality.”
Everett Wingate, Bedford: Racked up more than 100 tackles last season. “He is a hard worker, and is dedicated and tough. He hustles and will be a key component to our success.”
Garrett Worden, SMCC: Worked his way into the defensive rotation last season after starting on the junior varsity. “He did a lot of nice things at the end and was on the field in crucial situations. We expect him to step up and be a leader on our defense this fall.”
BACKS
Landon Barron, SMCC (RB): Broke up seven passes and recorded 47 tackles in 2025. “Landon stepped up for our defense and did a nice job. He is a downhill player with good instincts. He can make plays all over the secondary.”
Cole Cousino, Erie Mason (WR): A three-sport athlete who started both ways as a freshman. “He was our leading receiver last season, No. 5 on the team in tackles and led the team in pass break ups.”
Quentin Allen, Milan (WR): A two-way starter last fall. “Highly intelligent player, like a coach on the field.”
Adrian Blackmon, Gibraltar Carlson (WR): “His speed, athleticism, and ability to make plays in space will be a valuable asset for our team.
Hudson Crots, Summerfield (WR): Returns after missing the 2025 with a knee injury. “His drive to succeed and his work ethic is unmatched. He will be a very important part of our offense and defense.”
Keagen Dixon, Bedford: “A veteran in the defensive backfield with great experience. He is quick and excellent in coverage and a sure tackler.”
Julian Espinoza, Monroe (RB): Entering his third season as a starter on both sides of the ball. “Great ball skills and can make plays in the open field.”
Grant Pfeiffer, Ida (RB): Earned a starting job last season as a sophomore. “Versatile in coverage and a solid tackler versus the run. Grant has excellent speed.”
Lucas Rafko, SMCC (RB): Made 28 passes and broke up four passes last year. “Lucas is a speedster. He came a long way last season. As the season progressed, he made more and more plays for us and we expect more of the same this season.”
David Riddle, Flat Rock (WR): Beginning his third season as a starter at safety. “David is a ball-hawking safety who loves to come up and hit, but can also defend the pass exceptionally well.”
Ben Sanders, Dundee (WR): A two-way starter last season. “Will be asked to defend the pass and help in the box to stop the run game.”
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Cast your vote for top defensive player in the Monroe County Region