Vote for Republic's Top 10 defensive backs in 2025 HS football
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With the Arizona high school tackle football season over, The Arizona Republic looks at the 10 best at each position.
We rated the quarterbacks, running backs, receivers,offensive linemen,defensive linemen and linebackers. Now, let’s break down the top 10 defensive backs from the 2025 season.
Vote in our poll for the top defensive back of the 2025 season. Print readers can find the poll online with this story at azcentral.com/sports/high-schools. Poll closes on Friday, Dec. 26, at 6 p.m. MST.
Top 10 defensive backs
1. Zeth Thues, Liberty, 6-1, 195, Sr.
The Arizona State signee was The Republic’s Defensive Player of the Year last season. The safety had 49 tackles, 8.5 for losses, two sacks, four QB hurries and four interceptions this year.
2. Camren Hamiel, Desert Edge, 6-1, 180, Sr.
The safety signed with Texas A&M as the state’s top-rated 2026 prospect by The Republic. He had 72 tackles, 15.5 for losses, three sacks and two forced fumbles.
3. Mason Lewis, Basha, 6-0, 200, Sr.
Vanderbilt signee was one of the state’s biggest impact players in the second half of the season. He scored two touchdowns in the state championship game and was voted by the media as the Open title game’s Defensive Player of the Game.
4. Brady Grizzell, Waddell Canyon View, 6-2, 200, Sr.
He had 106 tackles, 79 solo, and intercepted six passes on an 11-win team that reached the 5A final.
5. Marquis Richardson, Hamilton, 6-3, 195, Sr.
Signed with Hawaii. Great ball hawk. Long and athletic. Made 51 tackles, eight for losses, on an 11-1 team.
6. Mikyal Davis, Desert Edge, 5-11, 175, Jr.
Lockdown cover corner, who can blitz the quarterback. He had 36 tackles, 7.5 for losses, a sack, an interception, a caused fumble and a recovered fumble.
7. Ryder Noche, Brophy Prep, 5-7, 180, Jr.
He had 83 tackles and three interceptions and was one of the state’s top return specialists.
8. Niko Jandreau, Hamilton, 6-0, 200, Sr.
The Oklahoma signee played his best in the biggest games. Tenacious hitter. Flies to the ball. Breaks up plays.
9. Joe Yoney, Mohave, 6-2, 175, Sr.
Not only one of the top quarterbacks in the state, Yoney also had a major impact in the secondary, intercepting seven passes and breaking up nine others.
10. Kameron Williams, Mesa, 6-0, 170, Jr.
He was all over the field making plays. He had 61 tackles and seven interceptions, returning those for a combined 62 yards. He broke up seven passes.
Vote in poll
Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. Catch the best high school sports coverage in the state. Sign up for Azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don’t miss a thing. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Vote for Arizona Republic’s Top 10 high school defensive backs of 2025
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