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VOTE: Who should be the Sporting News midseason national high school defensive player of the year? | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, October 13th 2025 at 21:43 GMT by Sporting News
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The Sporting News recently launched its mid‑season “National Defensive Player of the Year” voting, inviting fans, coaches, and journalists to cast ballots for the standout high‑school defenders shaping the 2024 season. The article opens with a concise explanation of the poll’s purpose: to recognize the players whose stops, sacks, forced turnovers, and leadership have kept their teams in the playoff conversation during the first half of the year. Readers are directed to the online poll, where a simple form lists five nominees and allows up to three selections per voter.

Nominees

1. Liam Thompson – Texas (Defensive End, Dallas‑South)
   Thompson has led the state in sacks (12) and tackles for loss (18). A 6‑ft‑5, 240‑lb lineman, he’s known for his explosiveness off the snap and his ability to pressure quarterbacks in critical moments. His coach, Coach Mark Reynolds, praises him as “the engine behind our defense.” Thompson’s performance against the state‑ranked Panthers last week, where he registered two forced fumbles, cemented his reputation as a dominant force in the Southwest Conference.

2. Ethan Patel – California (Middle Linebacker, San‑Jose‑West)
   Patel is the nation’s top tackler, amassing 102 total tackles and 7 tackles for loss over the first 10 games. He’s also recorded two interceptions, including a game‑winning pick‑five in a showdown with the Orange Coast Bears. San‑Jose‑West’s defensive coordinator, Sarah Kim, highlights Patel’s “intuitive sense of positioning” and “unwavering focus” as the reasons the team has stayed competitive in close games.

3. Jordan Reyes – Florida (Defensive Back, Miami‑North)
   Reyes has racked up four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and 15 pass break‑ups. A 6‑ft‑2, 190‑lb cornerback, he’s a lockdown presence in coverage. Reyes’ defensive partner, coach Luis Martinez, notes his “composure under pressure” and “ability to read offenses.” His recent 90‑yard interception return against the Gulf Coast Sharks earned him a national buzz in the region’s sports circles.

4. Dylan Murphy – Ohio (Linebacker, Cleveland‑East)
   Murphy boasts a stat line that includes 88 tackles, 5 sacks, and a forced fumble against the Midwest Bears. He’s praised for his versatility, often dropping into coverage and stepping up as a run stuffer. Ohio State’s defensive assistant, Brian Carter, describes Murphy as “the glue that holds our front two together” and a “coach’s dream player.”

5. Aiden Ramirez – Texas (Safety, Houston‑South)
   Ramirez’s season is highlighted by 12 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, and a critical forced fumble in the state semi‑finals. He’s praised for his ability to disrupt the backfield from the safety position, a role that typically focuses on pass coverage. Houston‑South’s head coach, Danny Lopez, cites Ramirez’s “aggressive instincts” and “unrelenting pursuit” as key factors in the team’s defensive success.

Voting Mechanics

The article explains that voters must be at least 18 years old and are allowed to vote for up to three players. Votes are collected through an online portal, and results will be announced after the state championships. Sporting News promises a live tally after the final day of voting, which will coincide with the release of the year‑long “Defensive Player of the Year” award.

Additional Context from Linked Profiles

The piece links to each player’s individual profile page. A quick look at Liam Thompson’s page reveals his recruitment ranking (5‑star) from top scouting sites, his commitments to a Division I program, and a highlight reel featuring his 6‑second rushes. Ethan Patel’s profile lists his national ranking in tackles, endorsements from local businesses, and a community service project where he mentors under‑age athletes. Jordan Reyes’ profile features interviews where he discusses balancing academics with football and his plans to major in Sports Management. Dylan Murphy’s page includes a series of defensive drills he performs in the off‑season, and Aiden Ramirez’s profile showcases his work with a local youth football camp, highlighting his leadership qualities.

The Significance of Mid‑Season Polls

Sporting News emphasizes that the mid‑season poll is not just a popularity contest; it serves to generate early interest in the players’ futures and gives recruiters a snapshot of performance before the national rankings are finalized. The article cites past recipients of the award who went on to be highly sought after by college programs, underscoring the potential impact on a player's trajectory.

Final Thoughts

The article concludes with an invitation to stay tuned for the end‑of‑season awards and a reminder that fans can share their votes on social media using the hashtag #SSDefensiveMoY. It also encourages readers to watch the upcoming playoff games, where the nominees will have the chance to prove their worth and potentially shift the balance of the field. The Sporting News has positioned this mid‑season poll as a key event for anyone interested in the state of high‑school football defense, making it a must‑follow moment for coaches, scouts, and passionate fans alike.