2019 ALL-USA Preseason High School Football Defensive Team selections announced

The 2019 ALL-USA Preseason Defensive Football Team was selected by the USA TODAY High School Sports staff based on past performances, coach and scouting analyst recommendations and projected output this season.

OFFENSE: ALL-USA Preseason Offensive Team

Click the gallery below for the 25 players selected to the defensive team. Players are listed alphabetically by position.

<p><strong>Chris Braswell<br /> School:</strong> St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Md.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Defensive End<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-3/220<br /> <strong>Class: </strong>2020<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Alabama<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Last season, Braswell racked up 12 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and returned one fumble for touchdown for undefeated St. Frances Academy.</p> <p><em>Photo: Chris Anderson/247Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>Jordan Burch<br /> School:</strong> Hammond School (Columbia, S.C.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Defensive End<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-5/250<br /> <strong>Class: </strong>2020<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Uncommitted<br /> <strong>Noteworthy:</strong> Burch, ranked No. 3 in the Chosen 25, is an athletic pass rusher and run stopper who led the Skyhawks to their second straight state title last year, posting 62 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 10 sacks.</p> <p><em>Photo: Jenna Barrett</em></p>

<p><strong>Desmond Evans<br /> School:</strong> Lee County (Sanford, N.C.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Defensive End<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-6/235<br /> <strong>Class: </strong>2020<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Uncommitted<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>Evans, ranked No. 10 in the Chosen 25, had one of the most dominant seasons of any elite defensive lineman last year, posting 69 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks. Evans managed those numbers despite consistent double and triple teams all season.</p> <p><em>Photo: HighSchoolOT.com</em></p>

<p><strong>Korey Foreman<br /> School:</strong> Centennial (Corona, Calif.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Defensive End<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-4/245<br /> <strong>Class:</strong> 2021<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Uncommitted<br /> <strong>Noteworthy:</strong> Perhaps the top player in the 2021 class, Foreman was named the defensive lineman MVP at The Opening Los Angeles Regional after recording the best overall rating, the fastest 40-time and best power ball throw among linemen, according to the Los Angeles Times.</p> <p><em>Photo: Andrew Ivins/247Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>Braiden McGregor<br /> School:</strong> Port Huron Northern (Mich.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Defensive End<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-5.5/250<br /> <strong>Class:</strong> 2020<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Michigan<br /> <strong>Noteworthy:</strong> McGregor had 99 tackles and eight sacks last season while adding two interceptions at the defensive line position. He is a four-star recruit and the fourth-best SDE in the  2020 class.</p> <p><em>Photo: T Dalton Photography</em></p>

<p><strong>Jack Sawyer<br /> School:</strong> Pickerington North (Ohio)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Defensive End<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-5/228<br /> <strong>Class:</strong> 2021<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Ohio State<br /> <strong>Noteworthy:</strong> Sawyer is the top-ranked recruit in Ohio and the No. 1 strong side defensive end in his class, per 247 Sports. Sawyer registered 62 tackles, 15 of which were for losses, and six sacks.</p> <p><em>Photo: Tina Baker</em></p>

<p><strong>Bryan Bresee<br /> School:</strong> Damascus (Md.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Defensive Tackle<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-5/290<br /> <strong>Class: </strong>2020<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Clemson<br /> <strong>Noteworthy:</strong> Bresee, the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit for 2020, was named the Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year after a dominant season off the edge, recording 46 tackles (34 for loss) and 12.5 sacks.</p> <p><em>Photo: Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>Payton Page<br /> School:</strong> Dudley (Greensboro, N.C.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Defensive Tackle<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-4/315<br /> <strong>Class:</strong> 2021<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Uncommitted<br /> <strong>Noteworthy:</strong> Page is one of the most talented defensive linemen in the junior class with exceptional quickness at his size. Last season he posted 80 tackles, 26 for loss and 10 sacks.</p> <p><em>Photo: Don Callahan/Inside Carolina via 247Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>J.T. Tuimoloau<br /> School:</strong> Eastside Catholic (Sammamish, Wash.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Defensive Tackle<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-4.5/277<br /> <strong>Class:</strong> 2021<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Uncommitted<br /> <strong>Noteworthy:</strong> As a sophomore, Tuimoloau was named the ALL-USA Washington Defensive Player of the Year as he recorded 70 tackles, 17 for loss, and had seven sacks. He’s in the conversation for top player in the 2021 class.</p> <p><em>Photo: Bodine Sports Photography</em></p>

<p><strong>Tre Williams<br /> School:</strong> St. John's (Washington, D.C.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> DT<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-2.5/306<br /> <strong>Class: </strong>2020<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Clemson<br /> <strong>Noteworthy:</strong> Last season, Williams recorded 38 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and 10 sacks to go with a blocked punt for 9-1 St. John’s.</p> <p><em>Photo: Kathy Bagley</em></p>

<p><strong>Jordan Botelho<br /> School:</strong> St. Louis (Honolulu)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Linebacker<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-3/230<br /> <strong>Class: </strong>2020<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Notre Dame<br /> <strong>Noteworthy:</strong> Last year, Botelho had 50 tackles, 15 sacks, 13 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles and four defensive touchdowns, according to Notre Dame Insider. He is the No. 1-ranked 2020 player in Hawaii.</p> <p><em>Photo: 247Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>Prince Dorbah<br /> School:</strong> Highland Park (Dallas, Texas)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Linebacker<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-2.5/208<br /> <strong>Class: </strong>2020<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Texas<br /> <strong>Noteworthy:</strong> Has served as a defensive leader for three-peat state champion Highland Park, racking up 92 tackles, 36 for a loss, 20 sacks, 1 pass broken up and 1 safety as a junior.</p> <p><em>Photo: Melissa Macatee</em></p>

<p><strong>Justin Flowe<br /> School:</strong> Upland (Calif.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Linebacker<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-2/225<br /> <strong>Class: </strong>2020<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Uncommitted<br /> <strong>Noteworthy:</strong> The No. 9 player in the Chosen 25 and an ALL-USA First Team Defense member last season, Flowe had 145 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and five sacks as a junior.</p> <p><em>Photo: Paul Robertson</em></p>

<p><strong>Antoine Sampah<br /> School:</strong> Woodbridge (Woodbridge, Va.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Linebacker<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-2.5/220<br /> <strong>Class: </strong>2020<br /> <strong>College:</strong> LSU<br /> <strong>Noteworthy:</strong> Despite missing three games as a junior, Sampah had 85 tackles, two sacks, four tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, one interception and a touchdown. As a sophomore he had 154 Tackles.</p> <p><em>Photo: Andrew Ivins/247Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>Noah Sewell<br /> School:</strong> Orem (Utah)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Linebacker<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-2/266<br /> <strong>Class:</strong> 2020<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Uncommitted<br /> <strong>Noteworthy:</strong> The No. 2-ranked ILB, Sewell had 103 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks for the Orem defense while rushing 52 times for 694 yards and 15 touchdowns last year.</p> <p><em>Photo: Kevin Lee</em></p>

<p><strong>Sav’ell Smalls<br /> School:</strong> Kennedy Catholic (Burien, Washington)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Linebacker<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-3/230<br /> <strong>Class: </strong>2020<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Uncommitted<br /> <strong>Noteworthy:</strong> The No. 6 in the Chosen 25 Sav’ell broke out in 2017 with 90 tackles, nine sacks, was named the Metro League Co-MVP by the Seattle Times and hasn’t looked back.</p> <p><em>Photo: Brandon Huffman/247Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>Clark Phillips III<br /> School:</strong> La Habra (Calif.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Cornerback<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 5-10.5/178<br /> <strong>Class: </strong>2020<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Ohio State<br /> <strong>Noteworthy</strong>: One of the well-rounded players in the class, Clark had two interceptions on defense and 1,210 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns on offense.</p> <p><em>Photo: Paul Luna</em></p>

<p><strong>Emeka Egbuka<br /> School:</strong> Steilacoom (Wash.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Cornerback<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-1/190<br /> <strong>Class: </strong>2021<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Uncommitted<br /> <strong>Noteworthy:</strong> Elite on both sides of the ball, Ebuka had eight interceptions and 29 tackles as a cornerback and racked up 1,492 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns on offense last season.</p> <p><em>Photo: Tacoma News Tribune</em></p>

<p><strong>Tony Grimes<br /> School:</strong> Princess Anne (Virginia Beach, Va.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Cornerback<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-0/180<br /> <strong>Class:</strong> 2021<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Uncommitted<br /> <strong>Noteworthy</strong>: Opposing teams star 23 tkls, 1 fumble recovery, 48 rushes, 248 yds, 3 TD, 8 rec., 96 yds, TD. Opposing teams never threw his way.</p> <p><em>Photo: Lifetouch Photography</em></p>

<p><strong>Kelee Ringo<br /> School:</strong> Saguaro (Scottsdale, Ariz.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Cornerback<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-2/205<br /> <strong>Class: </strong>2020<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Uncommitted<br /> <strong>Noteworthy: </strong>A shutdown corner and No. 17 player in the Chosen 25, Ringo had 31 tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception and four passes defended for the Saguaro powerhouse last year.</p> <p><em>Photo: Brian Munoz/Arizona Republic</em></p>

<p><strong>Elias Ricks<br /> School:</strong> IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Cornerback<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-2/190<br /> <strong>Class: </strong>2020<br /> <strong>College:</strong> LSU<br /> <strong>Noteworthy</strong>: Ricks, ranked No. 7 in the Chosen 25 and 2018 ALL-USA First Team member, transferred from National Champion Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) after picking off nine passes, six of which were returned for touchdowns. He was arguably the top cornerback at The Opening Finals in July.</p> <p><em>Photo: Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>Jahari Rogers<br /> School:</strong> Arlington (Texas)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Cornerback<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-0/170<br /> <strong>Class: </strong>2020<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Florida<br /> <strong>Noteworthy</strong>: The returning District 4-6A MVP, Rogers had nine interceptions as a cornerback while also starring as a dual-threat quarterback for Arlington.</p> <p><em>Photo: Mike Roach/247Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>Jaylon Jones<br /> School:</strong> Steele (Cibolo, Texas)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> S<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-1.5/190<br /> <strong>Class: </strong>2020<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Texas A&M<br /> <strong>Noteworthy:</strong> The First Team all-district pick finished 2018 with 36 tackles, one forced fumble and seven passes broken up as offenses largely dodged passing to his zone completely.</p> <p><em>Photo: Flo Landsteiner</em></p>

<p><strong>R.J. Mickens<br /> School:</strong> Carroll (Southlake, Texas)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Safety<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-0/195<br /> <strong>Class: </strong>2020<br /> <strong>College:</strong> Clemson<br /> <strong>Noteworthy:</strong> An All-State selection and the District 5-6A Utility Player of the Year, Mickens had 57 tackles, one sack, three passes broken up, one forced fumble and two interceptions as a junior.</p> <p><em>Photo: Greg Powers/247Sports</em></p>

<p><strong>Kai Kroeger<br /> School:</strong> Lake Forest (Lake Forest, Ill.)<br /> <strong>Position:</strong> Punter<br /> <strong>Height/Weight:</strong> 6-3/190<br /> <strong>Class:</strong> 2020<br /> <strong>College:</strong> South Carolina<br /> <strong>Noteworthy:</strong> Last year, Kroeger averaged 40.3 yards per punt and landed 16 of them within the 20-yard line.</p> <p><em>Photo: Ronald Ladao</em></p>

LOOK BACK:  ALL-USA Offensive Team | ALL-USA Defensive Team

18-19 OFFENSIVE POY:  DJ Uiagalelei, St. John Bosco

18-19 DEFENSIVE POY:  Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oaks Christian

18-19 COACH OF THE YEAR:  Randy Trivers, Gonzaga