Top 5 high school defensive players in 2024 ft. David Stone

The saying "defense wins championships" holds weight, as defensive players are the backbone of any successful team. Their ability to disrupt the opposing team's offensive strategy plays a crucial role in ensuring wins.

Several players on defense from the 2024 class have already hit the headlines with their commitments to top college programs. It is almost time for the 2024 high school football season, and student-athletes are now gearing up to shine brightly on the field.

Here are the five most promising defensive players from the 2024 class:

Top 5 High School Defensive Players in 2024

5. Joseph Jonah-Ajonye

Four-star defensive lineman Joseph Jonah-Ajonye announced his commitment to the Georgia Bulldogs last year. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound lineman has the interior frame to exploit matchups against less agile offensive linemen, according to 247 Sports scouting analyst Gabe Brooks.

Besides football, he competes in track and field and posted junior shot put throws of 39-6 and 39-4 last year.

The DL is ranked as the No. 29 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 6 defensive lineman in the 2024 class and the No. 6 prospect in Texas, according to the On3 industry ranking.

4. Justin Scott

Five-star DL Justin Scott flipped his commitment from Ohio State to the Miami Hurricanes last year. At 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, Scott has a prototypical build for a defensive tackle, according to 247 Sports scouting analyst Gabe Brooks.

In his junior season, Scott was named The News-Gazette’s All-State Player of the Year in Illinois after finishing the season with 28 tackles, including seven tackles for loss and two sacks. He also plays basketball and averaged 3.9 points and 6.2 rebounds on the hardwood as an 11th grader.

Scott is ranked as the No. 19 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 4 DL in the 2024 class and the No. 1 prospect in Illinois, according to the On3 industry ranking.

3. Dominick McKinley

Five-star DL Dominick McKinley‍ flipped his commitment from Texas A&M to LSU last year. The 6-foot-6, 280-pound prospect excels at using his hands to shed blockers and possesses the power to drive offensive linemen back into the pocket.

During his junior season in 2022, McKinley‍ helped Acadiana to a second-round playoff appearance in Louisiana's Division I Select bracket. He finished the season with 86 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, two interceptions and one touchdown. He also excels in track and field, posting three 47+ shot put throws as a junior last year.

McKinley‍ is ranked as the No. 13 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 3 DL in the 2024 class and the No. 1 prospect in LA, according to the On3 industry ranking.

2. LJ McCray

Five-star defensive lineman LJ McCray announced his commitment to the Florida Gators over Florida State, Auburn, Miami and Alabama. The 6-foot-6, 260-pound prospect is described as a long-limbed defensive lineman with all the qualities needed to become a true nuisance up front, according to 247 Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins.

In his junior season, McCray led Daytona Beach Mainland to their first state title since 2003, recording 80 tackles, 37 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. In 2022, he totaled 47 tackles and three sacks while also scoring 14 catches for 159 yards and two touchdowns.

The player is ranked as the No. 10 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 2 DL in the 2024 class and the No. 4 prospect in Florida, according to On3 industry ranking.

1. David Stone

Five-star defensive tackle David Stone announced his commitment to Oklahoma over Oregon, Miami, Texas A&M and Florida in August last year. The 6-foot-4, 270-pound prospect is capable of shutting down running lanes and pressuring the quarterback with equal effectiveness, according to Ivins.

After transferring to IMG Academy, he continued to prove his elite skills, earning accolades such as MaxPreps All-American and defensive MVP of the Polynesian Bowl. He also threw 44-1 in shot out and 99-10 in discus as a freshman.

Stone is ranked as the No. 9 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 1 DL in the 2024 class and the No. 3 prospect in Florida, according to the On3 industry ranking.