First-team defense

Tobi Okuyemi

Wayzata • Sr. • DL

A devastating speed rusher off the edge who had 15 tackles for a loss. Was recruited hard by several schools late and wound up committing to Nebraska.

Di-Jon Starr

Blaine • Sr. • DL

A two-time first-team All-Metro Player, Starr finished with 60 tackles (eight for a loss) and a fumble recovery. The high-motor player also blocked two kicks.

Tyler Kubler

Eden Prairie Sr. • DL

A dominant force on a dominant defense, this nose guard controls the interior and frees others to make plays. He also made several of his own: 49 tackles, including 10 for a loss.

Beau Allen

Minnetonka Sr. • DL

A top college prospect being courted by several Division I programs. Playing on the interior of the line, Allen had 63 tackles, three sacks, a blocked punt and a fumble recovery this season.

Sam Pokornowski

Dassel-Cokato Sr. • DL

Made an eye-popping 129 tackles this season as the heart and soul of a tough defense. He also averaged 5 yards per carry as a fullback.

A.J. Tarpley

Wayzata • Sr. • LB

The playmaking linebacker had 85 tackles (14 for a loss), three sacks and two interceptions (both of which he returned for touchdowns). He also caught six TD passes as a tight end and has committed to play football at Stanford.

Grant Olson

Wayzata • Sr. • LB

Tarpley's teammate was also a devastating force with 134 tackles, including 24 for a loss, and had three interceptions.

Gabe Mezzenga

Totino-Grace Sr. • LB

Defensive signal caller who has eight sacks after recording three against Mankato West in the state semifinals. Has 122 tackles on the season and is also a very good punter.

Jeremy Gillard

Stillwater • Sr. • LB

Shattered several team records, according to coach Scott Hoffman. Finished the year with 125 tackles, including seven sacks, and also scored two defensive touchdowns.

Mitch Hallstrom

Eden Prairie Sr. • DB

Hard-hitting free safety who has a nose for the ball and enters Friday's Prep Bowl with 12 interceptions. Had two INTs in state semifinals vs. Mounds View.

Daryl Brown

Wayzata • Sr. • DB

A shut-down cornerback who had 28 tackles and two interceptions. Helped hold first-team WR Jameer Jackson without a TD catch -- the only game in which Jackson didn't score.

Carlton Littlejohn

Minneapolis North Sr. • DB

Two-way player who is also a strong-armed quarterback for the Polars. One of the state's best leaders, he guided North to the state tournament for the first time since 2003.