Star Tribune all-metro football first team defense

David Alston, Woodbury, 6-5, 225: Remarkable athletic ability. Led the East Metro Blue with four interceptions. Added 6½ sacks. Committed to Nebraska.

Luke Kubesh, Totino-Grace, junior, 5-11, 273: Great strength makes him an anchor of an interior lineman. Had 15 tackles for loss.

Micah Roane, Chaska, 6-4, 215: Plays with great leverage, hands and motor. Strong against the run. Finished with 56 tackles, 12 for loss.

Zach Whaley, Prior Lake, 6-4, 290: The Lakers' mountain in the middle. Physical player who was tough to move. Registered 62 tackles.

Ty Barron, Minnetonka, 6-0, 220: Versatile athlete who led defense and also carried the ball. Racked up 52 solo tackles and 71 assists for Prep Bowl-bound Skippers.

Kellan McKeag, Apple Valley, 6-1, 210: The Eagles' catalyst. Strong yet nimble, makes plays at the line of scrimmage and in coverage. Played running back as well.

Antonio Montero, Eden Prairie, 6-0, 215: Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year. Instinctual player who hits holes with purpose and makes sure tackles.

Defensive backs

Tayler Johnson, Minneapolis North, 6-0, 170: Ball-hawking safety picked off seven passes. Also made big plays as a receiver.

Kyler Kluge, Eden Prairie, 6-1, 185: Rolls down from safety spot to deliver crunching tackles. Led the Eagles with four interceptions.

Nehemiah Montague, Minnetonka, 6-1, 185: Tough, physical cornerback with terrific closing speed. Made 33 tackles — eight for loss — and one interception.

Phoenix Sproles, Cooper, 6-0, 175: Do-it-all player for the Hawks whom offenses couldn't avoid. Committed to North Dakota State.