Star Tribune football All-Metro first-team defense

(Players are seniors unless noted)

Hunter Christenson, Totino-Grace, 6-2, 229: Big and strong and athletic. Closes on the ball well, tough to block. Registered 38 tackles and four sacks and a safety.

Tanner Sundt, Farmington, 6-4, 240: Broke through constant double- and triple-teams for 49 tackles, 16 for loss, 3½ sacks and six pass deflections.

Jackson Zaugg, Eden Prairie, 6-2, 220: Standout on the metro area's most disruptive defensive line. Made 27 tackles, five for loss. Versatile enough to play end, tackle and linebacker.

James Jackson, Cretin-Derham Hall, 6-2, 220: Opposing offenses called plays depending on where the athletic and physical Jackson lined up. Finished with 64 tackles, eight for loss and one interception.

Danny Anderson, Eden Prairie, 6-0, 215: Leading tackler (50 total) on a defense with an incredible seven shutouts. Tormented Cretin-Derham Hall in the playoffs with a blocked punt, an interception and a fumble recovery.

Charlie Waters, Totino-Grace, 5-11, 192: Smart, always around the ball and plays bigger than his size. Tallied 105 tackles, 10 for loss, heading into the Prep Bowl.

Jamire Jackson, Minneapolis North, 6-3, 220: Anchored the defense and led the Polars in tackles (78) for a third consecutive season. Stopped 11 plays for a loss and picked off three passes. Crushing hitter.

Griffin Lanoue, Rosemount 6-3, 186: Diagnosed plays and flew to the ball. Led team with 87 tackles — 23 against Lakeville North running back Wade Sullivan. Intercepted five passes (one for a touchdown) and broke up six passes.

Jackson Martens, Burnsville, 6-2, 205: Listed as a defensive back but played nearer to the line of scrimmage and hit like a linebacker. Finished with 52 tackles, six for a loss and one interception. Also ran for 1,133 yards, nine touchdowns.

Joe Russell, Totino-Grace, 6-3, 186: Physical and ferocious competitor also excels as a punt returner and receiver. As a defender, credited with 60 tackles, two for loss and four interceptions.

Isaiah Cherrier, Mound Westonka, 6-0, 205: Catalyst for transforming the White Hawks program. Made 46 tackles, intercepted two passes and returned a fumble for a score. Also led team in rushing and receiving yards.