2007 Star Times Football: Defense

Cory Burk

Bothell, LB, 5-8, 170, Sr.

What Bothell standout lacks in size he makes up for in speed. Finished as KingCo 4A Defensive Player of the Year. Also was the all-conference kick returner, with four return touchdowns. Helped Cougars (13-1) to runner-up finish in the Class 4A state playoffs.

Ed Pelzer

O'Dea, DL, 6-3, 335, Sr.

Metro Mountain Division Co-Defensive MVP dominates the line of scrimmage on offense and defense. In his first season back from torn ACL. Led a defense that allowed only 11 points per game. Helped pave way for an offense that averaged nearly 40 points.

Brandon Turner

Kentridge, DB, 6-3, 195, Sr.

Kentridge's first four-year letterman in football. Named the SPSL 4A North's Defensive Back of the Year. Talented basketball player moved from receiver to quarterback on offense to help team reach the playoffs.

Everrette Thompson

Kennedy, DL, 6-4, 240, Sr.

Rated among the top 10 defensive ends in the country, Thompson likely to play in Pac-10. Also a talented tight end who was first-team All-Seamount both ways. Showed great leadership on inexperienced team that won share of league title.

Justin Gunn

Renton, P, 6-4, 205, Sr.

Preseason all-state choice lived up to the billing, averaging nearly 41 yards per punt. Four-year letterman also started at quarterback, played defensive back and kicked. Will play baseball and possibly football at Washington.

Justin Mann

Woodinville, DL, 6-3 ½, 255, Sr.

All-KingCo 4A lineman moved from linebacker and helped lead Woodinville to the Class 4A state playoffs. Finished regular season with 18 tackles for loss and five sacks. Will likely play linebacker in college.

Kyle McCartney

Edmonds-Woodway, DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.

All-WesCo South first team at quarterback and defensive back for two years. Threw for 1,680 yards and 19 TDs, ran for nine scores for 4A state semifinalist. Warriors coach John Gradwohl called him the "best free safety in the state."

Derek Jones

Snohomish, LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.

All-WesCo North linebacker and running back was team's leading tackler. Rushed for 1,576 yards and scored 21 TDs. Led Panthers to 9-2 record and state-playoff appearance. Will play baseball for Washington State.

Trevor Guyton

Redmond, DL, 6-3, 275, Sr.

All-KingCo 4A lineman finished with 10 tackles for loss, six sacks, three fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles. Had coaches from all over the Pac-10 calling before committing to California.

Johnny Wilson

Kent-Meridian, LB, 6-2, 200, Sr.

Explosive, instinctive player who helped the Royals enjoy their best season since 1995. Voted to All-SPSL 4A North Division first team on defense the past two years. Also played a key role on offense.

Justin Glenn

Kamiak, DB, 5-11, 185, Sr.

All-WesCo South defensive back was a lockdown cornerback who made five interceptions. Also rushed for 1,056 yards and scored 20 touchdowns as a running back for the Knights from Mukilteo. Will play defensive back for UW.

Vince Taylor

Eastside Catholic, DB, 6-3, 185, Sr.

Do-it-all athlete was the Metro Mountain Division Co-Offensive Player of the Year. Had a 100-yard receiving game and a 100-yard rushing game in consecutive weeks for Crusaders from Bellevue. Will play for UW.

Hoover Hopkins

Coach, Nathan Hale

Third-year Raiders coach led Lake City school to first state-playoff appearance since 1980. Guided team to Metro Sound Division title and 7-4 record. Longtime coach took over Hale program that finished 0-10 in 2004 and increased win total each season.