12 Raiders selected to Defensive All-District team

The Rice Raiders had a historic season in 2024 as they made the playoffs for the first time in four years, in large part thanks to their defense.

The Raiders defense was a very bright spot on the team in 2024, especially considering that they did not give up a single point for the first four weeks of the season.

The first All-District team saw five Raiders selected, Deveron Bennett, Zayde Cunningham, RJ Myers, Keundric Pratt and Robert Bennett.

The Bennett brothers (Robert and Deveron) are a pair of brothers that not only made the All-District team together but made the All-District team on both sides of the ball. Sticking with the defensive aspect of things Deveron was the focal point of the defense, he was the most vocal and was always barking orders to his teammates and led this team to greater heights in 2024.

He was also a great pass rusher using his size and strength to make the opposing quarterback uncomfortable. Whenever quarterbacks escaped Deveron’s grasp they threw the ball up and Robert would come down with an interception or a pass break up.

Brothers working together to get the job done defensively but there are still a few more players to highlight.

Cunningham and Myers were on the defensive line with Deveron Bennett, and they had an outstanding year for the Raiders. This duo was so difficult for opposing teams to deal with because they were just so big and strong and bulldozed their way to the quarterback.

As for Pratt he was a big reason why the Raiders were able to pitch shutouts for the first four weeks. At the linebacker position he shut down the run and was one of the best tacklers in the district.

The second All-District team saw four Raiders selected, Willem Burger, Keenan Hailey, Dyren Johnson and Ta’marion Turner.

Turner and Johnson played defensive back and linebacker respectively and they were just consistent and reliable at their position. Very rarely were they beat while in coverage and nay time the team needed them to make a play they made it.

Burger and Hailey played on the defensive line for the Raiders so now the entire starting defensive line for the Raiders is on the All-District team. Just further driving home the point of how good this unit was.

Lastly were three honorable mentions, Ja’Tavios Johnson, AJ Jenkins and Lawson Floyd. Johnson and Jenkins were great in coverage with each hauling in a couple of interceptions while Floyd followed the lead of the starters on the defensive line and got after the quarterback.

Congratulations to all the Rice Raiders players selected to the All-District team.