2020 Top Players Preview: 6A-II Defense

Welcome back to the 2020 Top Players Preview series. So far we have covered both sides of the ball in class 6a-I, and the top players on offense in class 6a-II. Now it’s time to take a look at the top defensive players in 6a-II. This squad includes a group of up and coming defensive lineman, a pair of stud linebackers from the same team, and 5 defensive backs who are committed to power 5 division 1 schools going into their senior year. So without further ado, let’s jump into the top defenders in 6a-II. <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 14pt;">Defensive Lineman</span> <strong>1. Luke McEndoo: 6’2" 235 Lbs., Stillwater, Class of 2021</strong> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">Luke McEndoo did a bit of everything for the Pioneers last season. On offense, he played a mixture of fullback and tight end where he was effective both as a blocker and as a receiver in the short passing game. On defense, Luke mainly shifted around on the defensive line at end and tackle, however, he also played as an off-ball stand-up linebacker at times in 2019. On the defensive line, he recorded 11 sacks and displayed great bend and the ability to convert speed to power with solid footwork and rip moves. Overall, Luke is a bit of an old-school power player that should be getting some more recognition as the 2020 season progresses.</p> <strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id="38507" first="Kevin" last="Green"]e: 6’4" 280 Lbs., Del City, Class of 2021</strong> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">Del City is going to be stacked on defense in 2020 and it starts on the defensive line. At 6’4" 280 lbs, Greene is a monster of a man who is constantly clogging up the middle. He was a threat to disrupt the play on every down in 2019, explaining why teams often chose to double team him. As a pass rusher Greene is still developing, so look for him to have a breakout season in 2020.</p> Honorable Mentions: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="38572" first="Donnie" last="Wingate"]: 6’3" 220 Lbs., Choctaw, Class of 2021 | [player_tooltip player_id="38611" first="Jaden" last="Brown"]: 6’1" 250 Lbs., Booker T Washington, Class of 2021</strong> <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 14pt;">Linebackers</span> <strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id="38497" first="Donovan" last="Stephens"]: 6’1" 205 Lbs., Del City, Class of 2021</strong> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">The next level where Del City will be dominant on defense in 2020 is the Linebacker position thanks to Stephens and another player we will get to shortly. Stephens has phenomenal closing speed that allows him to deliver huge hits and shut down the run sideline to sideline, and if you’d never watched him before, you would think that he is a defensive back because of how comfortable he looks in coverage. Stephens is an overall playmaker on defense who has the athleticism to play multiple positions at the next level.</p> <strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id="38498" first="Rejhan" last="Tatum"]: 6’2" 225 Lbs., Del City, Class of 2021</strong> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">Although they have numbers next to their names right now, Stephens and [player_tooltip player_id="38498" first="Rejhan" last="Tatum"] are truly 1a and 1b in 6a-II at the linebacker position. Similar to Stephens, Tatum has the athleticism to play multiple positions on defense but mainly sticks to linebacker due to the athletes that Del City has in the secondary. Tatum plays on the inside more than Stephens so he naturally fills on run plays more often, but he has the ability to play outside as well. 2020 will be a big year for both linebackers to show they are elite prospects.</p> Honorable Mentions: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="38676" first="Gabe" last="Brown"]: 6’1" 205 Lbs., Stillwater, Class of 2022 | [player_tooltip player_id="38518" first="Caleb" last="Webb"]: 6’1" 200 Lbs., Muskogee, Class of 2021</strong> <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 14pt;">Defensive Backs</span> <strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id="38491" first="Ty" last="Williams"]: 6’1" 190 Lbs., Muskogee, Class of 2021</strong> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">Committed to Oklahoma State, Williams is one of the best defensive backs and athletes in the state. Over the last two seasons, Williams has intercepted 14 passes and has recorded 62 tackles. Williams’ range in the secondary is extraordinary and he is definitely not afraid to deliver a hit when needed.</p> <strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id="38492" first="Jordan" last="Mukes"]: 6’4" 205 Lbs., Choctaw, Class of 2021</strong> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">Mukes is another elite defender in 6a-II who has the ability to play multiple positions in the secondary. Prior to his Junior year, Mukes was primarily a basketball player but is now committed to Oklahoma to play football. Mukes is an incredible athlete who will definitely become more of a true football player in 2020.</p> <strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id="38494" first="Keuan" last="Parker"]: 5’11" 185 Lbs., Booker T Washington, Class of 2021</strong> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">Parker is viewed by many as the top true cover corner in the class of 2021 and for good reason. The Arkansas commit recorded two interceptions and 14 pass breakups in 2019, and played his best games against Booker T’s toughest opponents: Arkansas powerhouse North Little Rock, and Bixby. Parker has elite speed and doesn’t lose in one on one situations often.</p> Honorable Mentions: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="38495" first="Tevin" last="Williams"]: 6’1" 180 Lbs., Stillwater, Class of 2021 | [player_tooltip player_id="38499" first="Makale" last="Smith"]: 6’2" 165 Lbs., Midwest City, Class of 2021</strong> &nbsp; &nbsp; <p style="padding-left: 40px;"></p>