Ohio’s Defensive Super Skill 2023 (6-10)
Bill Conley
In this article:
These are the second half of the top ten defensive super skilled sophomores in the state. They all play multiple positions and are major contributors on special teams on coverage units or as returners.
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<li><strong> [player_tooltip player_id="106025" first="Jason" last="Hewlett"] 6’2” 185 S Youngstown Chaney</strong></li>
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Hewlett is a raw talent as a defensive back and wide receiver. As a strong safety Jason is especially impressive versus the perimeter run where he comes up with good leverage to make the play. Hewlett has deceptive speed and is often the first guy down the field on kickoff coverage where he makes sure tackles in the openfield.
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<li><strong> [player_tooltip player_id="106023" first="Stanley" last="Jackson Jr"] 6’0” 198 ATH Westerville Central</strong></li>
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Jackson is one of the most athletic sophomores in the state and can play either side of the football. He has the size and quickness to excel at safety, linebacker or running back. He is a powerful runner that accelerates through arm tackles and as a defender is unstoppable on the blitz. Jackson’s versatility separates him from other sophomores.
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<li><strong> [player_tooltip player_id="93336" first="Griffin" last="Johnson"] 5’10” 170 S Marysville</strong></li>
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Griff is a gifted strong safety and running back who is one of the most physical sophomores in the state. He is a downhill defender that explodes through the ball carrier by driving his feet on contact. Johnson shows the same toughness as a Wing T running back and kickoff return specialist. Johnson is one of those athletes goes all out every play.
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<li><strong> Braden Mick 6’0” 170 C Canal Fulton Northwest</strong></li>
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Mick is “Mr. Everything” for Northwest. He is a talented cornerback, wide receiver, wildcat quarterback, and punt returner. As a corner, Mick is a smooth and fluid athlete that can play man or zone defense and be equally effective. Braden uses his hands in warding off blockers to make the play on the ball carrier. Mick is a big play maker both sides of the football.
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<li><strong> [player_tooltip player_id="106026" first="Max" last="Ray"] 5’10” 170 S Bellevue</strong></li>
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If you want a guy that makes plays all over the field at the safety position, Ray is your man. An instinctive pass defender, Ray gets a quick break on the ball often denying the reception by delivering a punishing hit on the receiver. Ray is also as impressive versus the run by his closing speed and sure tackling in space.
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