Underrated Defensive Player Of The Year Predictions For 2021

Gordon Cohagan

February 24, 2021 @ 10:34 PM

These players were dominant on the defensive side of the ball and could be dark horse candidates for winning defensive player of the year.   [player_tooltip player_id="58784" first="Caiden" last="Davis"] South Charleston High School 2022 Caiden had a great junior season. He showed the ability to not only fill gaps and make plays between the tackle box but showed the ability to run down plays sideline to sideline. He showed great agility and toughness to fight off blocks and not get caught up in the blocks. He shows consistent tackling ability and the discipline to read his keys and not get caught looking in the backfield. Look for Caiden to have a big year for South Charleston and really take off.   [player_tooltip player_id="58827" first="Jaeden" last="Hammack"] University High School 2023 Jaeden has proven to be one of the best defensive backs in the state with his junior season coming up in the fall. He shows great patience on his reads and doesn't bite on fakes when covering receievers. He shows a natural ability to cause turnovers and shows a natural instinct on jumping routes. He's already a solid sized corner with more room to grow and should see his production and potential increase with being a focal point on both sides of the ball for University in the fall.   [player_tooltip player_id="58828" first="Mari" last="Lawton"] South Charleston High School 2023 Mari had a great sophomore season that showed a great deal of potential with 2 years left for him. He shows great athleticism and the ability to naturally rush the passer and force turnovers and sacks. He has a great first step and often uses his quickness and speed to beat offensive lineman on the edge. He shows great hand placement in both against the run and pass and still has a great room to improve with him growing since last season in height and weight. Look for Mari to really take the next step and start having FCS schools calling this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id="58753" first="Nemo" last="Roberts"] Cabell Midland High School 2022 Nemo had a fantastic junior year and is the best defensive lineman in the state this year. His ability to shutdown both the run and pass shows how dominant he can be. Last year as a junior he would get double and triple teamed and still make plays. He has great footwork and hand placement with a natural ability to rush the passer. His first step is great for being a bigger defensive lineman and he has a great motor. Look for Nemo to have another dominant season and not only have awards rolling in but FCS schools calling as well with another dominant performance.  