5A Championship Standouts (Defense)

Even though it was a fairly high scoring matchup on the 38-28 Horizon W over Salpointe Catholic, several defensive players were still able to make an impact. Take a look: &nbsp; <strong>Nicholas Harris</strong>, <em>LB, Horizon ’22<img class="size-medium wp-image-211724 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/IMG_6537-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></em> Harris’s length and frame at 6’1" 200lbs initially caught my eye, then I really noticed his quickness and closing speed. He was explosive off the edge numerous times and was able to force a hurry which ended up incomplete. Good range and lateral mobility to track down ball carriers or force them to take different angles. He showcased some nice closing speed and was explosive through the tackle with technique and fundamentals. Harris definitely stepped up huge for Horizon on Friday night and played a major role. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="210437" first="Joey" last="Sumlin"], <em>LB, Salpointe Catholic ’22</em> Again, Sumlin showcased his football IQ and range to fly around sideline to sideline, looking like a legit field general. Good functional strength and an explosive tackler to drive through his opponents, showing strength at the POA. He did a good job identifying opening alleys and meeting ball carriers in the lane as well. Sumlin also blocked a punt which was recovered in the endzone for a TD. Sumlin has been a kid that has caught my eye throughout the playoffs, and is looking to be a steal for whichever programs lands him. &nbsp; <strong>Kamron Faraji</strong>, <em>DE, Horizon ’22</em> Anoher kid that stepped up big for that Horizon defense when they needed him to was Faraji. He recorded a big sack and also forced a fumble to punch the ball loose from underneath to force a turnover. Frequently pursued ball carriers and flew to the ball from a DE spot, and had himself a clutch performance in the 5A state title matchup. &nbsp; <strong>Damian Coley</strong>, <em>DE, Salpointe Catholic '23</em> Coley was able to recover a blocked punt in the endzone for a TD, which gave Salpointe a ton of momentum at the time. He's a very athletic kid for Salpointe as he makes a significant impact on both sides of the ball. He sizes up with a tremendous frame and length at 6'3" 240lbs and possesses several intangibles as both a DE/Edge rusher and a TE for the next level. Expect Coley to gain some attention in the spring and summer heading into 2022. &nbsp; <strong>Jack Bodemuller</strong>, <em>DB, Horizon '23<img class="size-medium wp-image-40970 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/PrzIcon3-294x300.png" alt="" width="294" height="300" /></em> Bodemuller led the team with 8 total tackles on the night, and was key in that Horizon secondary to fly up for run support. He's a physical player that frequently eats up ground well and attacks with a good pad level. He does a solid job with blitz timing and was sticking his nose in every play on Friday night. Scrappy kid that roams the field well, and should continue to be a big player for Horizon next season as well. &nbsp; <strong>Quinton Bouise</strong>, <em>DL, Horizon '22</em> Bouise had two TFL's on the night and really continued to do the little things to standout and make an impact all game. He has a nice frame and build at 6'3" 220lbs with solid length that colleges will like, and has had a solid senior campaign with some good tape to end on.