Preseason DPOY Candidates (6A)

Nick Rock June 22, 2022 @ 08:22 PM

Tons of defensive standouts flood the state with potential to bring home the DPOY award. Take a look at 10 of the top preseason candidates to bring it home: <img class="size-medium wp-image-199818 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/09/IMG_6453-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="165882" first="A’Mauri" last="Washington"], DL, Chandler ’23: One of the most highly recruited players in the state has continued to blossom and prove that the hype is for real. He’ll be touted with a key role on a national contender team with a massive ceiling to blow up the state in 2022.   [player_tooltip player_id="42912" first="Mykeil" last="Gardner"], DL, Liberty ’23: Gardner emerged last year as a big problem along that D-line as he was a frequent menace against anyone he lined up against. Very explosive off the ball with tremendous play strength, and is prone for a lights out season.   [player_tooltip player_id="115500" first="Elijah" last="Rushing"], DE, Salpointe Catholic ’24: Rushing comes off a strong sophomore season with 7.5 sacks and 75 tackles. The combination of his length, speed, bend, and overall athleticism makes him a constant mismatch on the edges and has proven to be a game changer on the defensive side of the ball. A highly recruited kid that is intriguing to watch as he only projects to keep climbing.   [player_tooltip player_id="42938" first="Wyatt" last="Milkovic"], LB, Basha ’23: The Boise State commit is part of a stacked Basha defense and has all the potential to be a game changer and earn himself the DPOY award this season. Excellent reaction and range with good closing speed and is explosive through the tackle. Definitely a kid that I’m expecting to make an impact early on in the year.   [player_tooltip player_id="42913" first="Gavin" last="Geweniger"], DL, Chaparral ’23: Geweniger is the anchor of that Chap defense, and has seen his stock sky rocket this offseason, and rightfully so. Excellent size and frame at 6’5" 260lbs that checks all the boxes you look for in a P5 prospect. Loads of potential with a high ceiling, as I expect him to take a major leap from ’21 to ’22.   [player_tooltip player_id="42934" first="Cole" last="Martin"], CB, Basha ’23: You can’t not put on of the biggest game changers on the list for a potential DPOY award. The Oregon commit has excelled his entire career both at CB and as a dangerous return specialist. If teams are bold enough to throw in Martin’s direction, then he will have a highly productive and impressive year and bring a ton of juice to that Basha defense.   [player_tooltip player_id="155808" first="Jojo" last="Clark"], ATH, Saguaro ’24: Clark has been a stud from multiple dimensions at Saguaro. He’s a versatile kid with the ability to make an impact on both sides of the ball at different positions. A very dynamic player that has all the tools to excel on the defensive side of the ball in 2022 given his play speed and football IQ, expecting he takes a leap in maturity from his So. to Jr. season.   [caption id="attachment_332253" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-332253" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/PRZ-Generic-Gray-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /> Photo: Prep Redzone[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="42896" first="Taye" last="Brown"], LB, Hamilton ’23: That Hamilton defense is going to have to step up after losing Russell Davis (Arizona) to graduation, and I think Brown is going to be the guy to do it. Tenacious player with good size and strength at 6’3" 215lbs that I think is going to be lethal off the edges this season. His recruiting has recently seen a big spark as well.   [player_tooltip player_id="169402" first="Mardale" last="Rowe"], DL, Brophy ’24: I really liked what I saw from Rowe last season, and he’s started to pile up that offer list. Good length within his 6’3" 235lb frame with solid quickness and violent hands as a pass rusher.   [player_tooltip player_id="42946" first="Porter" last="Reynolds"], LB, Queen Creek ’23: Reynolds comes off a 107 tackle season in 2021. Versatile kid with the ability to make a difference at LB or along the DL. Reynolds shows a bit of everything including excellent play strength and speed, violent hands, strength at the POA, striking ability, pursuit, etc...Overall definitely a sleeper candidate that I believe will have a very impressive Sr. season.