Returning Impact Players: Patuxent

[player_tooltip player_id='1090374' first='Evan' last='Jones']: Dynamic Playmaker Turning Heads on the Recruiting Trail   [player_tooltip player_id='1090374' first='Evan' last='Jones'] is an absolute game-changer for Patuxent, showcasing elite speed and elusiveness that make him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Whether he's taking handoffs out of the backfield, slipping into the flat for screen passes, or lining up out wide as a receiver, Jones has the versatility to impact the game from anywhere on the field.   He possesses true breakaway speed and consistently creates explosive plays. As a deep threat, he not only separates from defenders but also shows the toughness and concentration to make contested catches downfield. His ability to shift gears and make defenders miss in open space makes him one of the most electrifying athletes in the region.   Jones currently holds offers from Maryland, Virginia Tech, and Towson, and with multiple Division I programs already showing serious interest, expect his offer list to grow significantly by season's end.     Nathan Sands: High-Motor Defender Poised for a Breakout Season Nathan Sands displays excellent awareness off the edge, reacting quickly to screen passes and run plays while consistently making an impact along the line of scrimmage. His football IQ and quick diagnosis skills allow him to stay a step ahead, disrupting offenses before they can get into rhythm. Sands wrapped up his junior season with an impressive stat line: over 100 tackles, 3 sacks, and 9 tackles for loss, showcasing his ability to both track down ball carriers and create negative plays. With a strong junior campaign behind him, all eyes will be on Sands as he looks to elevate his game even further during the 2025–26 season. He's a relentless tackler with a nose for the football, a true tackling machine. Expect to hear a lot more from Nathan Sands this season as he cements his status as one of the region's top defensive playmakers.     Antione Wilkins Jr.: Elusive Back Ready for a Bigger Role in 2025 Antione Wilkins Jr. brings above-average vision to the backfield, with a natural ability to weave through traffic and identify cutback lanes on zone plays. Once he breaks past the line of scrimmage, he becomes a nightmare for defenders, shifty, elusive, and capable of making the first man miss with ease. What sets Wilkins apart is his balance of finesse and physicality. While he can dance around would-be tacklers in space, he also finishes runs with power, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Wilkins wrapped up the season with 427 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, flashing his potential in a limited role. With the departure of the team's senior lead back, Wilkins is primed for an expanded workload in the upcoming season. Expect more opportunities, and more highlights, from this electrifying playmaker in 2025.       Kiante Johnson: Rising Defensive Star with Playmaking Instincts   Kiante Johnson flashed plenty of promise during his junior season, flying around the secondary and delivering physical, tone-setting hits. He finished the year with 69 tackles and 3 interceptions, showing both range and toughness from the safety position.   On film, one interception stands out, Johnson reads the quarterback's eyes from deep coverage, breaks on an out route from the slot, and makes a textbook jump on the ball, showcasing his instincts and football IQ.   With his combination of athleticism, physicality, and emerging play recognition, Johnson is on track to become a major defensive playmaker. Expect a breakout year from him as he enters his senior campaign.       Dargin: Versatile Defender with Big-Play Ability   Dargin brings strength and urgency to the point of attack, consistently making the most of his opportunities. One of his standout moments came in the state championship game, where he made a clutch open-field solo tackle at the 2-yard line on a swing pass, an instinctive play from his safety position that helped save points.   In coverage, Dargin shows solid range and ball awareness, regularly making plays both on the ball and on ball carriers in the deep third. His instincts and closing speed make him a reliable last line of defense.   Dargin also flashed his versatility by contributing on offense for Patuxent, stepping in at wide receiver and making key catches in clutch situations, especially when a first down was needed most.   As a senior and a returning leader on defense, expect Dargin's production to rise as he becomes a cornerstone of the Patuxent secondary.