Zone Watch: Preseason All-Midlands Team (Defense)

Chris Dearing August 16, 2022 @ 08:16 PM

As the anticipation builds toward the start of the 2022 season, we can clearly point to many of the names and faces adding to the potential excitement.   Along the Midlands, start with this list.   We analyzed hundreds of players from the zone – looking at 2021 performances, offseason camp and 7-on-7 performances and each player's situation – and came up with the Prep Red Zone Preseason All-Midlands squad.   We wrap up this two-part series with the defensive standouts.   Dylan Richardson, P, Hammond   Richardson does a little bit of everything for the Skyhawks. He's the starting quarterback, plays in the secondary, returns kicks and handles a lot of the kicking duties. He's as good of a punter as anything else.   [player_tooltip player_id='89338' first='Xzavier' last='McLeod'], DL, Camden   The consensus No. 1 ranked player in the 2023 Class, McLeod plans to make his college decision known on Thursday evening. He totaled 58 tackles, five sacks and 21 quarterback pressures last season. He's hard to block and makes his own way in most situations.   [player_tooltip player_id='146354' first='Monteque' last='Rhames'], DL, Sumter   A South Carolina commit, Rhames is strong with a 6'6”, 240-pound frame that will add muscle once he gets to the college level. He plays well in space as well on the inside when needed. He finished 2021 with 75 tackles and 20.5 tackles for loss.   [player_tooltip player_id='202750' first='Braxton' last='Burton'], DL, A.C. Flora   In several cases, Burton looks to be a man among boys. He plays on the inside and controls the middle of the line of scrimmage more times than not. He's 6'3”, 315 pounds and plays the point of attack well.   [player_tooltip player_id='204427' first='Max' last='Drag'], DL, Chapin   Drag is a two-way player that is committed to Appalachian State. He might be a tight end/H-Back on the next level, but his quickness and burst makes him hard to block at 6'4”, 230-pound body.   [player_tooltip player_id='132398' first='Chandler' last='Perry'], LB, Dutch Fork   The heart of a solid Dutch Fork defense, Perry plays with a high motor and gets to the point of attack quickly. And when he arrives, it's usually bad news for the offense. He's physical and plays that way from the opening snap.   [player_tooltip player_id='146359' first='Evan' last='Javis'], LB, Spring Valley   Javis is another two-way player that makes his mark at linebacker and running back. He plays both positions the same way – angry. The Vikings defense is led by the linebackers so Javis will be in position to make a lot of plays.   [player_tooltip player_id='202737' first='David' last='Wilson'], LB, Spring Valley   Wilson is another leader for a solid Spring Valley defense. He makes sure everyone is in the right position and is a heady player.     [player_tooltip player_id='262550' first='Landon' last='Danley'], DB, Dutch Fork   Danley is a bigger defensive back at 6'3”, 190 pounds. He plays safety and is a head-hunter to receivers coming across the middle. He's lengthy, physical and has a mean streak.   [player_tooltip player_id='202743' first='Zyeir' last='Gamble'], DB, Sumter   Gamble is highly athletic – he also plays basketball and runs track. He will also play on both sides of the ball for Sumter. He finished 2021 with nine interceptions and returned two of those for touchdowns. Was also strong in the return game.   Donovan Watkins, DB, Fairfield Central   Watkins is another ball hawk in the secondary. Last week in a combined jamboree against Chapin and Gray Collegiate, he had three interceptions in what amounted to a half of work. He should have a huge year for the Griffins.   Stephen Collier, DB, River Bluff   Collier has burst onto the scene as one of the top players in the 2025 Class. He also plays receiver but his presence will be felt on both sides of the ball for the Gators.

As the anticipation builds toward the start of the 2022 season, we can clearly point to many of the names and faces adding to the potential excitement.