Every defense needs a tone-setter, and Dontae has become that in his first season of high school football. He’s around the football constantly — the kind of freshman who sees it early and trusts his trigger. He already leads his team in both tackles and forced fumbles, which says plenty about his instincts and the way he finishes plays. Coaches clearly trust him, too, because he plays with a controlled freedom and plenty of instinct. That’s how you earn your veteran teammates’ respect, fast.

Every defense needs a tone-setter, and Dontae has become that in his first season of high school football. He’s around the football constantly — the kind of freshman who sees it early and trusts his trigger. He already leads his team in both tackles and forced fumbles, which says plenty about his instincts and the way he finishes plays. Coaches clearly trust him, too, because he plays with a controlled freedom and plenty of instinct. That’s how you earn your veteran teammates’ respect, fast.