5A First-Team All-State defensive back, Joel Sankoh Joel Sankoh 5'11" | 190 lbs | LB Dowling Catholic | 2026 State IA was one of the most productive DBs in the state last season for Dowling Catholic. With 57.5 tackles (42 solo) and three interceptions to his name, Sankoh solidified himself as one of the top defensive players in the state in 2024.

A ball-hawk, Sankoh is read-and-react personified, as once he diagnoses a play, he flies after the ball to make a tackle. With eight tackles-for-loss indicating his ability to get into the backfield as a DB, Sankoh has the potential to play the nickel position or safety at the next level for the Jackrabbits.

Going to a well-regarded developmental program in South Dakota State, Sankoh will have an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the best coaches in the FCS. With Dan Jackson taking over the program after the departure of the previous staff, Sankoh is a pivotal recruit that can help set the tone for the beginning of Jackson’s tenure in Brookings.

Sankoh was one of the top tacklers on a defense that ranked among the best in the state last season. He finished with 57.5 stops (42 solo, 8.0 TFL) and an interception in earning first-team all-state honors. South Dakota State offered him a scholarship, which he accepted on Thursday. While he plays linebacker in Dowling’s system, Sankoh will line up in the secondary for the Jackrabbits. Sound in pursuit, operating with balance and while under control, Sankoh fits well at safety. He’s a technically sound tackler and diagnoses plays well before the snap. Speed and fluid hip movements allow Sankoh to stick in coverage, and he most certainly would be a special-teams’ asset.

As Dowling Catholic made another deep playoff run in 2024, Joel Sankoh Joel Sankoh 5'11" | 190 lbs | LB Dowling Catholic | 2026 State IA emerged as an important cog against the run. Sankoh finished with 57.5 tackles (42 solo), 8 TFLs, and an interception. Sankoh’s playstyle certainly fits more of a LB/Safety hybrid scheme than as a natural LB, and this position is where Sankoh shined on defense. Sankoh does an excellent job attacking downfield and closing space into the backfield quickly, even when lined up 10-15 yards from the ball, and he does a great job finding and attacking lanes between blockers to get to the RB, making him effective against both the run and short-pass game. Sankoh might find a better role as a slot DB/Safety in the college level, but Sankoh clearly has stood his ground as an effective run-stopper at the second level of the defense.

Sankoh paced one of the state’s stingiest defenses with 57.5 tackles last season. Forty two of those stops were solo and 8.0 of them resulted in for lost yardage. He also intercepted a pass. When you pop on Sankoh’s junior highlight video, it reveals a playmaker with position versatility. He certainly could fit at LB in certain schemes but also might be better suited for defensive back. One thing is for sure, he plays fast wherever he lines up. He processes what he’s seeing quickly, which, combined with his athleticism and quickness leads to a lot of successful outcomes whether stopping the run or dropping into coverage.