We’re continuing to move forward towards the high school football season with our unveiling of position rankings for the 2016 season. This will be a multiday series, giving you our top five in every position. The big thing to remember about this list is that it is NOT a college prospect list, these rankings are based on presumed production for this high school season. If these rankings doesn’t mirror what’s on our Fire Rankings, that’s because they’re not supposed to. These rankings are built on what a player did last year, and what we think they’re going to do this year, based on the team’s play style, players around them, etc.
Tonight is our Grand Finale. We’re breaking down the Top Five Cornerbacks, Safeties, Defensive Athletes, and Utility Players.
Cornerbacks:
1. Bentlee Sanders, 2017, Tampa Catholic:
2. Derrick Powell Jr., 2018, Cambridge Christian:
This is another team that has a chance to make a deep run in the playoffs – for the Lancers, a State Championship isn’t just a goal, it’s a reality. There’s quite the chance for Cambridge Christian, and the defensive play has to be solid with Powell locking down the outside. He did it last year, with seven interceptions, one of the top numbers in the Bay Area. What’s it going to be this year? Remember, he’s only a junior this year, so there’s a lot of time for him to keep developing into an even nicer cornerback.
3. Demetrius Jackson Jr., 2017, Northside Christian
4. Zamari Maxwell, 2017, Pinellas Park
5. Tyrone Collins, 2018, Braden River
Safeties:
1. Mekhi Lapointe, 2017, Armwood:
2. Amari Burney, 2018, Clearwater Central Catholic:
Burney has been a frequent camper this offseason, and it looks like he’s grown another few inches, something the the Marauders are going to see as even more of an advantage. Burney, like many other good safeties in the area, can cover just about anyone, and I can’t see anyone on the schedule that will give him trouble. He’s a key part in what looks to be a run at a State Championship for CCC – he’s a game changer, one that will need to focus on staying healthy, and play every down with the fire inside that we’ve seen before.
3. Rodney Higdon, 2017, Jesuit
4. Brendan Gant, 2019, Kathleen
5. Letayveon Beaton, 2017, Boca Ciega
Defensive Athletes:
1. AJ Deshazor, 2017, Lake Gibson:
What’s not to like about Deshazor? His natural position is linebacker, but he plays with the quickness of a defensive back sometimes. Deshazor has a fantastic football IQ – a skill that seems to be lost among players in today’s game. Of course, his fantastic strength has to be noted, and his ability to lead the defense will be on display next season. Deshazor had 74 tackles and two forced fumbles in 2015. His penetration abilities will need to stand out in 2016, but we certainly believe they can. Deshazor only had one tackle for loss last season, and that will need to change. But if you’re looking for someone to lead your defense, to lead the team as a whole, look no further than Deshazor.
2. Aaron Pierre, 2017, Cambridge Christian:
Pierre is just an athlete. He’s your do-it-all, whatever Bob Dare asks, kind of player. The Liberty University commit ran the ball for 339 yards on 33 carries in 2015, but we’re looking at what makes him a defensive athlete. 61 tackles for Pierre in 2015 (seven of them for a loss), and two interceptions. He can step up and make the big play in the backfield, but he can also drop back and compete in coverage situations. He’s a valuable part of the Lancers team, and he’ll be a big part of the Lancers quest for a State Title.
3. Kane Taylor, 2017, Clearwater
4. Peyton Xayasone, 2018, Countryside
5. Jabreel Stephens, 2017, Armwood
Utility:
1. Jervon Newton, 2017, Clearwater Central Catholic:
2. Juwan Burgess, 2017, Plant:
Underrated? Maybe, that’s up for debate. Not talented? You’re talking about a USC commit, people. USC wouldn’t go around looking for Bay Area kids if they weren’t talented. Burgess is going to be a fantastic option for Head Coach Robert Weiner. He had some eligibility issues last season, but he had an amazing Spring Jamboree game, including a great 67-yard grab from QB Dane Frantzen. He’s looked great in the offseason camps and seven-on-sevens, and he’s going to be a potent weapon for the Panthers in 2016.
3. Cris Galdos, 2017, Sunlake
4. Darrian McNeal, 2017, Armwood
5. Judge Culpepper, 2018, Plant