2020 Top Players Preview: 5A Defense
We have arrived at our final stop on the 2020 Top Players preview tour. In this class of defenders, we have a group of players who may not be as highly touted as some of the players we’ve covered so…
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Continue ReadingWe have arrived at our final stop on the 2020 Top Players preview tour. In this class of defenders, we have a group of players who may not be as highly touted as some of the players we’ve covered so far, but they are all in great position to close the gap with a solid 2020 campaign.
Defensive Lineman
1. Martinson Holden Martinson Holden 6'5" | TE Edison | 2021 OK : 6’4″ 235 Lbs., Tulsa Edison, Class of 2021
Holden is a long and athletic run defender off the edge who could play all over the defensive line depending on where his team needs him. Holden already has a few division 1 FCS offers and could easily make the jump into the FBS ranks with another dominant season in 2020.
2. Collin Morrison Collin Morrison 6'6" | DL Bishop Kelley | 2021 State OK : 6’6″ 245 Lbs., Bishop Kelley, Class of 2021
Thanks to his large 6’6″ frame, Morrison was a force to reckoned with coming off the edge in 2019. Often times he found himself in the backfield disrupting plays and forcing ball carriers to redirect. He is by no means a finished product, but with some consistent improvements, Morrison could receive some serious college offers after this season.
Honorable Mentions: Chris McClellan Chris McClellan 6'4" | DL Owasso | 2022 State OK : 6’3″ 235 Lbs., Tulsa Edison, Class of 2022 | Justin Hines Justin Hines 6'5" | DL Coweta | 2021 State OK : 6’6″ 235 Lbs., Coweta, Class of 2021
Linebackers
1. Owen Heinecke Owen Heinecke 6'1" | LB Bishop Kelley | 2021 State OK : 6’2″ 190 Lbs., Bishop Kelley, Class of 2021
Heinecke is another athlete who has the size and athleticism to play on either side of the ball in college. However, his best fit is most likely on defense, specifically at linebacker. As a linebacker, he shows good speed and range to cover the whole field against the run, and he is one of the harder hitters in 5A. Watch for Owen to bowl over players on both sides of the ball once again in 2020.
2. Darius Moore Darius Moore 6'2" | LB El Reno | 2021 State OK : 6’1″ 220 Lbs., El Reno, Class of 2021
A couple of words I would use to describe Moore’s style of play would be fast and fierce. Moore was constantly flying all over the field in 2019 making plays in various different ways. Whether he was blitzing, coming downhill to stop the run, or dropping back into coverage, Moore always found his way to the ball to deliver hard hits on his opponents. 2020 should be a big year for Moore.
Honorable Mentions: Chance Brookesher: 6’3″ 255 Lbs., Duncan, Class of 2021, Chase Faber Chase Faber 6'2" | LB McAlester | 2022 State OK : 6’2″ 210 Lbs., McAlester, Class of 2022
Defensive Backs
1. Caden Hendren Caden Hendren 6'2" | ATH Piedmont | 2021 State OK : 6’2″ 190 Lbs., Piedmont, Class of 2021
Depending on who you ask, you may get different answers on what position Caden Hendren Caden Hendren 6'2" | ATH Piedmont | 2021 State OK plays. Hendren lined up at safety, corner, and a little bit at linebacker during the 2019 season and was an absolute heat-seeking missile. Anytime the ball was in his vicinity he would come downhill and strike the ball carrier and disrupt the play. I expect big things out of Hendren in 2020.
2. Luke Tarman Luke Tarman 6'2" | ATH Bishop McGuinness | 2021 State OK : 6’0″ 185 Lbs., Bishop McGuinness, Class of 2021
Luke Tarman Luke Tarman 6'2" | ATH Bishop McGuinness | 2021 State OK plays quarterback for the Fighting Irish and is a legit dual-threat, however, Luke is also one of the top safeties in the state. In the secondary last season, he showed great speed, agility, ball skills, and coverage ability. It will be intriguing to see if he specializes more on one side of the ball this season or if he will continue to start both ways.
Honorable Mentions: Donald May Donald May 6'0" | ATH Ardmore | 2021 State OK : 5’11″ 160 Lbs., Ardmore, Class of 2021 | Quashon Leathers: 5’10″ 170 Lbs., Tahlequah