The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press recently released its list of the Top 50 high school senior football players.
As with every year, many deserving players were left off, including Lafayette linebacker Sam Boyer. He would have definitely been ranked high but won’t play this season because of a torn ACL he suffered this past spring.
Here’s a look at other players who missed the Top 50 list.
(Listed in alphabetical order)
Andy Anderson, Lafayette, 6-2, 260, OL/DL
He will be the anchor for the Rams on the offense and defensive lines.
Andrew Belford, Atlantic Shores, 6-3, 300, LB/OL
Starting center who can play all five offensive line positions and also is a solid defensive player as well. Has a 4.2 GPA.
Kelvon Bethea, Oscar Smith, 6-4, 230, DE
Remember the name. Last season was his first year on a very talented team. Now he’ll be a starter.
Matt Bohannan, Hickory, 6-4, 270, DL
Coach Donnell Brown calls him, “the best kept secret in the 757.” Plays with a high motor and aggressive mentality.
Jaden Boone, Bethel, 6-2, 260 OL/DL
Had 25 tackles and 3 sacks. Very smart player who gets off the block. He is the anchor on the defensive line.
Sam Boyer, Lafayette, 6-2, 210, LB/RB
Will miss season with torn ACL. He was the Class 3 Region A Defensive POY and first team All-Tidewater. Has a 3.92 GPA.
Spencer Bruning, Western Branch, 5-9, 190, LB
He was the second-leading tackler for the Bruins last season. He has a 3.6 GPA.
Keimar Carter-Gatlin, Salem, 6-1, 220, RB/LB
A physical, versatile playmaker who will help the the SunDevils on offense, defense and special teams.
Justin Chesson, Green Run, 6-0, 235, OL/DL
A three-year starter and two-time all-district selection who runs 4.81 in the 40 and has a 3.04 GPA.
Nathan Coffey, Warhill, 6-4, 260, TE/DE
In three games, had 21 tackles – 6 for loss – and 3 sacks. Will be a force for the Lions this season.
Toriono Combs Jr, Portsmouth Christian, 6-1, 330, OL/DL
Has an offer from Presbyterian. Coach Josh Blalock said, “The absolute best and most ferocious run blocker I have seen.”
Jahleel Culbreath, Ocean Lakes, 6-3, 225, LB
First-team All-Beach District last season. Coach James Yeager said, “He will be one of the top linebackers in the entire 757.”
Tony Cross Jr., Churchland, 6-3, 265 C/DT
Anchors the offensive line and is a solid pass blocker. On defense, he’s a run stuffer and clogs the gaps.
Shayden Deloach, Norview, 5-11, 175, WR/DB
A playmaker on offense, defense and special teams, including a 97-yard kickoff return for TD.
Hunter Dinsmoor, Ocean Lakes, 6-2, 285, OL
A four-year starter, he was honorable mention All-Beach District last season.
Alijah Douglas, Landstown, 6-0, 180, RB
In the past two seasons, he has rushed for nearly 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns the last two seasons.
D’marco Hill, Salem, 5-10, 185, RB/WR/SS
Smart, athletic, good speed, very coachable and good hands. He also brings leadership and versatility.
Renaldre Hodges, Menchville, 5-9, 175, ATHLETE
He plays WR, FS, RB and is the team’s punter. Clearly one of the most versatile in the Peninsula District.
Torian Howerton, Hampton, 5-9, 175, WR/S
He will be counted on to lead the Crabbers on both sides of the ball.
Tyquan Johnson, Landstown, 6-3, 285, OL/DL
He will be a key member on the Eagles’ offensive and defensive lines.
Jerome Jones, Booker T. Washington, RB/LB
He was a first-team Class 3 Region A selection last season.
Caden Luster, Bethel, 5-10, 165, DB/WR
He is the Bruins’ best cover corner.
Gavin Macdonald, Kellam, 6-2, 200, TE/DE
A playmaker on both sides of ball and a skilled edge rusher.
Javontay Martin, Bayside, 6-3, 200 TE/DE
Was honorable mention All-Beach District last season.
Jalen Mayo, Phoebus, 6-2, 170, CB/WR
He averaged 10 tackles a game last season for the Phantoms.
Raquan Mills, Manor, 5-9, 170, QB/WR/DB
Fast and elusive with the ball in his hands. Also, is great in man-to-man coverage.
Stinson Moss, Norfolk Academy, 6-2, 210, TE
A senior captain who does it all at tight end in blocking, receiving and versatility.
Jakari Mozelle, Kecoughtan, 6-3, 190, WR/CB
Coach Jeff Super said, “He is an impact player with homerun capability and is hard to match physically.” Has 3.3 GPA.
Deven Norman, Grassfield, 6-4, 255, TE/DE
Finished last season with 30 tackles – 6 for loss – seven sacks and forced two fumbles. Has a 3.3 GPA.
Cody Parrot, Catholic, 6-1, 210 RB/LB
He was the team’s Offensive MVP and will be among the top player in the Tidewater Conference this season.
Donte Ponder, Salem, 6-1, 225, LB
He was honorable mention All-Beach District last season and will lead the SunDevils defense.
Amari Presley, Kempsville, 5-10, 170, DB
He was second team all-district last season and an honors student.
Tajon Reese, Bayside, 5-9, 175 Athlete
He was first team All-Beach District after accounted for more than 600 yards at both quarterback and receiver.
Cole Richardson, Menchville, 6-2, 215, LB/OL/LS
A solid football player who can do many things and a great student (4.2 GPA).
Michael Simmonds, Bethel, 5-9, 170, LB/RB
He led the team in tackles last season.
Stephen Smith, Grassfield, 6-1, 210, ATHLETE
He will be counted on to lead the Grizzlies on both sides of the ball this season.
Ethan Sneddon, Poquoson, 6-0, 170, K
A first-team All-Tidewater last season, he was perfect on four field goals, including a season-long 41 yarder.
Landon Spell, Ocean Lakes, 6-1, 195, QB
A great leader and ultimate competitor. He’s embraced the challenges of learning a new offense.
Andre Stevens, Tallwood, 5-10, 225, LB/RB
Strong, physical and explosive. Coach John Kepple said, “He will be a top linebacker in the Beach.”
Brandon Still, Hickory, 6-0, 160, WR/DB
Had a breakout spring season with six touchdowns and averaged 22.3 yards a reception.
Dorian Stitmon, Churchland, 6-0, 240 DE/DT
Nansemond River transfer has good hands, a tremendous motor and is relentless getting to the quarterback.
Christian Townsend, Nansemond-Suffolk, 6-1, 185, DB/WR/RB
A heavy-hitting defender with incredible instincts. Also major contributor on offense.
Jaden Tucker, Western Branch, 6-1, 205, DE
A physical tackler who plays with high energy. Coach Rashad Cook, “He has a high motor and is tough to stop.”
Mark Wagner, Phoebus, 6-0, 170, QB
Threw for more than 200 yards a game in the spring. Should be one of the best quarterbacks in the Peninsula District.
Hunter Waltz, Cox, 5-10, 180, LB
He averaged 10 tackles last season with 4 pass breakups, 3 sacks, fumble recover for TD.
Cade White, Smithfield, 6-1, 200, QB
In three games last spring, he threw 7 TDs. Should be a big season for him. Has a 3.5 GPA.
Davion William, Hampton, 5-8, 165, WR/CB
Will be one of the top two-way players in the Peninsula District this season.
Lamontae Wilson, Deep Creek, 6-1, 185, WR/DB
Aggressive player on both sides of the ball and brings tremendous athleticism.
Jason Woodard, Oscar Smith, 6-0, 175, DB/RB
He missed last season but Coach Chris Scott said, “He will be one of the most explosive players in the area.”
Robert “AJ” Woodard, Warwick, 6-0, 250, OL/DL
A four-year starter, he has been battle-tested in the Peninsula District. He has a 4.3 GPA.
Larry Rubama, 757-575-6449, larry.rubama@pilotonline.com