School: Sunnyside

Year: Senior

Position: Secondary

Height/weight: 5-7/160

Jerrold Tanner's Blitz database page

He's qualified because: Player who did the most with the least recognition in the section, he was named County/Metro Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year and made an impact on offense as the Wildcats went 8-4, including a 5-0 mark for only their second league title in school history. Overcoming the odds of his size at linebacker, he made 93 tackles, including 46 solos, had eight stops for losses and three interceptions – returning one for a TD. He also averaged 8.5 yards per carry, rushed for 1,248 yards, scored 15 TDs and blocked a punt for a team that won eight straight before losing in the D-II quarterfinals.

He said it: "He was the face of our team and the catalyst when we needed him. More important than his numbers was his ability to make plays when it counted – i.e., interception for a TD to beat Sanger; over 100 yards and three TDs to put away Bullard in the second half; a goal-line steal to keep a shutout vs. Edison; caused a fumble and led a defense that held [Memorial's] Chris Brown scoreless; and rushed for over 180 yards against Madera. He could play for any team in the Valley and help out whatever position he played." – Wildcats coach Justin Garza