By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
There are many talented defensive players across our coverage area that features more than 60 teams. Below are some of the top defensive players to watch this season
NOTE: Some worthy players may appear on one of our other four football watch lists. A player can only appear on one list.
This watchlist can be found in print in the Fall O-Zone Preview Magazine available this week at all southwest Missouri Casey’s General Stores.
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Andrew Bunn, Bolivar
Few players play as aggressively as Bunn. He’s always attacking downhill and at the line of scrimmage, resulting in 108 tackles and 11 TFLs as a junior. He’s led the team in tackles for each of the last two years, both of which he was also voted team captain. As is a theme in the 2021 class, Bunn also is being heavily recruited.
Zach Coenen, Cassville
A unanimous All-Big 8 pick, Coenen is the conference’s top linebacker, returning after a junior campaign saw him rack up 120 tackles. What makes him so special is his ability to take on blocks, shed blocks and then make a play. Also an all-state wrestler, Coenen currently holds D-II offers from multiple MIAA programs.
Jayce Haven, Thayer
Haven is one of the most decorated defensive players in the area. A four-year starter in the secondary, Haven is coming off another all-state season that saw him rack up 64 tackles and nine interceptions. He already has three All-SCA selections to his credit defensively, but if he duplicates his numbers at quarterback (1,046 rushing yards, 947 passing yards, 27 total touchdowns), he could make a strong play for Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year.
Vance Mullins, Strafford
Mullins is a pure ball hawk. His junior year, he tallied 53 tackles and seven interceptions. Offensively, he added 514 receiving yards on 44 catches with 10 total touchdowns, three of which came on the defensive side of the ball. His ability to convert turnovers into points is rare. A move to quarterback won’t keep him from being a defensive terror.
Treghan Parker, Webb City
His highlight tape is a career compilation for most kids. He’s in the mold of Webb City greats like Alex Gaskill and Kolesen Crane in that he makes plays all over the field, sideline to sideline. He finished his junior season with 91 tackles and six interceptions, leading to a host of offers in both football and baseball. He’ll be in the hunt for COC and Class 4 Defensive POY.
Titus Seley, West Plains
He plays football as if he’s a hammer and everything else is a nail. Seley has a motor that is off the charts and a freakish explosiveness to make him even more dangerous. He ended his junior year with 140 tackles, 11 TFLs and four PBUs. He will transition to a role as a feature back this fall, but don’t expect his defensive numbers to fall off.
Ray Villalta, Monett
He’s the reigning Big 8 Defensive POY and an absolute monster in the trenches. Another two-way starter, he dominates 1-on-1s, still beats double teams and has no problem chasing plays down the field. He’s is equally as good against the run as he is rushing the passer. His dominance earned him a spot on the Class 3 All-State team.
DJ Witt, Carthage
Witt is one of those hybrid safeties who can line up in the box or in space, equally plugging the run as well as breaking up pass attempts. He totaled 126 tackles and a pair of interceptions as a junior, earning All-COC and all-state honors. Witt is receiving a bevy of D-II interest.
Others to Watch
Bode Abraham, Buffalo
Riley Childs, Nixa
Cannon Cox, Ozark
Jericho Farris, Cassville
Joel Kleeman, Miller
Kaden Klineline, Marionville
Scott Lowe, Joplin
Drew McBride, Lebanon
Logan Primanzon, Cabool
Boone Shevey, Kickapoo
