By Gabe Camarillo
To celebrate the 2022 Central Section high school football kickoff, I pooled together the responses I received from social media, along with my original selections, and created an individual look at the best players at each position inside the section.
From Madera to Clovis, Fresno to Visalia, and Bakersfield to San Luis Obispo, I compiled 140 Central Section football players divided into eight position groups:
- Quarterback (23)
- Running back (17)
- Wide receiver (23)
- Tight end (8)
- Offensive/defensive line (26)
- Linebackers (23)
- Defensive backs (20)
- Kickers (3)
If you add it up, it computes to 143. That’s because of the several who play offense and defense, three seniors stood out among the rest and earned recognition in two position groups. These players are:
- RB/SS Brandon Ramirez of San Joaquin Memorial
- DE/TE Jaeden Moore of Central Valley Christian
- CB/WR Kresean Kizzy of Liberty High School (Bakersfield)
That’s not to mention a couple of guys who would’ve made both top offensive and defensive line lists if they were separated. Before we dive into the ESPN Fresno 140, featuring 140 high school football players to watch out for in the Central Section, I want to thank everyone who replied or messaged me on social media with nominations. They helped make this list happen.
Lastly, there are more than 140 amazing football players in the Central Section. I look forward to adding more names and schools to my radar as the season develops.
Quarterbacks:
Jayden Mandal, Buchanan, Sr.
Mandal is committed to play for Coach Jeff Tedford and the Fresno State Bulldogs next fall. Before that, he looks to help the Bears capture the elusive Central Section championship. All Mandal does is win; he is 8-0 in the TRAC as starting quarterback.
Dayton Tafoya, Central, Sr.
In Year 1 at Central, Tafoya surpassed 2,000 passing yards and tossed 23 touchdowns. His senior year goal is to bring the Grizzlies back to their 6th straight Central Section title game, this time with a different outcome in mind. He’s the conductor of a very explosive Grizzlies offense.
Darian Mensah, St. Joseph, Sr.
Mensah is one of the most athletically gifted quarterbacks in the section. At 6-3 and 215 pounds, Mensah can make multiple types of throws, as evident in the narrow playoff loss to Bullard last fall.
Cayden Muir, Hanford, Sr.
Muir passed for 2,259 yards and 26 touchdowns last year. He is destined for larger numbers in 2022 with his offensive line back and another year of tutelage under former Hanford great and current head coach Cannon Sanchez.
Max Bakker, Central Valley Christian, Sr.
Bakker displayed excellence as a junior with 2,635 passing yards and 31 touchdowns. He also embodied calm under pressure as he guided the title-winning FG drive to beat Bakersfield Christian in the Division III championship game.
Carmine Ficher, Tulare Western, Sr.
Ficher’s throwing motion is effortless, and he made it look easy last year with 2,533 passing yards and 23 touchdowns. Ficher is positioned nicely to top those numbers with three of his top five targets back, including his younger brother Malachi.
Carson Dean, Memorial, Sr.
Dean will stand out, literally and figuratively, as the new 6-4, 190-pound quarterback for the Panthers. With so many offensive weapons at his disposal, Dean is primed for a breakout senior year.
Ty Chambers, Lemoore, Sr.
Chambers moves well in the pocket, extends plays with his legs, and throws on the run with accuracy. He ran head coach Rich Tuman’s spread offense to the tune of 1,272 passing yards, 430 rushing yards, and 24 total touchdowns (19 passing, 5 rushing).
Tye Monteiro, Bakersfield, Sr.
Monteiro won a Central Section championship last year… in wrestling at 182 pounds. He finished as state finalist in the same weight class. The dynamic athlete passed for 1,751 yards and rushed for 610 yards (8.2 yards per carry) on the gridiron.
Ya’J Vance, Edison, Sr.
In nine games, Vance passed for 2,141 yards and 21 touchdowns. Vance is very underrated and the best returning starter in the County-Metro Athletic Conference (CMAC). In his third year in Coach Stamps’ offense, expect Vance to light up scoreboards this fall.
Tanner Wilson, Sunnyside, So.
Wilson played with moxie as a freshman and led the Wildcats to a North Yosemite League title. The reigning NYL Player of the Year passed for 3,260 yards and 31 touchdowns last year. He holds an offer from San Jose State.
Tyler Patrick, Clovis West, Jr.
Patrick is committed to Fresno State for baseball, a catcher/pitcher for father Kevin’s Clovis West baseball team. A strong arm is needed for both baseball positions, so it’s no surprise that Patrick possesses one of the best arms in town at quarterback.
Colby White, Mission Prep, Sr.
White quarterbacked the run-heavy Mission Prep offense with precision and big play ability. White threw 1,369 passing yards (17.6 yards/completion) and 17 touchdowns last year. His top three targets return.
Nicky Johnson, Morro Bay, Sr.
One of the best arms on the Central Coast, Johnson passed for 3,104 yards and 34 touchdowns as he guided the Pirates to the Division-VI championship.
Devin Salcedo, Sanger, Sr.
Sanger head coach Matt Logue said it best about Salcedo: “An absolute stud, leader, the type of kid you want to play quarterback and safety. He’ll be the quarterback on both sides of the ball.”
Ethan Winslow, Kingsburg, Sr.
Winslow started the first seven games last year before he went down with injury against CVC. The sturdy 6-2 quarterback has a cannon for an arm, which he also uses to pitch for the Vikings baseball team. He is committed to Cal State Fullerton on the diamond.
Max Warkentin, Kingsburg, Jr.
What, another Kingsburg quarterback? Yes, the Vikings are the only program with two QB’s here because Warkentin stepped up as a sophomore and led his team to the D-II semifinals. He played his best in the biggest games (318 yards, 4 TDs in playoff win over Mission Oak).
Mario Cosma, Clovis North, Jr.
Last year, Cosma led Roosevelt to the Division-IV semifinals and named first team NYL as a sophomore. He is now at Clovis North and reunited with his former head coach, currently offensive coordinator, Vince Branstetter.
Five young guns to watch:
Ty Miller, Clovis East So.
Payton van Worth, Dos Palos Jr.
Caleb Matthews, Garza So.
Josh Madrigal, Bullard So.
Deagen Rose, Clovis Fr.
Running backs:
Tybo Rogers, Bakersfield, Sr.
No need to mince words: Rogers is the best high school running back in California. Committed to Washington, the 5-11, 180-pound Rogers combines tackle-breaking power with next-level speed. He lines up often at wide receiver, adding another twist for defenses trying to contain him. Rogers rushed for 1,246 yards last season.
Brandon Ramirez, San Joaquin Memorial, Sr.
Described by opponents as “big, fast and elusive,” Ramirez averaged 9.7 yards per carry and rushed for 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns last year. The senior has some serious speed; he broke Jalen McMillan’s 100-meter dash record at San Joaquin Memorial.
Jalen Hankins, Liberty-Bakersfield, Sr.
Hankins rushed for 1,256 touchdowns and 19 touchdowns for the defending D-I champs. He saved his best for the playoffs – four TD’s against Clovis and two against Central in the championship game. He ended the season with four 100-yard games in his final five.
Bryson Donelson, Central Valley Christian, Jr.
Last year, Donelson burst onto the scene with close to 1,400 rushing yards in eight games at El Diamante. Now at Central Valley Christian, Donelson will sit out the first five games, but upon his return, he will continue to turn heads with his play. He holds offers from Fresno State, New Mexico, and San Jose State.
Michael Runnels, Buchanan, Sr.
Last season, Runnels served as the lightning to Caden Rodgers’ thunder in the backfield. Runnels is the lead running back now, and he is gifted with elite speed and solid pass-catching skills.
Hunter Babb, Caruthers, Jr.
Babb carried the rock for 1,256 yards and 19 touchdowns as a sophomore. Babb is gifted at shedding tackles and fighting for the extra yard, making him one of the hardest players to stop at the goal line.
Drew Harrigan, Mission Prep, Jr.
Harrigan earned all-state sophomore honors for his breakout campaign that included 728 rushing yards (nine yards/carry) and seven touchdowns. Running behind one of the biggest offensive lines in the section, Harrigan is set up to match – or exceed – those totals.
Josh Vega, Washington Union, Sr.
Vega packs an explosive first step which will allow him to blow by defenders this season. Rushing for 758 yards as a junior, Vega is a slippery runner difficult to bring down.
Trace Jackson, Kingsburg, Sr.
Jackson is a senior standout on both sides of the football, but his exploits on offense deserve special recognition. He rumbled for 993 yards and 12 touchdowns last year.
McKay Madsen, Clovis North, So.
If you’re not familiar with Madsen, you soon will be. The strong sophomore was a state finalist in boys’ discus throw and shot put, and he is one of the most physically imposing running backs in his class at 6-2 and 215 pounds… and growing. He moves to mike linebacker as well.
Aidan Fortenberry, Clovis West, Sr.
Fortenberry picks up yards between the tackles with his bruising running style. He played a key role in the SJM offense last year, supplying the power run game with 332 yards (five yards/carry). He is a valuable asset to keep defenses honest against the Clovis West offense.
Nick Stubblefield, Bullard, Jr.
With the two top rushers from last year gone, the stage is set for Stubblefield to lead the charge in the backfield. The football/baseball star rushed for 385 yards (5.8 yards/carry) and six touchdowns as a sophomore.
Carter Vargas, St. Joseph, Jr.
Vargas returns as starting running back at St. Joseph. He is a big-play threat every time he touches the ball, due in part to his acceleration once he reaches the second level of defense. He is receiving interest from several colleges and could earn his first offer this season.
Lamaj Travis, Clovis East, Sr.
Travis is a workhouse running back who will display his incredible breakaway speed that also makes him a kickoff return specialist. One of Travis’ best games last year was a 119-yard performance against Buchanan.
Alex Perch, Redwood, Jr.
Perch is expected to take the next step and become “the guy” in the backfield. Last year, he rushed for 280 yards and hauled in 10 catches for 122 yards.
Nehemiah White, Fresno, Sr.
When you watch White on film, it looks like you accidentally hit fast forward. That’s how quick, agile, and slippery he runs. White has speed to turn the corner and leave the defense in the dust.
Jordan Stewart, McLane, Sr.
Stewart stood out at Bullard and helped the Knights to the D-II championship with his 429 rushing yards (2nd-best on team) and four touchdowns. Now at McLane, he will fuel the Highlanders’ ground attack.
Wide receiver:
Ladanian Streets, Central, Sr.
Streets was the top target in the dynamic Central offense last year as he collected 578 yards and nine touchdown catches. The jump-ball specialist leads a loaded WR room.
Marshel Sanders, Clovis West, Jr.
Sanders makes his first appearance here at wide receiver, where he starred as a sophomore with 1,028 yards and eight touchdowns. Like Streets, he’s not the only outstanding talent at his position on the team.
CJ Jones, Sunnyside, So.
Jones was a phenom freshman as he racked up 819 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. At 6-2 and 180 pounds, he is rapidly developing his game and receiving offers from Colorado State and San Jose State.
Bryson Waterman, Bakersfield Christian, Sr.
Teaming up with brother Braden last year, the Waterman QB-WR combo combined for 1,059 yards and 13 touchdowns through the air. Bryson holds a few FCS offers along with Florida State.
Braylen Hall, Central, Jr.
Hall stepped up immediately as a freshman in the spring season, leading the team in receptions. He carried that momentum into the fall with 377 receiving yards and three scores. He is a very reliable target at Tafoya’s disposal.
Landon Wright, Clovis West, Jr.
Wright is hearing from several Power 5 programs – and for good reason. The three-star wideout finished last season with 518 yards and five touchdowns.
Jordan Pierro, Clovis West, Jr.
Rounding out the trio of Clovis West receivers, Pierro is a slot maven with a special ability to pick up large chunks of yards after catch. It is a case of “pick your poison” with the Golden Eagles’ receivers.
Malachi Barnes, Sunnyside, So.
Speaking of trios, Sunnyside has a very talented and relatively young version with QB Wilson, Jones, and Barnes. Barnes demands the defense’s attention with his speed; he recorded 34 receptions for 467 yards.
Kresean Kizzy, Liberty-Bakersfield, Sr.
Kizzy’s acceleration is next-level, an attribute which helps him with yards after catch and kick/punt returns. His talents will be on full display with the top two receivers from a year ago graduating.
Conner McFall, Kingsburg, Sr.
McFall is coming off a junior season in which he recorded 556 yards and six touchdowns. At 6-3 and 180 pounds with sure hands, he presents a tough matchup for any defense.
Jayden Sudds, Hanford, Sr.
Sudds will play a pivotal part in the high-speed Hanford offense, serving as Muir’s No. 1 target this year. He made 28 catches for 463 yards as a junior.
Kenny Jackson, Mission Oak, Jr.
Jackson is versatile as a star safety, but his catching skills get the nod here. His return will help bring along a new quarterback for the Hawks. Listed as an athlete on 247Sports, Jackson was invited to the high school National All-American Combine in San Antonio.
Noah Taylor, Washington Union, Sr.
Like Jackson, Taylor will assist with a new starting quarterback coming in. He is the top returning wideout from last year as he collected 32 catches, 560 yards, and five touchdowns. Taylor is also an outstanding cornerback.
Jamar Howard, Mission Prep, Sr.
The 6-4 wideout collected 494 yards and four touchdowns, one of two major targets returning for Mission Prep this fall.
Ramon Ruiz, SJM, Sr.
Transferring to San Joaquin Memorial from Madera, Ruiz led the Coyotes last season in receptions (18) and yards (253).
Colton O’Toole, Buchanan, Sr.
O’Toole makes a position change from quarterback to wide receiver, but his chemistry with Mandal, combined with his superb athleticism, makes this an easy adjustment.
AJ Hernandez, Tulare Union, So.
Hernandez is the next big thing to come out of Tulare Union, a young 6-1 wide receiver who played up on varsity last year.
Bryson Baker, Sanger, So.
Baker gained some buzz among local fans and college recruiters with his highlight-reel catches on the 7-on-7 circuit. With an experienced quarterback at the helm, it is Baker’s time to shine on Friday nights.
Wendell Ware, Bullard, Jr.
Ware is a vital offensive weapon for the Knights as he brings back the most receiving yards of all the returners. He will start at both wide receiver and cornerback.
Collin Fasse, St. Joseph, Jr.
Fasse was an all-league selection last season. He will help ease the loss of top receiver Travis Royal (graduated). Fasse has interest from Cal, Fresno State, and Washington.
Mason Tapia, Frontier, Sr.
Tapia can win one-on-one matchups with his blend of strength and size at 6-2 and 180 pounds. The receivers look strong for the Titans, especially Tapia – 24 receptions, 368 yards last year.
Khalil Yalong, Reedley, Sr.
Yalong can pick up the big play, averaging 18 yards per catch last season. He totaled 367 yards and three touchdowns, both team-highs.
Harold Duvall, Clovis East, So.
Duvall is one to watch not just this year but the next few. Duvall and Miller, both Class of 2025 standouts with D-I offers already under their belt, will lead a rebranding of the Clovis East program under head coach Brandon Nagle.
Tight ends:
Jaeden Moore, Central Valley Christian, Sr.
Moore is so multi-skilled that he could’ve probably received D-I offers for being a tight end alone. Last year, Moore paced the Cavaliers with 975 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.
Jaxton Santiago, Centennial, Jr.
Santiago should be on the radar for Power 5 programs by now, but if not, he will be after his junior year. Last year, the 6-5, 220-pound Santiago hauled in 32 catches, 632 yards, and six TD’s (19 yards/catch).
Tyler Garrett, Mission Prep, Sr.
The 6-5, 190 pound Garrett was among the state’s leaders for touchdowns by a tight end last year. He recorded 20 yards per catch on his way to 25 receptions, 513 yards, and 10 TD’s.
Landon Almeida, Caruthers, Sr.
Almeida stands at 6-1 and 210 lbs and serves the dual role of tight ends well. Not only does he pave the way for Babb, but Almeida is a prolific pass catcher – 28 receptions, 522 yards, and nine TD’s last year.
Damian Santos, Arroyo Grande, Sr.
In the fall, Santos led all Eagle pass catchers with 41 catches, 749 yards, and seven touchdowns. Listed at tight end by local media, he could also line up at wide receiver.
Jack Petrissans, Garza, Jr.
The son of coach George Petrissans, Jake stands at 6-3 and 213 pounds. He showcased an ability to win one-on-one matchups over spring and summer 7-on-7, showing promise for the fall.
Zach Zwart, Central Valley Christian, Sr.
At 6-3 and 210 pounds, Zwart forms a powerful combo with Moore to bookend the offensive and defensive lines as a TE/DE hybrid. He was near the top of the team leaderboards with 28 catches (3rd), 303 yards (3rd), and four TDs (2nd).
Kyle Hughes, Bullard, Sr.
Hughes will line up at defensive end and tight end, too, providing a key physical presence for the Knights on both fronts. He could blossom into a big target in the red zone.
Offensive/defensive linemen:
Grant Buckey, Liberty-Bakersfield, Sr.
If we separated the offensive and defensive line categories, Buckey would be in both. The three-star defensive end committed to USC over the offseason.
Jaeden Moore, Central Valley Christian, Sr.
Moore led the Central Section in three defensive categories – tackles (155), tackles for loss (30), and sacks (17.5). The defensive end recently committed to Oregon.
RJ Esmon, Mission Prep, Sr.
Esmon is an elite left tackle at 6-7 and 250 pounds, receiving offers from nearby Cal Poly, Nevada, and San Jose State.
Marquise Jones, SJM, Sr.
Jones led the Panthers in sacks last year with five. The 6-2, 255-pound defensive lineman has offers from Nevada and Utah State with hometown Fresno State looking to jump in the mix.
Elijah Eason, Bullard, Sr.
Eason held his own against the state’s best offensive linemen at offseason recruiting camps. He takes his explosive edge rushing from Edison to Bullard.
Elijah Harvey, Washington Union, Sr.
Harvey will stick out on the football field – and to opposing defensive ends – at 6-4 and 230 pounds. His interior presence greatly opens the Washington Union offense.
Davis May, Garces, Sr.
May is 6-4 and 300 pounds of interior line muscle. He will make life easier for the new starting quarterback and running back on the Rams.
Roman Fries, Buchanan, Sr.
Fries is a very proficient run stopping defensive tackle for the Bears, and he will double as an interior offensive lineman.
Makai Sat (Sr.), Erwin Taomi (Sr.), and Jorge Hernandez (Jr.), St. Joseph
Central Coast power St. Joseph has three massive linemen who get a shoutout. Sat (6-2, 315 pounds, Taomi (6-5, 350 pounds), and Hernandez (6-0, 305 pounds) will move piles.
Chase Womack, Central Valley Christian, Sr.
At 6-7 and 300 pounds, Womack is the standout performer on an offensive line featuring lots of depth
Dominic Castanon, Central, Sr.
As the center, Castanon is the heartbeat of the offensive line, and he brings veteran leadership to the position.
Caleb Noeske, Central Valley Christian, Jr.
The guard/defensive tackle provides more beef on the lines. If you’re keeping count, that is four Cavaliers on the tight ends & lines lists.
Gabe Rodriguez, Mission Prep, Jr.
An offensive guard and nose guard, Rodriguez pairs nicely with Esmon to create holes for Harrigan to run through, as well as give White time to make plays down the field.
Cade Gretlein, Liberty-Bakersfield, Sr.
Similar to his teammate Buckey, Gretlein would have been on separate offensive line and defensive line lists. The 6-4, 280-pound Gretlein is just that good at both his duties, offensive guard and edge rusher.
Shondrick Smallwood, Central, So.
Look out for Smallwood, who already looks like a veteran defensive tackle with his 6-2 and 290-pound frame. He could step in and immediately make an impact as a defensive line disruptor, filling the role left by graduated edge rusher Jeremiah Shelton.
DeSean Watts, Clovis West, Sr.
The 6-2, 295-pound Watts strengthens both lines for the Golden Eagles and fills a need on the team. Last season, he collected 6.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks at Bullard.
Jose Isaiah Morales, Lemoore, Sr.
Morales put together a strong junior campaign, highlighted by four sacks and winning WYL Lineman of the Year. He becomes a senior leader on the offensive and defensive lines.
Kai Preisendorf, Redwood, Jr.
Preisendorf looks to build upon a breakout sophomore season at defensive end. His 11 sacks last year were top 5 in the Central Section and second-best among returners, behind only Jaeden Moore.
Joseph Harris, Mission Oak, Sr.
Right behind Preisendorf on the sack leaderboard was Harris, another Tulare County defensive line star. Harris averaged a sack per game and finished with nine on the year.
Tovie Martin, Clovis, Sr.
Martin looks to bounce back from an injury that sidelined him for a portion of the 2021 fall season. A two-star edge rusher and tight end, Martin is a physical presence at 6-4 and 245 pounds.
Max Juarez, Liberty-Bakersfield, Sr.
The 6-0, 295-pound Juarez also missed time last season due to injury, but he returns healthy and ready to join Buckey, Gretlein, and Co. on the defensive line. He is a defensive/nose tackle.
Jonathan Ybarra, Sanger, So.
Ybarra is among the more notable standouts from his class at 6-2 and 280 pounds. Able to switch between tackle and guard on the offensive line, Ybarra can move older guys off the ball.
Jeramy Calvillo, Central, Sr.
Calvillo, similar to Castanon, will provide critical senior leadership and experience on the offensive line. The duo line up next to each other on the interior line.
Sam Rodriguez, Reedley, Sr.
Rodriguez helped block for 2,000-yard rusher Ryan Warkentin last season and returns on a Pirates offensive line expected to be strong yet again this year.
Linebackers:
Logan Studt, Buchanan, Jr.
Studt came onto the scene as a freshman starter whom coaches lauded for embracing the physicality of the position. That hasn’t changed. Studt, now the veteran, enters his junior year holding offers from Fresno State and Washington.
Will Henderson, Immanuel, Sr.
The son of head coach Josh, Will was an All-State performer last year. He recorded a whopping 123 tackles (85 solo). As a fullback, he will be a handful for anyone else to tackle.
Ryan Brown, Washington Union, Jr.
Brown is one-half of a formidable linebacker duo in Easton. Brown is the top returning tackler with 120 stops. He also created negative plays in the backfield, totaling 12 tackles for loss.
Kado Felder, Washington Union, Jr.
The other half of that duo with Brown, Felder is a fantastic playmaker on defense. He owned 105 tackles and 16 tackles for loss as a sophomore.
Noah Luginbill, Clovis, Jr.
Luginbill led the TRAC in tackles last season with 136. The 6-0, 170-pound junior is coming off a first team All-TRAC season.
Jackson Provensal, Liberty-Bakersfield, Sr.
Provensal is the typical hard-hitting defender that Liberty High produces. He is their top returning linebacker statistically, with 79 tackles and six tackles for loss as a junior.
Beckam Nilsson, Liberty-Bakersfield, Sr.
Nilsson, along with Provensal, will fill holes left by departed linebackers Will Kanavalov and Riley Hernandez. The 6-2, 225-pound Nilsson is up to the task.
Jalani Smith, Garces, Sr.
Smith is a quick linebacker who flies to the football, often in the opposing backfield last season. He tallied 17 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks and often lined up on the edge.
Vince Oberti, Liberty-Madera, Sr.
Oberti owned the second-most tackles for loss in the Central Section last season with 21. He was – and still is – one of the most fearsome run stoppers in the North Valley.
Brak Hill, Hanford, Sr.
Hill is the top defensive returner for the Bullpups. He returns from a solid junior campaign in which he collected 66 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks.
Tytus Khajavi, Clovis West, Jr.
Khajavi brings the physicality no matter what sport he plays, where he brings down a rebound on the hardwood or stuffs the run on the gridiron. Khajavi earned 2nd team All-TRAC honors last season.
Caleb Shelton/Nathan Benjamin, Central, Sr.
Shelton brings back experience as a starter last season, and Benjamin was one of Edison’s leading tacklers as well. Both guys will bring speed and aggressiveness to the outside linebacker spots.
Mario & David Luera, Mission Prep, Sr.
The Luera twins were double trouble for offenses last season; Mario shined as an all-league selection with 70 tackles and 13 tackles for loss, and David had 53 stops and eight for loss.
SJM trio: Jayden Enriquez, Brandon & Jacob Rangel, Sr.
The Lueras aren’t the only twins worth mentioning in the Central Section. The Rangel twins are hard hitters, too, and Enriquez rounds out one of the deepest linebacker corps in the Valley.
Blake Gambini, Central Valley Christian, Sr.
Gambini will see some work at running back, but with RB/LB Josh Sousa and LB/DE Levi DeJong now departed, his contributions on both ends are even more critical to the Cavs.
Drahcir Mackey, Bakersfield, Jr.
Mackey is big, fast, and athletic at 5-8 and 205 pounds, doubling as the No. 2 running back/fullback behind Rogers.
David Bonales, Bakersfield Christian, Sr.
One of Bonales’ strengths as a linebacker is speed. He was one of the Eagles’ most reliable tacklers last season. He posted the second-most stops on the team, 74, 54 of them solo.
Brian Monighetti, Righetti, Sr.
Monighetti plays inside linebacker for the defending D-V champion Righetti Warriors. Head coach Tony Payne calls the senior standout “a tackle machine” who gets around the ball quickly.
Rocky Koontz, Clovis East, Sr.
Koontz uses his brute strength at 6-3 and 220 pounds to do two things – win wrestling matches on the mat and capture opponents in the backfield. He will also line up at tight end this season.
Secondary:
Imari Conley, Central, Sr.
A Fresno State commit, Conley emerged as a lockdown cornerback in the playoffs when he held SJM’s TJ Hall to one catch for seven yards while guarding him. His speed, which helped Central win a state track championship, made him a dangerous kick/punt returner.
Kresean Kizzy, Liberty-Bakersfield, Sr.
Kizzy appears again on this list because of his elite man-to-man coverage skills. His speed has already been mentioned, but his three interceptions against tough opponents speak volumes. Offered by Cal Poly and San Jose State, Kizzy looks to fill the starring WR/CB role last held by Jason Oliver.
Brandon Ramirez, SJM, Sr.
Ramirez is also listed twice and for good reason. One of the most physical safeties in the state, he led the Panthers with 89 tackles last season. He is offered by Colorado and Fresno State among others.
William Fowler IV, Washington Union, Sr.
Fowler filled the stat sheet in his junior year and looks to do the same. He tallied 90 tackles, three safeties, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble.
Dezjour Malone, Edison, So.
Malone scored in every varsity game his freshman year. He competes in all three phases of the game – wide receiver, cornerback, and punt returner. Head coach Mike Stamps said, “When the ball is in the air, it is his.”
Donovan Harris, SJM, Sr.
Harris came down with two interceptions a year ago and ended the season on First Team All-CMAC. His capability, which comes in handy with his track & field career, plays a key role in his defense at cornerback.
Jason Poole, Immanuel, Sr.
Poole tied for second in the Central Section with five interceptions at Immanuel. The 6-3 cornerback used his long frame to add five pass deflections as well.
Rashid Mansour, Clovis North, Sr.
Mansour devoted his offseason to expanding his role as wide receiver. His defensive prowess was never a question as his speed and instincts made him a natural fit at cornerback.
Caleb Irigoyen, Kingsburg, Sr.
Irigoyen can impact the game in multiple ways. He was named First Team All-CSL Special Teams, and he led the Vikings with seven pass deflections at cornerback.
Kaleb Tennison, Central, Sr.
Tennison snagged two interceptions last year. His good hands on defense will translate nicely to his new position – wide receiver – in addition to his safety duties.
Eddie Torres, Bullard, Sr.
Torres was a stingy defensive back last year, whether at corner or safety. His six interceptions led the Central Section. He will replace Brian Garcia as the do-it-all Bullard safety to watch this season.
Vincent Rivera, Fowler, Sr.
Rivera has been named first team all-league twice, once at linebacker and again at defensive back last year. The three-year varsity starter intercepted five passes at safety.
Vincent Cordoba, Clovis North, Jr.
Cordoba picked up four interceptions last season, tied for third best in Valley. He spent his offseason getting faster on the track, which helps him at free safety and receiver.
John Appleton, Frontier, Sr.
Appleton recorded 33 tackles and two pass deflections as the Titans’ free safety last season.
Julian Smith, Garces, Sr.
Smith, who is offered by Wisconsin and San Jose State at safety, put together a productive junior season – 40 tackles and three for loss.
Caleb Reiswig, Liberty-Bakersfield, Sr.
The senior strong safety made 55 tackles and two interceptions last year. He is expected to step up in the absence of graduated safety Luke Wattenbarger.
Gavin Jensen, Kingsburg, Jr.
Jensen is a rising star who came up clutch as a sophomore when he deflected Dinuba’s two-point conversion pass to seal an important rivalry win.
George Kardashian, Mission Prep, Sr.
Kardashian contributed in the Royals’ secondary by adding 42 tackles and three tackles for loss to the ledger.
Rio Sanchez, Redwood, Sr.
A senior leader on the Rangers’ defense, Sanchez is among the top three returning tacklers. Redwood will look very familiar on defense with lots of experience coming back on that end.
Nick Sandoval, Clovis East, Jr.
Sandoval is a Timberwolf to watch with his track star speed at safety.
Kickers:
Grant Meadors, Liberty-Bakersfield, Sr.
Johnny Enriquez, Clovis West, Jr.
Alex Asparuhov, SJM, So.
