Starters for El Dorado’s defense set
El Dorado promises a fast defensive unit this season. The speed at linebacker and in the secondary, however, has to be unlocked by the big Wildcats up front. Defensive coordinator Trey Outlaw believes he has both talent and depth in the trenches this season.
“We have had a great fall camp at all positions. The depth chart is really starting to take place and we definitely have guys who can step in and not miss a beat if someone needs a rest or unfortunately an injury takes place,” said Outlaw. “We have three defensive ends who could start on any team with Josh Hill, Damarian Rester and Ahmayus Young. We also have seniors Cameron Margis and Dylan Avant who will see some action on Friday nights as well.
“Takoi Steward and Javeon Carroll have had great fall camps for sophomores and could help build depth as the season goes. At nose we have some really good options with Hayden Owen anchoring that spot. He is a load to handle and benches well over 300 pounds. Sophomore Nick Wilson will spell him this year. Nick is really explosive and has one of the best first steps on the team. We will also play Josh Hill at nose some as well. He causes problems for linemen with his athleticism.”
Junior Patrick Sixbey moved from fullback to linebacker in the spring and could be a rock in the middle surrounded by speed.
“At first glance, our three linebackers look good in a suit. All three are over six-feet and two of them, Javen Steward and Pat Sixbey are in the ballpark of 230 to 240 pounds. Jyrin (Steward) is over 200 pounds as well and can flat out fly. Bradley Claypoole can play all three linebacker spots as well as a fourth spot when teams go bigger personnel. Bradley is one of the smartest players I’ve ever coached. He understands schemes and puts us in the right positions. Justice Davis is another guy who can play all three positions and has been getting the reps as the fourth linebacker this week in practice. Justice is as fast as any safety we have and runs really well for his size. I believe he ran a 40 in the 4.7-4.8s when we tested a couple of weeks ago.”
The secondary should be versatile with players being asked to support against the run while manning up on receivers during passing downs.
The unit is led by, perhaps, the best player on the team in junior corner Mario Ganter, who had a breakout season as a sophomore.
“As far as the secondary goes, we have to start with Mario Ganter,” said Outlaw. “He has been able to put every receiver on an island this year so far. He truly is a D1 corner. I hear our offensive coaches talk about how good he is all the time. Mario had a great Purple and White game that included a pick-6.
“KD Dismuke has solidified the other corner position. He has been a great surprise for us this year. Hollis McCuien and PJ Denkins will start for us at the safety positions this season.
“Hollis is a hitter and likes to come down in the run game. He is a weapon we can use to play both the run and pass and gives us the creativity to be able to blitz him when we want to. PJ is a great centerfielder with sideline-to-sideline speed.
“Marqueez Waller will be our starting bandit. Marqueez started off fall camp as a potential starting corner opposite of Mario but he has shown the ability to be a big hitter and play the run especially well, so it was a no brainer to move him to our nickel back position which plays in the box at times.
“Waller will see some time at corner as well. Waylon Snowden will play both corner and safety for us. Waylon has an eye for the ball and may be the smoothest secondary player we have on the team. Rakel Williams will play a lot for us this year as well. Rakel is versatile and can play both safety positions as well as nickel.”