Top 10 Texas defensive players for 2022 HS football season
AUSTIN, Texas (BVM) — While typically the quarterback or star receiver gets all of the love, the players on the other side of the ball might be as vital but do not receive the same recognition.
Well here is their recognition.
These are the top defensive playmakers in Texas high school football for the 2022 season.
10. Colton Vasek, Sr., Westlake
For Vasek, it runs in the blood. His father, Brian, played at the University of Texas in the early 1990s, but Colton decided to try out the other side of the Red River rivalry with his commitment to Oklahoma. The 6-foot-6, 225-pound edge rusher helped Westlake to a perfect season capped off by a 6A D-II championship. Vasek was named defensive MVP in their title victory.
Newest #Sooners DE commit Colton Vasek (@ColtonVasek) is a future star off the edge. Has the size, quickness and instincts necessary to flourish into an All-Conference edge. @TFB_Sooners pic.twitter.com/LxOBBRlznA
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) August 1, 2022
9. Micah Bell, Sr., The Kinkaid School
Micah’s brother, Dillon, was a Georgia pledge for the 2022 class. Now it’s Micah’s opportunity to show out in his senior year before he heads to Notre Dame. Bell is also his team’s running back outside of being their shutdown corner. In 2021, Bell finished the year with 18 tackles.
2023 Kinkaid CB Micah Bell was flying @Bell11M pic.twitter.com/9u1bQ0a7XP
— Brian Perroni (@Perroni247) June 9, 2021
8. Anthony Hill, Sr., Ryan
The general of the defense at Ryan High School, Hill has turned into a top linebacker in the country. As a junior, he took home the 5-5A-I Co-MVP. He was also recognized as a MaxPreps Junior All-American. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker committed to Texas A&M in July.
Work day! 💪🏾💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/dVRXalA488
— Anthony Hill Jr (@thegoatanthony1) July 19, 2022
7. Tyler Turner, Sr., Brennan
A member of the 29-6A all-district first-team, Turner emerged as arguably the top high school player in the San Antonio area. The 6-foot, 180-pound safety enters the 2022 season as an Oregon recruit. The future Duck finished last year with 133 tackles and will now look to see what he can do for an encore.
@BFNDFball like UTSA remain undefeated. @NISDBrennan Bears defense – Oliver Arrendondo, Troy Gaytan & Tyler Turner – strikes on 1st play. Bears win 63-10 vs. Los Fresnos. @BrennanSerna @Bears_StuCo @NISD_CTE @BrennanBand @brennan_cheer @BrennanJROTC pic.twitter.com/umIDJnanuV
— Brennan TV (@BTVBears) November 21, 2021
6. Malik Muhammad, Sr., South Oak Cliff
In 2021, Muhammad was a big part of South Oak Cliff’s run toward the 5A D-II state title. He had 68 tackles and six pass breakups and will look to continue his dominance this year by locking up his opponent’s No. 1 receiver on a weekly basis. Following the season, Muhammad will be heading to the University of Texas.
Malik Muhammad got some insane ball skills! pic.twitter.com/TpxTLmN4z8
— Hook'em Headlines (@HookemHeadlines) July 21, 2022
5. Javien Toviano, Sr., Martin
In a state class loaded with cornerbacks, Toviano might be the best of the bunch. He put together a great season as a junior in 2021, being selected for the 8-6A all-district first-team. He had 26 tackles and three pass breakups while also rushing for over 400 yards.
It’s this kind of athleticism that makes Javien Toviano one of the best defensive backs in the country.@j_toviano8 pic.twitter.com/zHuZIQAthQ
— Marshall Levenson (@MarshallRivals) August 10, 2022
4. Nigel Smith, Jr. Melissa
While Smith also stars on the basketball court for Melissa high school, Smith has a good chance to go a long way in his football career. Smith finished his sophomore year with 20 tackles for loss and 10 sacks, winning the 7-4A-I Defensive Lineman of the Year. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound edge rusher holds 23 Power 5 offers.
Nigel Smith (@NigelSmith_25) getting after the QB. pic.twitter.com/l51PCM4KF8
— Cole Patterson (@_colepatterson) August 10, 2022
3. Zina Umeozulu, Jr., Allen
Last season, Zina anchored the defensive line, while his older brother, Neto manned left tackle for Allen High School. Now with Neto at the University of Texas, Zina’s impact will be even more important. In 2021, he had 46 tackles along with 10 tackles for loss, being named the 5-6A Defensive Newcomer of the Year. Ranked as the No. 20 player in his class by 247 Sports, he will have two seasons to boost his stock even more.
#Hookem DL target Zina Umeozulu (@zina_umeozulu) working out at Under Armour camp. pic.twitter.com/8Xa6KzVzqd
— Jason Suchomel (@OB_JasonS) March 13, 2022
2. Kobe Black, Jr., Connally
Black broke out as a sophomore last season with 41 tackles and seven pass breakups. He was rewarded with the 9-4A D-II Defensive Newcomer of the Year. The junior cornerback was also rewarded amongst recruiting rankings, sitting at No. 16 in the country. With two more full seasons left at the high school level, Black will have an opportunity to push for that No. 1 spot.
6’1” 2024 Waco Connally CB Kobe Black (@lilkb2xx) is already getting Big 12 interest and it’s not hard to tell why. (Orange cleats) pic.twitter.com/wWkhP0JlJR
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) June 16, 2021
1. David Hicks, Sr., Paetow
One of the most sought-after recruits in the state of Texas, Hicks has become the No. 1 player in the state and the No. 7 player in the entire country. The Paetow star finished last year with 88 tackles, 22 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. He was an easy choice for the 5-6A Defensive MVP. Expect more eye-popping numbers this year from Hicks before he becomes a household name at the collegiate level.
David Hicks at Miami's Paradise Camp. https://t.co/qSRp5eH3TY pic.twitter.com/MDk7BMFDGm
— Andrew Ivins (@Andrew_Ivins) June 27, 2021
