Vote now: Midlands high school football 2024 Defensive Player of the Year
It’s time to vote for The State’s 2024 high school football Defensive Player of the Year from Midlands-area teams.
Voting ends at noon Monday, Dec. 23, and the winner will be announced with the all-area football team.
Below are the nominees. You can vote as many times as you would like.
Defensive Player of Year Nominees
Michael Boulware, LB, Gray Collegiate: Junior had 133 tackles (five for loss), five sacks, two caused fumbles and returned a fumble for a touchdown.
Jaiden Bryant, DL, Irmo: Sophomore had 86 tackles (18 for loss), 15.5 sacks, seven pass break-ups and three caused fumbles.
Kellen George, DL, Ben Lippen: Senior had 62 tackles (30 for loss) and 12.5 sacks. Was SCISA 4A Defensive Player of the Year and a finalist for Richland County Football Player of the Year.
Devin Geronomi, DB, White Knoll: Senior had 68 tackles (three for loss), seven interceptions and five passes broken up. Geronomi signed to play with Richmond and was picked to play in the Shrine Bowl all-star game.
Jackson Ross, LB, Hammond: Sophomore had 134 tackles (14 for loss), 12.5 sacks, six pass break-ups, two interceptions, 17 quarterback pressures and three defensive touchdowns.
Elgin Sessions, DB, Dutch Fork: Senior had 43 tackles (four for loss), three interceptions, 14 pass break-ups and blocked two kicks. Signed to play with Georgia Tech and picked to play in the Shrine Bowl.
Josh Smith, LB, Dutch Fork: Senior had a team-high 96 tackles (16 for loss), nine sacks and six quarterback hurries. Signed with South Carolina and picked to selected for the Shrine Bowl.
Willie Smith, LB, Dreher: Senior had 95 tackles and two forced fumbles. On offense, he rushed for 1,192 yards and 21 touchdowns. Was a finalist for Richland County Football Player of the Year.
Chauncey Turner, LB, Fairfield Central: Senior had 120 tackles (15 for loss), six sacks and two interceptions.
This story was originally published December 16, 2024 at 9:37 AM.
