No shortage of defensive skills players in Midlands

This week we talk about the top returning defensive skills players in the Midlands for the upcoming season. This includes linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties. This was the most difficult group to rank with so many notable players.

1. Damani Staley, linebacker, Ridge View – An edge rusher at Ridge View, linebacker is where he will be at the next level – and he’s the best in town.

2. Shaun Moore Jr., safety, Spring Valley – A big, fast and aggressive defender, Moore is strong in pass defense and crushing in run support. Possibly an outside linebacker at the next level.

3. Micah Byrd, linebacker, Blythewood – While undersized in height at 5-foot-8 and 200 pounds, there’s no denying the impact he has with 179 tackles as a junior.

4. Joe Beckett, linebacker, White Knoll – At 6-1, 220, Beckett is a ball hawk from his outside linebacker position and powerful coming off of the edge. Finished with 101 tackles, eight for loss, with three sacks as a junior.

5. Daquan Wells, cornerback, Lexington – Might be the best athlete of the top five. Wells has great hips, instincts and transition speed. Also dangerous on offense.

6. Dinichie Ashe, cornerback, Ridge View – I’ve had this kid in my top players list for two years, and he’s one of the best coverage guys in the state – even at 5-9, 160 pounds. He had 46 tackles and eight interceptions last season.

7. Eric Ricker, safety, Lexington – Ricker at 5-11, 185 is a throwback player – mean, aggressive, fast, instincts and multi-positional skills set. He had 101 tackles and six interceptions, and also is dangerous as a return man.

8. Kerryon Richardson, athlete, Airport – Richardson is a dangerous offensive weapon, but is equally dangerous on defense. He can shut down one side of the field as a corner and isn’t afraid to give strong run support.

9. Lane Botkin, safety, A.C. Flora – Plays the deep middle well, with good vision and instincts. Quick to the ball in run support and good at blowing up routes that come across the middle of the field. Good support over the top.

10. Darryl Camack, linebacker, Fairfield Central – Great motor, very physical, gets through blockers and to the ball well. Very good in lateral pursuit.

This story was originally published May 1, 2016 at 8:22 PM with the headline "No shortage of defensive skills players in Midlands."