With 1,745 yards and 34 touchdowns in the regular season, Aledo (Texas) running back Johnathan Gray proved he was the most dominant sophomore in the state.
Johnathan Gray rushed for four touchdowns in the 4A-II semifinal
against Denison.
Photo by Kyle Dantzler
But with 925 yards and 11 touchdowns in the playoffs, he proved he was the most outstanding sophomore in the country.
The 5-foot-10, 185-pound running back is the MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year, after carrying Aledo to a 4A-II title and posting astonishing numbers in the process.
Gray carried the ball 350 times for 2,670 yards and 45 scores. He was also a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield, accounting for 29 catches, 457 receiving yards and eight touchdown grabs. In Aledo's semifinal game against Denison, Gray rushed 27 times for 183 yards and four scores. In the state final against Brenham, Gray elevated his play to another level, erupting for 251 yards and four more touchdowns on 31 touches.
It was Gray's outstanding postseason spree that allowed him to capture the award over Hopewell (Aliquippa, Pa.) running back Rushel Shell, Kenton (Ohio) quarterback Maty Mauk, and Hillcrest (Springfield, Mo.) wide receiver Dorial Green.
First Team Offense
WR Dorial Green, 6-5, 200, Hillcrest (Springfield, Mo.)
With 1,616 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns on 66 catches, Green may have deserved a spot on the overall All-American team as a sophomore. He was a first-team 4A selection in Missouri, and shaping up to be a mega-recruit.
Josh Weeks, WR, 6-4, 190, Show Low (Ariz.)
It was Weeks who stole the spotlight from fellow 2012 star Davonte' Neal, also a wide out, with an enormous sophomore campaign. An all-Arizona selection by the Arizona Republic, Weeks finished with 47 receptions for 1,223 yards and 15 TDs.
Jordan Payton, WR, 6-2, 190, Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.)
For a powerful Oaks Christian squad, Payton, a two-year starter, added 45 catches for 1,088 yards and 15 scores.
Jordan Payton is the next star at Oaks Christian (Westlake Village,
Calif.).
Photo by Kirby Lee
Reggie Ragland, TE, 6-4, 200, Bob Jones (Madison, Ala.)
A gifted athlete who also stars in basketball, Ragland was a 6A first-team all-state selection after helping lead Bob Jones to an 11-2 record before a late ankle injury slowed him in the playoffs.
Arik Armstead, OL, 6-5, 240, Pleasant Grove (Elk Grove, Calif.)
Armstead was a second-team Delta River-Delta Valley selection after transferring from Jesuit (Sacramento, Calif.) in the offseason. He also was valuable on defense, accumulating 39 tackles, two sacks and four pass deflections.
Andrus Peat, OL, 6-5, 225, Corona del Sol (Tempe, Ariz.)
The son of former Arizona Cardinal Todd Peat, Andrus was a difference-maker as a sophomore, allowing him to grab offers from several Division I programs.
Avery Young, OL, 6-5, 280, Palm Beach Gardens (Fla.)
Young was a 6A all-area selection for Palm Beach Gardens, and is making a name for himself as one of the nation's premier young tackles.
Cody Waldrop, OL, 6-3, 210, Armwood (Seffner, Fla.)
An all-Hillsborough County pick, Waldrop opened up holes for an Armwood offense that rolled up over 2,000 yards on the ground.
Joshua Garnett, OL, 6-4, 260, Puyallup (Wash.)
It was an impressive debut season for Garnett, who was a first-team all-league selection in his first year playing varsity. Garnett also earned second-team all-league honors for his work on defense.
Maty Mauk, QB, 6-2, 185, Kenton (Ohio)
Mauk was been far and away the most productive quarterback in the 2012 class. In just two seasons, he has tossed for 7,849 yards and 82 touchdowns.
Connor Brewer, QB, 6-1, 175, Chaparral (Scottsdale, Ariz.)
Hype around Brewer continues to grow after he led Chaparral to a 5A-II state title, completing 113 of 178 passes for 1,896 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Johnathan Gray, RB, 5-10, 185, Aledo (Texas)
A 4A first-team all-state selection, Gray was phenomenal in 2009. On 350 carries, he rushed for 2,670 yards and 45 touchdowns. He also hauled in 29 passes for 457 yards and another eight scores.
Rushel Shell, RB, 6-0, 210, Hopewell (Aliquippa, Pa.)
Last year's MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year showed no signs of slowing down in his sophomore season, as Shell totaled 2,465 yards and 31 TDs on 350 attempts.
Trent Jackson, RB, 5-10, 170, Cuero (Texas)
Jackson was the Victoria Advocate Offensive Player of the Year as well as a 3A second-team all-state selection after rushing for 2,562 yards and 33 touchdowns.
Durron Neal, ATH, 5-10, 190, DeSmet (St. Louis, Mo.)
A second-team all-state selection in Missouri's Class 6, Neal scored 12 touchdowns on offense, totaling nearly 700 yards. Defensively, he recorded five interceptions at cornerback. He also starred on special teams, where he returned three punts the distance.
Sam Scifo, K, 5-9, 140, Woodland Hills (Pittsburgh, Pa.)
Scifo, an all-state selection by the Pennsylvania Football News, was a reliable option during Woodland Hills' playoff run.
First Team Defense
Isaac Gross, DL, 6-3, 270, South Panola (Batesville, Miss.)
A second-team all-state selection by the Clarion Ledge, Gross is one of the reasons why the South Panola Tigers are the clear favorite to compete for a state title, as well as a mythical national title, in 2010.
Quay Evans, DL, 6-3, 300, Morton (Miss.)
Another sophomore standout from the Magnolia State, Evans posted monster numbers in 2009. He recorded 103 tackles and 14 sacks, while also returning a fumble 98 yards for a touchdown.
Omari Phillips, DL, 6-7, 300, Venice (Fla.)
On a very talented defensive line, it's still impossible to miss the gigantic Phillips, who was an all-area honorable mention pick. He is a space-eater that excels at snuffing out the run.
Noah Spence, DL, 6-3, 230, Bishop McDevitt (Pa.)
Facing constant double teams after 12 sacks in his freshman year, Spence still managed to lead Bishop McDevitt with seven sacks, and was named a Mid-Penn all-star.
Antonio Williams, LB, 5-10, 195, Newton (Covington, Ga.)
Williams may be undersized, but that didn't stop him from being a dominant force for Newton. He recorded 102 tackles, six sacks, and was a 2-AAAAA first-team selection.
Kaleb Ringer, LB, 6-0, 220, Northmont (Clayton, Ohio)
The nephew of Javon Ringer, Kalen was a first-team all-area selection by the Dayton Daily News, the only sophomore to earn such distinction.
Juwann Rogers, LB, 6-0, 220, Amite (La.)
After a fine 10th-grade season, Rogers netted all-state recognition for Louisiana Class 3A. He recorded 111 tackles and 12 sacks on the season.
Ralph Reeves, LB, 6-0, 207, North Penn (Lansdale, Pa.)
Already a two-year starter for North Penn, Reeves continues to have an impact for powerful North Penn. This year, he was named the Times Herald Defensive Player of the Year.
Patrick Wooten, LB, 5-11, 180, Jordan (Los Angeles)
Wooten made his second straight appearance on the Los Angeles all-city team, following a 152-tackle season.
Allen Gant, DB, 6-2, 200, Southview (Sylvania, Ohio)
Gant led Southview to a Division III state title as a freshman, and followed it up with a sophomore campaign that saw him net first-team defense as well as second-team offense honors in the Northern Lakes League.
Amos Leggett, DB, 5-10, 180, Washington (Miami, Fla.)
With two interceptions in an upset over rival Northwestern, Leggett put himself on the map as a legitimate shutdown corner. He finished with six interceptions on the season.
Deion Bonner, DB, 5-11, 185, Carver (Columbus, Ga.)
Bonner appears to have the makings of the next major talent at Carver. He was the only sophomore named to the GSWA all-state team after compiling more than a half-dozen interceptions at corner back.
Rhaheim Ledbetter, DB, 5-10, 180, Crest (Shelby, N.C.)
A feared hitter in the secondary, Ledbetter was an All-Observer selection for his work at safety, though also excels at running back.
Cullen Rhoden, P, 5-10, 210, Strom Thurmond (Johnston, S.C.)
Rhoden averaged nearly 42 yards per punt, helping Strom Thurmond get an edge on field-position battles.
Second Team Offense
Cayleb Jones, WR, 6-3, 185, Austin (Texas)
It was a breakout sophomore campaign for Jones, who was the 25-5A district newcomer of the year. He caught 91 passes for 1,140 yards and nine touchdowns, and should be one of the state's top recruits in 2012.
Avery Johnson, WR, 6-2, 185, Ely (Pompano Beach, Fla.)
In his second year starting for Ely, Johnson reeled in 46 passes for 705 yards and seven scores. He was an all-county selection by the Sun-Sentinel.
DeAndre Jasper, WR, 5-9, 180, Jackson (Miami, Fla.)
Jasper proved to be one of Dade County's more exciting players in 2009. Going up against a rigorous schedule, Jasper still hauled in 10 TD passes and added another on special teams to spark Jackson.
Travis Talianko, TE, 6-1, 190, St. Francis (La Canada, Calif.)
Talianko was a reliable target for quarterback Justin Postuma, making 52 catches for 859 yards and seven scores, earning him first-team all-area honors.
Hiva Lutui, OL, 6-3, 275, Trinity (Euless, Texas)
District 5-5A's Newcomer of the Year, Lutui was a vital member of Trinity's feared offensive line, and will once again help lead the unit in 2010.
John Theus, OL, 6-5, 270, Bolles (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Theus's work in the trenches helped Bolles win another state title with a 21-7 win over Tampa Catholic. Bolles is already receiving interest from Division I programs.
Freddie Tagaloa, OL, 6-8, 270, Salesian (Richmond, Calif.)
A all-Bay Area third team selection, Tagaloa has matured at a rapid pace, playing both sides of the ball for the Pride.
Vadal Alexander, OL, 6-5, 320, Buford (Ga.)
The towering Alexander is receiving early praise after starting every game for state champion Buford. At 6-5, 320, he's already capturing the attention of many college coaching staffs.
Zach Banner, OL, 6-7, 300, Lakes (Lakewood, Wash.)
Banner's sheer size is enough to grab attention, but his performance as a sophomore starter on a very good Lakes team earned him all-league honorable mention.
Jeremy Liggins, QB, 6-3, 235, Lafayette (Oxford, Miss.)
Jeremy Liggins is a dual-threat quarterback to watch.
Photo by Chris Evans
Liggins was the ultimate dual-threat at quarterback for Lafayette. He completed 84 of 174 passes for 1,487 yards and 18 TDs and rushed the ball 196 times for 1,447 yards and 16 scores.
Jameis Winston, QB, 6-3, 180, Hueytown (Ala.)
Another accomplished quarterback who beats teams with his arm as well as his legs, Winston was an All-West honorable mention pick by the Birmingham News. Both Alabama and Auburn have verbally offered him scholarships.
Drew Harris, RB, 6-2, 180, Downington East (Exton, Pa.)
Harris was an absolute workhorse for the 10-3 Cougars, carrying the ball 306 times for 2,010 yards and 30 scores.
Duke Johnson, RB, 5-10, 165, Norland (Miami, Fla.)
Johnson burst onto the Dade County scene in 2009, rushing 150 times for 1,540 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Kwontie Moore, RB, 6-3, 210, Norfolk Christian (Norfolk, Va.)
An all-conference selection at running back, Moore also excelled at defense and special teams for Norfolk Christian. At the next level, he will likely play linebacker.
Davante Bourque, ATH, 6-3, 200, Gueydan (La.)
For the second straight year, Bourque was a 1A all-state selection. This year, however, he was the class Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for 1,779 yards and 30 TDs.
Larsen Real, K, 5-9, 150 Hoover (Ala.)
Real made a number of big kicks for Hoover, including a game-winner against Spain Park with just three seconds remaining.
Second Team Defense
Justin Solis, DL, 6-3, 270, Westlake (Westlake Village, Calif.)
Solis was a first-team all-county selection after he tallied 95 tackles and seven sacks for undefeated Westlake.
Troy Hinds, DL, 6-5, 225, Davis (Kaysville, Utah)
Picking up where he left off as a freshman, Hinds continued to be a special talent on the varsity level. As a sophomore, he notched 77 tackles and eight sacks.
Jordan Jenkins, DL, 6-2, 205, Harris County (Hamilton, Ga.)
In addition to his 73 taclkes, Jenkins ranked second in region 1-AAAA with eight-and-a-half sacks.
Lochlin Deeks, DL, 6-2, 230, West Salem (Salem, Ore.)
Deeks was the only sophomore to crack first-team all-conference in the Central Valley. He had 19 tackles for loss, and has already attracted attention from the Oregon Ducks.
Derrick Taylor, LB, 5-10, 170, Fairfield (Ala.)
With 15 sacks and and 89 total tackles, Taylor was an easy selection to Alabama's 5A all-state team.
Kwon Alexander, LB, 6-2, 210, Oxford (Ala.)
Another Alabama impact sophomore, Alexander compiled a staggering 131 tackles and seven sacks. He also batted down four passes and caused four fumbles.
James Ross, LB, 6-0, 200, St. Mary (Orchard Lake, Mich.)
One of the top sophomores in Michigan, Ross was an all-Metro honorable mention selection. He made a name for himself in a playoff loss to East Grand Rapids by posting a game-high 16 tackles.
Josh Harris, LB, 6-2, 185, Mason County (Maysville, Ky.)
The Louisville Courier Journal selected Harris as a second-team all-state after tallying 115 tackles. He also rushed for 1,319 yards and 19 touchdowns on offense.
Deaysean Rippey, LB, 6-2, 200, Sto-Rox (McKees Rocks, Pa.)
Billed as the next big recruit from Sto-Rox, Rippey certainly did not disappoint in 2009. He finished with 77 tackles and seven sacks.
Eddie Williams, DB, 6-3, 190, Arnold (Panama City Beach, Fla.)
Williams was a multipurpose star for Arnold, earning first-team all-Bay County honors. On defense, he made 31 tackles and intercepted two passes from the safety position.
LaDarrell McNeil, DB, 6-2, 200, A. Maceo Smith (Dallas, Texas)
A two-time all-district selection, McNeil has excelled since he stepped onto the field as a freshman, and has quickly established himself as one of Dallas' top defensive backs.
Shaq Roland, DB, Lexington (S.C.)
Roland is a two-year star and a two-sport star, as he is also a standout basketball player. He was nominated as South Carolina's sophomore of the year by the High School Sports Report.
Ryan Dillard, DB, 5-9, 160, Buford (Ga.)
Dillard's reputation blossomed when he limited Calhoun's Da'Rick Rogers to 69 yards in the AA title game. He also intercepted a pass at the goal line to help Buford escape with a 13-10 victory.
Barry Sanders, P, 5-11, 180, Heritage Hall (Oklahoma City, Okla.)
A star at running back, Sanders was also an all-state punter, averaging 35 yards per punt. Offensively, he scored a total of 30 TDs.
