Vote: Who should be the South Florida Defensive Player of the Week (10/16/2023)?
Each week, the stakes are rising as teams battling to make the playoffs. So is the intensity of play on the field.
Games are getting more physical, and in many cases, points are harder to come by.
That’s also because there are so many talented defensive players in talent-rich South Florida.
SBLive Sports Florida is recognizing the top performers in our South Florida Defensive Player of the Week poll for Oct. 11-14.
(Reminder: Coaches, players and schools are encouraged to send their nominees to @JoeFrisaro on X).
Congratulations to last week's winner: Kelly Sejour of Chaminade-Madonna.
Here are this week's nominees:
Jaydin Broadnax, CB, West Boca Raton: In a high-profile matchup with Coconut Creek, West Boca Raton lost 42-28. Broadnax, a sophomore, had a key interception that set up a touchdown.
Guy Edmond Jr., CB, Cardinal Gibbons: In Gibbons’ 63-6 rout of Hallandale, the Chiefs dominated in all areas. They even scored on defense, with Edmond recording a pick six.
Percy Federick, DE, Dillard: Dillard held off Plantation, 28-26, and Federick made his presence felt in the final minutes. With Plantation driving, Federick had a key third down sack, and he was credited with a quarterback hurry on fourth down to help preserve the lead.
Ben Hanks Jr., DB, Booker T. Washington: After jumping out to a 28-0 lead, the Tornadoes held on for a 28-20 win over Miami Northwestern. Hanks, a 4-star junior, is back on our player of the week poll, courtesy of his two interception returns for touchdowns against the Bulls. On those picks, Hanks had returns of 30 and 68 yards.
Belal “Juju” Logan, DB, NSU University: The junior did it all in University School’s 42-7 rout of previously unbeaten Westminster Academy. Logan had two interceptions, seven tackles and three passes defended. And on offense, he even caught a touchdown pass to help the Sharks improve to 7-0.
Ezekiel “EJ” Marcelin, LB, Miami Central: The outcome didn’t go Central’s way against Norland, but Marcelin showed why he’s one of the top linebackers in the state. The junior was all over the field making plays, recording eight tackles and four sacks.
Anthony Mattison, LB, Miami Norland: Mattison made a huge play in the third quarter, recording a 90-yard interception return for a touchdown to pull Norland even at 20.
Joey Podubynsky, DT, Western: It’s not often defensive tackles find themselves scoring touchdowns. Podubynsky did in the Wildcats’ 56-0 rout of Cypress Bay, which puts them in prime position to win Class 4M-District 13. Just 1:22 into the game, Podubynsky recovered a fumble in the end zone to open the scoring.
Jakhai Rainey, DB, Homestead: The Broncos’ defense caused a couple of turnovers in a 45-14 win over Southridge. Rainey added a pick-six early on to help build a big lead.
Jordan Rich, DB, American Heritage: Heritage easily handled Stranahan, 63-16, picking up contributions from many. Rich, a junior defensive back, had a fumble recovery and 25-yard return.
Dwayne Wimbley Jr., DE, Westminster Academy: A standout in basketball and football, Wimbley is an impressive 6-foot-6, 205 pounder who impacts the game at defensive end and at wide receiver. On a night his team gave up 42 points, Wimbley still made his share of plays.
