Vote: Who should be the 2023 SBLive South Carolina High School Football Defensive Player of the Year?

Here are the candidates for SBLive’s South Carolina High School Football Defensive Player of the Year as nominated by fans, readers and SBLive’s staff

Here are the candidates for SBLive’s South Carolina High School Football Defensive Player of the Year as nominated by fans, readers and SBLive’s staff. Read through the nominees and cast your vote at the bottom of the page. Voting will conclude on Dec. 31st at 11:59 p.m.

SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

Reggie Heath, Cornerback, Chester

The 6-foot-1, 165 senior had a whopping 13 interceptions to lead South Carolina. In addition, Heath had 9 pass breakups and 37 tackles.

C.J. Dixon, Defensive End, South Pointe

The 6-foot-2, 275-pound senior had a dominant season with 23.5 sacks and 87 tackles, including 37.5 for loss. Dixon was also credited with 26 quarterback hurries.

Tyler Jones, Safety, Dutch Fork

Jones, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound safety played a huge role in the 5-A state champions’ solid defense. A Shrine Bowl selection, Jones made 72 tackles and recovered 3 fumbles. He has five college offers.

Amare Haynes, Linebacker, Calhoun County

Haynes is small in stature but put up some outsized numbers for the Saints. The 6-foot, 140-pound senior led his team with 167 tackles, including 18 for loss, and had 10 sacks.

Jarriel Jeffries, Defensive Line, Gaffney

The 6-foot, 250-pound senior was equally effective against the run and pass. He made 61 tackles, including 28.5 for loss, and had 10.5 sacks. Jeffries is a Shrine Bowl selection.

Andrew Ruppe, Linebacker, Gaffney

Ruppe is a ballhawk for a linebacker. The junior standout had 11 interceptions, second best in the state, one of which he returned 82 yards for a touchdown. Ruppe also had 29 tackles.

Zeke Marshall, Safety, Westside

The 6-foot-6, 200-pound junior had 9 interceptions and 87 tackles while helping lead Westside to the 4-A state championship. Marshall has an offer from West Virginia.

Quay’Sheed Scott, Secondary, Marion

An all-around athlete who can play offense as well, Scott was in on 63 tackles and had 3 interceptions. The 6-foot, 185-pound senior, who also had 13 rushing touchdowns, committed to Kentucky. Scott had 18 scholarship offers.

Joshua Mattison, Edge Rusher, Spartanburg

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound senior racked up 15.5 sacks and 50 tackles, including 24 for loss. His sack total was second in the state.

Michael Boulware, Linebacker, Gray Collegiate Academy

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound sophomore had 155 tackles,.4 interceptions and 2 sacks for the 2-A state runner-up War Eagles.