A lot of factors go into our preseason ranking of the Top 75 players in Delaware high school football.
Discussions with coaches, All-State and All-District voting from last season and personal observations are combined to come up with our rating of the best going into 2023.
One of the most experienced players in the state, Howard senior R.J. Matthews is going into his fourth season as the Wildcats' starting quarterback.
But this is just a snapshot. Everything changes once the games start.
We’ll see previously unheralded players stepping into bigger roles. We’ll see some players exceeding expectations. We’ll see some teams winning more games than forecasted, boosting some of their players into the spotlight.
Every time we go to a game this fall (we usually cover at least 40 games in person), we’ll jot down the names of at least two or three players who may be deserving of a ranking. Many of them won’t be on this preseason list.
That’s why we update the rankings at midseason – usually in mid-October – and expand them to the Top 100. Then we update them again with final rankings after the three DIAA championship games in December.
But for now, click through the photo gallery and enjoy our preseason Top 75. And get ready, because high school football is right around the corner.
Preseason Top 75 players to watch in Delaware high school football
75. Phil Kamara, sr., G, Odessa, 6-2, 260
Odessa's Phil Kamara (66) and Ahzir Bellamy (24) tackle McKean quarterback Makeevis Rogers.
74. Truman Auwerda, sr., QB-P, Caravel, 5-9, 180
Caravel quarterback Truman Auwerda (9) winds up for a pass against Wilmington Friends during DIAA Class 2A football championship game at Delaware Stadium in Newark, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022. Wilmington Friends won 10-7.
73. Ibrahim Leyva-Fojaco, so., K, Sussex Central, NA
72. Massimo Paoli, sr., DB-WR, Saint Mark’s, 6-0, 180
Saint Mark's Spartans wide receiver Paoli Massimo (1) holds on to the ball against the Appoquinimink Jaguars defense during the season opening high school football game at Saint Mark's in Wilmington, Friday, Sept. 2, 2022. Saint Mark's defeated Appoquinimink 20-16.
71. Patrick Belle, sr., DE-FB, Laurel, 5-11, 200
Laurel's Patrick Belle (left) strips the ball from St. Elizabeth quarterback Cole Soto before the ball was returned for a Bulldog touchdown with 36 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter of Laurel's 28-13 win in the DIAA Class 1A state high school tournament championship game, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022 at Delaware Stadium.
70. Connor Kilby, sr., G-DL, Saint Mark’s, 5-7, 190
St. Mark's Connor Kilby protects quarterback Chase Patalano in the second quarter of the Spartans' 34-6 win at St. Mark's High School, Friday, Sept. 24, 2021.
69. Brendan Burke, sr., LB-TE, Archmere, 6-1, 185
St. Mark's Brendan Burke gets free for a catch in Archmere's upset victory at St. Mark's, Friday, Oct. 7, 2022.
68. Logan Klein, sr., WR-DB, Saint Mark’s, 6-4, 210
Saint Mark's wide receiver Logan Klein (15) tries to get past Howard's Tim Hill (8).
67. Jayson Askins-Brooks, jr., WR, St. Georges, 5-10, 160
St. Georges receiver Jayson Askins-Brooks.
66. Sam Crossan, sr., K, Red Lion Christian, 6-2, 190
Red Lion Christian's Sam Crossan kicks an extra point as Seth McGroerty holds against Odessa.
65. Jason Hoskins, sr., G, Dover, 6-3, 340
Dover's Taishaun Allen (6) and Jason Hoskins celebrate a Senators score against Smyrna.
64. Bryce McKinnon, sr., LB, Caravel, 5-11, 200
Caravel junior Bryce McKinnon brings down Delmar sophomore Isaiah Holbrook after a short run during Caravel’s 24-14 win over the Wildcats at Francis E. Nunvar Stadium on Friday.
Middletown's Matthew Priestley (6) tries to elude Appoquinimink's Antwon Osborn in the first half of Middletown's 14-0 win at Appoquinimink High School, Friday, Sept. 23, 2022.
62. Yasir Felton, sr., TE-DE, St. Andrew’s, 6-2, 195
St. Andrew's Yasir Felton pulls in a touchdown pass in front of Charter of Wilmington's Cole Brinton.
61. Maki Beach, sr., CB-RB, Hodgson, 5-7, 165
Hodgson Vo-Tech Silver Eagles running back Maki Beach (22) is tackled by Caesar Rodney Riders defensive end Kevin Takazala (6) during the Hodgson vs. Caesar Rodney high school football game at Hodgson in Glasgow, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022. Hodgson won 31-0.
60. Jack Dellose, sr., OT-DL, Archmere, 6-2, 225
Caravel's Owen Robinson (center) works against Archmere's John Dellose in Caravel's 30-6 win in the semifinals of the DIAA Class 2A state tournament Friday, Dec. 2, 2022 at Bob Peoples Stadium,
59. Royce Scotton, sr., LB-RB, Laurel, 5-7, 170
Laurel's Royce Scotton grabs a kickoff in front of teammate Evan Collins before Woodbridge can get to it in the first half of Laurel's 42-0 win at Woodbridge High School, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022.
58. Miko Gibson, C, sr., Appoquinimink, 6-0, 250
57. Jerah Wright, sr., RB-DB, Concord, 5-7, 168
Concord’s Jerah Wright runs the ball Caravel’s Brandon Simendinger (22) and Richie Massey (18) try to bring him down during the Buccaneers’ 44-6 win over the Raiders at Bob Peoples Stadium, Friday, Sept. 30, 2022.
56. Roman Paoli, sr., QB, Charter of Wilmington, 6-0, 170
Charter's Roman Paoli looks to pass in St. Elizabeth's 48-10 win over the Charter School of Wilmington at Abessinio Stadium on Friday.
55. Makeevis Rogers, sr., QB-DB, Newark, 6-0, 170
Newark QB Makeevis Rogers (2), who transferred from McKean.
54. Corey Williams, sr., DB, Smyrna, 6-1, 180
Smyrna's Corey M. Williams (left) grabs Dover's John Parker in the second quarter of the DIAA Class 3A championship at Delaware Stadium, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022.
53. Alex Hall, sr., DT-OL, Caravel, 5-11, 280
Caravel junior Alex Hall (69) wraps Lake Forest fullback Ayden Young during the Buccaneers’ 28-0 win over the Spartans at Bob Peoples Stadium, Friday, Oct. 21, 2022.
52. Eli Curran, sr., G, Middletown, 6-1, 240
Middletown's Eli Curran (70) moves for Appoquinimink's Caden Harvey-Brown in the second half of Middletown's 14-0 win at Appoquinimink High School, Friday, Sept. 23, 2022.
51. Tim Yancy, jr., RB, Smyrna, 5-7, 180
Smyrna's Tim Yancy is pursued by Appoquinimink's Jordan Linsmeier (3) and Brayden Earl in the second half of Smyrna's 48-7 win at Smyrna High School, Friday, November 5, 2021.
50. Brock Rhoades, jr., LB-TE, Caravel, 6-1, 220
Delmar senior Jalen Johnson carries the ball as Caravel sophomore Brock Rhoades tries to make the tackle during Caravel’s 24-14 win over the Wildcats at Francis E. Nunvar Stadium on Friday.
49. Ja’Khai Tilghman, sr., DB, Dover, 5-9, 152
Dover defensive backs Ja'Khai Tilghman (15) and Tamir Darden Jefferson close in to stop Smyrna's Andre Ashley from a two-point conversion after the Eagles scored a touchdown in the first quarter.
48. Rikye Jenkins, sr., DL-TE, Hodgson, 6-1, 215
Hodgson's Rikye Jenkins reaches for extra yardage in Newark's 36-35 win at Hodgson on Saturday.
St. Georges' Jase Munson (10) wraps up Daniel McConomy as Renard Dugue (51) blocks during St. Georges' 13-7 win in the opening round of the DIAA state championships at Appoquinimink High School, Friday, Nov. 18, 2022.
46. Jacob Ziegler, sr., DB, Salesianum, 5-11, 185
Salesianum's Jacob Ziegler carries for some yardage in game with Smyrna.
45. Andre Ashley, sr., WR, Smyrna, 5-9, 155
Andre Ashley of Smyrna catches a short pass and looks for a way around Sallies defenders Aidan Lucey (8) and Jacob Ziegler.
44. Mike Stevenson, jr., DT-OT, Dover, 6-2, 260
Hodgson Vo Tech Silver Eagles quarterback London Bright (3) looks for a pass with junior Mark Nelson (8) blocking a sack by Dover High School Senators sophomore Michael Stevenson (66) at Hodgson in Glasgow, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. Dover won 34-7.
43. Brian Alleyne, sr., RB-S, Salesianum, 5-8, 165
Salesianum's Brian Alleyne, who has transferred from DMA and moved to running back.
42. Lukas Ryan, sr., WR, Salesianum, 5-10, 175
Salesianum's Lukas Ryan prepares to catch a pass during the Sals' 18-16 win on Friday night at Abessinio Stadium.
41. Trevon Hodnett, sr., LB, Lake Forest, 5-7, 180
Wilmington Friends' quarterback Robby Tattersall (17) gets a block form teammate Paul Beardell as Lake Forest's Darius Miller (2), Trevon Hodnett (21) and Brogan Thomas (50) defend in the Quakers' 49-12 win in the DIAA Class 2A state tournament quarterfinals at Abessinio Stadium, Friday, Nov. 25, 2022.
40. Mark Moore, WR-DB, so., William Penn, 5-8, 140
William Penn's Mark Moore
39. Josh Gueh, jr., WR, Smyrna, 5-11, 166
Smyrna's Joshua Gueh is hit on the opening kickoff by Dover's Tyron Abrams in the DIAA Class 3A championship at Delaware Stadium, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022.
38. Caleb Blane, sr., DL, Smyrna, 6-0, 280
Smyrna's Robert Durnall (left) and Caleb Blane converge on Dover quarterback Nahseem Cosme in the third quarter of Smyrna's 52-7 win in the DIAA Class 3A championship at Delaware Stadium, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022.
37. William Harmon, so., RB-DB, Sussex Central, 5-10, 170
Middletown's Jacobi Rodgers (19) with a tackle on Sussex Central's William Harmon (20) in their 42-16 win.
36. Makai Walker, so., RB, Middletown, NA
On a rainy day, Middletown Makai Walker (25) rushes as Hodgson senior John Gamble (55) goes for the takedown during the football game at Cavaliers Stadium in Middletown, Friday, Nov. 11, 2022. Middletown won 21-14 .
35. R.J. Johnson, jr., DL, Salesianum, 6-6, 230
Salesianum's Robbie "RJ" Johnson celebrates a defensive stop in the third quarter of Salesianum's 31-21 win at Cavalier Stadium, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022.
34. Jake O’Donoghue, sr., TE-DE, Saint Mark’s, 6-4, 235
St. Mark's John O'Donoghue returns the opening kickoff in Archmere's upset victory at St. Mark's, Friday, Oct. 7, 2022.
33. Jordan Miller, sr., RB-LB, Caravel, 5-7, 180
Caravel's Jordan Miller carries in the first quarter of Caravel's 30-6 win against Archmere in the semifinals of the DIAA Class 2A state tournament Friday, Dec. 2, 2022 at Bob Peoples Stadium,
31. Vandrick Hamlin III, sr., WR-DB, Caravel, 5-11, 150
Caravel's Vandrick Hamlin is pursued by Archmere's Gavin Lee in the second quarter of Caravel's 30-6 win in the semifinals of the DIAA Class 2A state tournament Friday, Dec. 2, 2022 at Bob Peoples Stadium,
30. Brysheem Davis, jr., WR-DB, Hodgson, 5-8, 150
Hodgson's Brysheem Davis tries to avoid a defender in Newark's 36-35 win at Hodgson.
29. Justin Smith, sr., DT-G, Tatnall, 6-0, 250
Tatnall defensive lineman Justin Smith (50) tackles Glasgow running back Zahbir Goggins (26) in the end zone for a safety.
Archmere's Cole Fenice runs the ball in the third quarter of Caravel's 30-6 win in the semifinals of the DIAA Class 2A state tournament Friday, Dec. 2, 2022 at Bob Peoples Stadium,
27. Ronnell Davis, sr., DB, Middletown, 6-2, 185
Salesianum QB Ryan Stoehr looks downfield as Middletown's Ronnell Davis gives chase. Middletown beats Salesianum 34-7 în DIAA opening round tournament action at Cavalier Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2022.
Andrew Ransome of Sallies is stopped by Smyrna's Cole Moyer.
24. Cael DeNigris, jr., OT-DT, DMA, 6-5, 285
DMA lineman Cael DeNigris (77) takes a breather between plays.
23. Malik Bell, jr., FB-LB, Sussex Central, 6-0, 202
Sussex Central's Malik Bell (5) is tackled near the sideline by Middletown's Carter Boyd (55) in their game at Sussex Central High School.
22. Ayden Young, jr., FB, Lake Forest, 5-9, 165
Lake Forest's Ayden Young picks up ground in the second quarter of the Quakers' 49-12 win in the DIAA Class 2A state tournament quarterfinals at Abessinio Stadium, Friday, Nov. 25, 2022.
21. Jazonte Levan, sr., RB, Seaford, 5-10, 192
Seaford's Jazonte Levan (22) tries to get past St. Elizabeth's Jackson Benjamin in the Vikings' 46-35 win in a semifinal of the DIAA Class 1A state tournament at Abessinio Stadium Friday, Nov. 25, 2022.
20. Jonathan Tyndall, sr., QB, Lake Forest, 5-8, 140
Lake Forest quarterback Jonathan Tyndall is grabbed by Wilmington Friends' Paul Beardell in the Quakers' 49-12 win in the DIAA Class 2A state tournament quarterfinals at Abessinio Stadium, Friday, Nov. 25, 2022.
19. Ahmaad Foster, sr., DT, Salesianum, 6-4, 250
Appoquinimink's Greg Nielsen (16) throws under pressure by Salesianum's Ahmaad Foster (92) and Nathaniel Ray (89) during the Jaguars' 30-20 victory at Abessinio Stadium on Saturday night.
18. Aidan Zellman, sr., OL-DL, St. Mark’s, 6-3, 275
St. Mark's Aidan Zellman (66) chases DMA's B.J. Alleyne.
17. Jace Hawkins, jr., RB-LB, Hodgson, 5-9, 170
Hodgson's Jace Hawkins (17) gets by the defense for a touchdown in Newark's 36-35 win at Hodgson.
Appoquinimink's Dillon Griffith (19) returns a kickoff in Smyrna's 52-12 win over Appoquinimink.
15. Andrew Ransome, sr., RB, Salesianum, 5-8, 175
Salesianum's Andrew Ransome (7) looks to turn the corner during Appoquinimink's 30-20 victory at Abessinio Stadium on Saturday night.
14. Ryan Stoehr, so., QB, Salesianum, 5-10, 165
Salesianum's Ryan Stoehr passes as Middletown's Tristen Graham (42) rushes. Middletown beats Salesianum 34-7 în DIAA opening round tournament action at Cavalier Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2022.
13. Craig Miller, sr., RB-DE, Caravel, 5-10, 182
Caravel running back Craig Miller turns the corner during Caravel’s 35-0 win Thursday.
12. Nahseem Cosme, sr., QB, Dover, 5-11, 150
Dover's Nahseem Cosme fires a pass during the Sals' 18-16 win on Friday night at Abessinio Stadium.
11. Brandon West, sr., DE, Smyrna, 6-0, 175
Smyrna's Brandon West reacts to a stop in the second quarter of the DIAA Class 3A championship at Delaware Stadium, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022.
10. Jamal Johnson, sr., WR, Howard, 6-2, 160
9. Rahshan LaMons, sr., RB-CB, Tatnall, 5-7, 165
Archmere's (from left) Brendan McGuire, Brendan Burke, Dom Anerino and Miles Kempski move in on Tatnall's Rahshan LaMons in the Auks' 42-0 home win, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022.
8. Kevon Moore-Briddell, sr., DE, Sussex Central, 6-1, 228
Salesianum quarterback Ryan Stoehr scrambles in the backfield trying to get away from Sussex Central defender Kevon Moore-Briddell, Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. Sussex Central won, 7-0.
7. R.J. Matthews, sr., QB, Howard, 6-1, 180
Howard's R.J. Matthews signals to the sideline in Wilmington Friends' 34-8 win over Howard Friday at Abessino Stadium in Wilmington.
6. Austin Troyer, sr., QB, Middletown, 6-3, 185
Middletown quarterback Austin Troyer (10) winds up for a pass against Smyrna during the DIAA Class 3A semifinal football game at Smyrna, Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. Smyrna won 48-0.
Cape Henlopen's Maurki James (7) looks to get past William Penn's Franklin Morris in the first quarter at William Penn High School, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.
4. Tristen Graham, sr., DL, Middletown, 6-3, 245
Middletown's Tristen Graham (42) with a sack on Sussex Central's Troy Morris (12) in their 42-16 win at Sussex Central High School.
3. John Parker, jr., WR, Dover, 5-9, 160
Dover's John Parker looks in a pass during the Sals' 18-16 win on Friday night at Abessinio Stadium.
2. Jakwon Kilby, sr., RB-DB, Dover, 6-1, 185
Dover's Jakwon Kilby rushes up the middle for a short gain against Smyrna.
1. Daniel McConomy, sr., RB, Appoquinimink, 5-10, 175
Appo's Daniel McConomy turns the corner during St. Georges' 13-7 win in the opening round of the DIAA state championships at Appoquinimink High School, Friday, Nov. 18, 2022.
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