Coaches Confidential: Who's the top Southwest Florida defensive football player entering 2023?

What do Southwest Florida football coaches think about various topics affecting their sport?

We granted area coaches anonymity and asked them thought-provoking questions in a new series called, "Coaches Confidential." We tried to vary topics so coaches could give their insight on area players and coaches, places they'll play, and challenges they'll face. The answers are anonymous answers for max honesty will appear throughout the 2023 season.

Today's question: Who is Southwest Florida's best defensive player entering the 2023 high school football season and why?

Here are the top responses and comments:

Vanier Baptiste, Dunbar DL

"I think the defensive player of the year will be someone that disrupts a game. Baptiste can do that from the edge."

Kensley Faustin, Naples DB

"You put him on film, he jumps out to you. I always say, if I have to game plan against you, then you're pretty good. So I look at him and I'm like, 'OK, I'm gonna find where that kid is on the field every time.'"

Ryan Gadson, Bishop Verot

"You could probably name half of Verot's defense, there is never a shortage of talent over there. He looked good at 7-on-7 over the summer, probably their best cover guy."

Kendall Guervil, Fort Myers DL

"When you have that combination of size and speed, he'll be dangerous, and he's with a good program, so I think he'll probably be one of the best in the area."

"Although only a sophomore, Guervil has the ability to dominate and wreck an offense."

Robert Raybon, Lehigh LB

"His energy and passion to fly to the ball is top tier. He forces fumbles, gets interceptions, and is a sure tackler."

Adrian Stone, North Fort Myers DL

"The kid's a beast. Very physically gifted. Just watching him play football gets me excited."

"He's a dominant and nasty interior force you have to game plan for as he disrupts the run and pass game."

Tahj Van Hoose, Bonita Springs LB

"I know he's 5-foot-7 but he's 100% pit bull and he's got a great nose for the ball."

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Coaches Confidential: SWFL football coaches name the best defensive player for 2023