It promises to be another exciting year of high school football in the St. Louis metro area. As the 2018 season begins this weekend, here is a look at some of the top players to watch.
Kendall Abdur-Rahim (Edwardsville) – Talented senior dual-threat quarterback who returns after leading the Tigers to the Class 8 state semifinals.
Isaiah Azubuike (Lutheran North) – Senior linebacker who recorded 77 tackles with five sacks and two interceptions. He has committed to Arkansas State.
C. J. Anderson (CBC) – Highly-touted 6’3,” 270-pound defensive end who returns after missing his junior year with a broken leg. He has committed to the University of Minnesota.
Bryan Bradford (CBC) – The senior running back rushed for 1,505 yards and scored 30 touchdowns for the Class 6 state champion Cadets last season. He scored three touchdowns in the state championship game.
Jack Buford (Lutheran North) – Massive offensive tackle who anchors one of the most dominant offensive lines in the area. Has committed to the University of Missouri.
Dale Chesson (Ladue) – Senior wide receiver who had 44 receptions for 899 yards and 15 touchdowns in helping the Rams to a berth in the Class 4 state championship game.
Cam Coleman (Cardinal Ritter) – A talented senior receiver who returns to St. Louis after spending junior year at IMG Academy in Florida. Helped Vianney to the Class 5 state championship as a sophomore.
Shammond Cooper (Trinity) – Outstanding senior middle linebacker who recorded a team-high 77 tackles for the Titans.
Brett Gabbert (CBC) – Excellent senior quarterback who passes for 2,862 yards and 33 touchdowns to lead the Cadets to the Class 6 state championship. Committed to Miami of Ohio.
Ira Henry (Trinity) – A 6’5,” 310-pound senior tackle who anchors the line play for one of the most explosive offensive units in the state.
Maurice Massey (Kirkwood) – Transfer from Howell North who had 54 receptions for 964 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior. He has committed to Mizzou.
Derrick “DJ” Miller (John Burroughs) – A talented senior cornerback who will excel on both sides of the ball this season for the Bombers. He has given a commitment to Iowa State.
Moses Okpala (Ladue) – A 6’7,” 255-pound senior defensive tackle who recorded a team-high nine quarterback sacks as a junior for the Class 4 state runners-up.
Jaylin Vaughn (Fort Zumwalt North) – Excellent 270-pound two-way performer at fullback and linebacker who had 83 tackles for the Class 5 state semifinalist.
Marcus Washington (Trinity) – Major college prospect at wide receiver who had 29 receptions for 637 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Ben Watson (Fort Zumwalt East) – Excellent dual-threat quarterback who has rushed for 2,217 yards and 39 touchdowns while passing for 1,603 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Isaiah Williams (Trinity) – Electric quarterback who passed for 1,898 yards and 29 touchdowns in only nine games. The four-year starter has committed to Illinois.
Jalani Williams (Parkway North) – Talented senior two-way performer at wide receiver and defensive back who is being courted by many of the nation’s top collegiate programs.
Jameson Williams (Cardinal Ritter) – The talented senior receiver had 36 receptions for 1,062 yards and 19 total touchdowns. He is also a dangerous kick-return threat.
Kyren Williams (Vianney) – The Notre Dame commit rushed for 922 yards, caught 51 passes for 774 yards and scored 35 touchdowns as a junior last season.
