These are the top seven players in the Weatherford area hub, ranked by VYPE editors regardless of position.

#1 Sam Hoffman – RB/LB – Senior – Weatherford

From his running back spot Hoffman rushed for 1,044 yards and scored 12 touchdowns for the Eagles as a junior. He’s also a linebacker and one of the leaders of the defense. 

#2 Caden Powell – QB/LB – Senior – Clinton

A physical player with a rocket arm, Powell may be a DI baseball commit, but his football skills are on par as well. Powell does not leave the field for Clinton and for good reason. 

#3 Ryan Shields – TE/LB – Senior – Weatherford

A true difference maker for the Weatherford defense, Shields posted 134 tackles last year from his middle linebacker spot. Shields is one of the top linebackers in the class. 

#4 Camden Billy – OL/DL – Senior – Thomas

A dominant force on both sides of the ball, Billy operates on another level against most of the opponents he will face this season. At 6-foot-3, 290-pounds, Billy is a man among boys. 

#5 Kolt Merrick – QB/S – Senior – Sayre

Merrick is a four-year starter for a reason. This kid can flat play. An all-around tremendous athlete who can change the course of a game with one play. Another reason to catch the Eagles this season. 

#6 Malachi Johnson – RB/DB – Senior – Weatherford

Johnson rushed for 814 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. He also plays a big role in the defensive secondary for Weatherford. Johnson is durable and dependable with the football. 

#7 Daylan Thompson – RB – Senior – Elk City 

The Elk City senior rushed for more than 1,800 yards over the last two seasons but is expected to carry a larger load this year for the Elks. Thompson has the talent to make a major impact. 

FANS CHOICE

Based on fan voting in the Weatherford area hub, here are the top players at seven positions. 

OFFENSE

Quarterback: Luke Smallwood – Canton

Luke had a standout freshman season and is back to make a bigger impact for his sophomore year. Luke was able to show of some of his natural athleticism last season both running and throwing the ball.

Wide Receiver/Tight End: Noel Fernandez – Sayre

An outstanding young man all around. Noel is a player that can score anytime he touches the football. He is the team’s best defensive player.

Running Back: Ayden Hendershot – Sayre

He started seven games at inside linebacker as freshmen and had 82 tackles. Works hard in the weight room to make himself the best athlete he can be.

Offensive Lineman: Braylon Haworth – Weatherford

Haworth is a great kid that looks to have a great season.

DEFENSE

Linebacker: Connor Cox – Canton

Working hard to keep the opposing offenses at bay, Cox will be a big time player. 

Defensive Back: Brett Bozarth – Weatherford

Bozrath should be a shutdown guy in the secondary.

Defensive Lineman: Ben Foster – Clinton

Working hard to disrupt the opponents plans, Foster will be a key player up front this season.