Vote now: Who is the Defensive Player of the Year through Week 9 in the state of Florida?

The SBLive Sports Florida staff has watched games from all over the state and as we wind down to the end of the season, we take a closer look at some potential candidates for Defensive Player of the Year.

We selected 10 of the top defensive productive players from around the Sunshine State through Week 9 of the season and we ask you the fan to vote on who’s been the best so far? Give us your vote, as you can vote as many times as you’d like. The voting will conclude Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Descriptions of each player’s season so far are below the poll.

Grayson Howard, Andrew Jackson, outside linebacker/defensive end: The South Carolina commitment has played some of the best football of any defensive player. Howard has made 147 tackles, 15 for loss and four sacks. He’s been a tackling machine. 

Booker Pickett, Wharton, defensive end: After totaling 22 sacks last season, it seemed like that total couldn’t be surpassed, right? Wrong. Pickett has done even better this 2022 campaign as the junior has 42 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 24 sacks. 

DeeJay Holmes, Pahokee, defensive end/defensive tackle: It was always going to be hard to top what Holmes accomplished last year for the Blue Devils. Holmes had 19.5 sacks in 2021, but now the senior has already surpassed that. The senior has 24 sacks, 83 tackles and 23.5 for loss. 

Jaremiah Anglin Jr., Lake Wales, safety: One of Polk County’s top defenders comes from Lake Wales High School, where the Kentucky commitment has played some impressive ball. Anglin Jr. has racked up 24 tackles, five interceptions and defended 12 passes. He’s also forced five fumbles. 

Tracker Thomaston, Freeport, middle linebacker: Thomaston is one of the top tacklers in the state as he’s not far off from Howard’s 147. The Bulldogs’ middle linebacker has accumulated 131 tackles, 11 for loss, an interception and a fumble recovery. 

Andrew Zock, North Marion, outside linebacker/defensive end: The junior outside linebacker/defensive end has played lights out for the much improved North Marion Colts club. Zock is one of the leaders in sacks, with 19 quarterback takedowns, 58 tackles and 28.5 for loss. 

Terry Arnold, North Florida Christian, middle linebacker: Amongst all of the linebackers throughout the state, Arnold has made plenty tackles for loss. The 6-foot, 210-pound junior linebacker has made 110 tackles, 26 went for loss, four sacks and two forced fumbles. 

Rueben Bain, Miami Central, defensive tackle: Bain may not lead the state in any statistical categories, but he’s not played as many snaps compared to some of the other players. He’s been a menace all across the defensive line for the Rockets and he’s notched 24 tackles, 16 for loss and eight sacks. 

Antonio Henley, Gaither, defensive tackle: The super sophomore has been one of the top defensive linemen in the Tampa Bay Area and his recent 6-sack performance against Durant vaulted him onto the list. Henley has notched 13 sacks, 15 quarterback hurries, 44 tackles and 23 have gone for a loss. Not too shabby. 

Cameron Anderson, Trinity Christian Academy, linebacker: Trinity Christian Academy is an 8-0 and though a lot is always said about the offensive side of the ball, it’s been the Conquerors’ defense that’s played elite levels. Anderson has been the leader on defense, with the junior notching 100 tackles, 15.5 for loss and 5.5 sacks. 

Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.