Vote: Who should be SBLive's Central North Carolina High School Football Defensive Player of the Year?

Here is our list of offensive players in Eastern North Carolina who had noteworthy performances throughout the 2023 high school football season. Voting will remain open through Jan. 7 at 11:59 p.m. and you may vote as many times as you wish.

Jaden Warren, Salisbury: Warren led the state with 20 sacks and also had 60 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and 50 quarterback hurries.

Sa'Mad Bell, Dudley: Bell recorded 19 sacks, 93 tackles, 35 tackles for loss and 25 quarterback hurries for the Panthers this season.

Jaden Smith, West Charlotte: The Michigan commit finished with 69 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, three sacks, blocked a field goal and had a fumble recovery.

Paul Widerman, Reidsville: anchored a defense with 134 tackles 11 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks for the 2-A state champions.

JaDon Blair, Mount Tabor: The CPC defensive player of the year, Blair finished with  110 tackles, four interceptions, three forced fumbles, and three interceptions for touchdowns.

Bradley Byrd, Oak Grove: Only a freshman, he was named the Mid-Piedmont 3-A Defensive Player of the Year after recording 151 tackles and eight tackles for loss for the Gizzlies.

Deric Dandy, Mount Airy: Dandy, who has committed to Virginia Tech, had 111 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 31 quarterback hurries and an interception for the 1-A state champions.

Tyquan Rankin, Butler: Rankin had 132 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, three sacks, five quarterback hurries and two interceptions for the Bulldogs.

Jayden Olden, Monroe: Finished with 183 tackles, fourth-best in the state, 13 tackles for loss and two sacks.