Del City football possesses momentum and talent after dropping to Class 5A
By Ross Lovelace
Photo of Jaedon Foreman courtesy of Jaedon Foreman
Over the next few weeks, SBLive Oklahoma will break down high school football teams from the four largest classifications in the state in anticipation of the upcoming 2022 season. Here's our look at the Del City Eagles.
HEAD COACH
Robert Jones
2021 AT A GLANCE
Overall record: 9-2
League record: 7-0, 1st in District 6AII-1
Playoffs: Was defeated, 21-17, by Sand Springs in the first round of the 6AII playoffs.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
WR Jaylin Sweet, 5-10, 175, Sr.
Sweet is a player that could have a breakout season in 2022. He had a very productive junior campaign that ended with more than 600 receiving yards and is looking for even more in the fall.
He’s lethal in open space and the Eagles will try and get him the ball often. Sweet also has an impact on special teams, as he’s dangerous with the ball in his hands.
As a defensive back, Sweet uses his wide receiver instincts to thrive in the secondary. He’s used that to make many big plays on that side of the ball, including a game-sealing interception against Putnam City North in overtime. Look for Sweet to make a big impact on both sides of the ball for the Eagles.
OL Darreyl Thomas, 6-4, 265, Jr.
Thomas is a big body on the offensive line and will set the tone up front for the Eagles. At 6-foot-4, Thomas has elite size with room to grow and improve.
The rising junior was just offered by Kansas State and picked up quite a bit of attention after the Power 5 look. Expect Thomas’ recruitment to only grow from here.
DE/LB Jaedon Foreman, 6-4, 255, Sr.
Foreman is a beast on the defensive side of the ball and will be a load for offensive lines to try and block this season. He’s strong and physical enough to dominate anywhere on the line, but fast enough to play at the second level as a linebacker. Foreman can succeed in many different positions on the field and will be incredibly versatile for this Del City team next year.
Foreman’s athleticism stretches beyond the football field, too, as he stars on the basketball court for Del City, a team that is consistently one of the best in the state.
The defensive disruptor is committed to Oklahoma State after seeing his recruitment heat up last season. Foreman seems solid to the Cowboys, but expect the offers to continue rolling in as the season progresses and he dominates.
WR/FS Kanijal Thomas, 6-0, 180, Sr.
Thomas is one of the best players in the state and has had a huge impact offensively and defensively for this Del City squad. He excels as a defensive back and is currently committed to play at Kansas State. He will be a hidden gem for the Wildcats thanks to his versatility on the field.
Thomas will get busy on the offensive end, too, for the Eagles. He caught four passes for 130 yards and a touchdown in a win against Midwest City last season.
In addition, Thomas excels at running track, explaining his blazing fast on-field speed. That’s one of the many qualities that make him special, both as a defensive back and as a wide receiver.
OUTLOOK
After a very productive 2021 campaign, the Eagles will transition from 6A to 5A. Robert Jones had a successful first season as head coach for the Eagles, leading Del City to nine wins and a district title in 2021, the school's first district title since 2012.
The Eagles will have plenty of momentum and talent, paired with a battle-tested group that has played a 6A schedule.
Having two next-level Power 5 players leading Del City in Kanijal Thomas and Jaedon Foreman is a luxury for Coach Jones. The Eagles’ defense should be one of the strongest units on the field in every game they play, and the top-end talent that Del City has is tough to compete with.
Look for the Eagles to make noise this year behind fast playmakers and defensive stars. With success on the field, more of the youngsters will accumulate interest and offers, too.
