San Dimas’ Jarell Sykes also excelling on defense

Image result for Jarell Sykes

Senior Jarell Sykes of San Dimas is most noted for his efforts on offense. He has rushed for 3,304 yards and 42 touchdowns the last three years. He had 2,129 of that last year in helping the Saints to the Mid-Valley championships game,

But second-year head coach Mark Holman has been pleased with Sykes play on defense as well. Last week the Saints shut out Diamond Bar 49-0 and Sykes was a big part of that for his defensive efforts against Brahmas junior Shane Wells, the top receiver in the Inland Valley.

Wells has 34 catches for 530 yards and caught passes for more than 100 yards in Diamond Bar’s first four games. Last week Sykes, who moved over from safety to corner, held Wells to three receptions for 21 yards.

“We thought that was our best shot,” Holman said of putting Sykes on Wells. “That was our Plan A and we had a Plan B but we didn’t have to go to it.”

Sykes, an All-Inland Valley selection last year, has drawn some interest from some lower Division I schools as a running back but Holman is trying to sell his player on defense and working on putting together film on him there in hopes of landing him higher profile offers.

“I think he’d be great where ever you put him but there are a lot of running backs out there and a lot fewer guys that can play defense like he can,” Holman said.

San Dimas (4-0), ranked third in Division 8, plays Thursday night against California High of Whittier which is 3-1 but has beaten three teams that are a combined 0-15.

Share this
Plusone Twitter Facebook Tumblr Reddit Stumbleupon Email