Next 50 seniors to watch in Hampton Roads for 2020

On Sunday, The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press released its Top 50 seniors for the Class of 2021.

But there were many deserving players who were left off that list.

Here’s a look at the next 50 players to watch.

(Listed in alphabetical order)

Aidan Adair

Warwick, 6-0, 185, linebacker

The skinny: Adair, who has a 4.37 grade-point average, led the Raiders with 101 tackles last season. He was named first team All-Peninsula District and first team all-region. He is getting interest from many schools, including William & Mary.

Caleb Beard

Bethel, 6-2, 180, quarterback

The skinny: Beard is a third-year starter who is smart, has a good arm and threw for nearly 1,300 yards in nine games last season.

Andre Brown

Denbigh, 6-1, 215, tight end/linebacker

The skinny: Brown, an All-Peninsula District selection, had two touchdown receptions as he helped Denbigh break a 32-game losing streak with a 16-14 win over Bethel last season. He also led the team in tackles.

Na’Shawn Bunch

Churchland, 5-10, 170, cornerback/wide receiver

The skinny: Truckers coach Dontrell Leonard has high expectations for Bunch. He’s fast, shifty, poised and a “big-time playmaker” on both sides of the ball. Leonard added that Bunch is “one of the top cover corners in the area.”

Shyhiem Cannon

Norcom, 6-0, 170, wide receiver

The skinny: Cannon, who was first team all-state, had 45 receptions for 1,010 yards and nine touchdowns. He is a deep-ball threat and big-play receiver. He has offers from Towson and Western Carolina with interest from Liberty, Old Dominion and VMI. The Greyhounds are expecting big things from him this season.

Amir Chandler

Phoebus, 6-3, 250, offensive tackle

The skinny: A durable, tenacious key on the left side to a running attack that netted more than 3,000 yards. He has nine offers, including Western Carolina and Chattanooga.

Malakyi Cooke

Gloucester, 5-11, 175, running back

The skinny: Fast and strong, Cooke was a mainstay during a season in which the Dukes won a playoff game with 875 yards rushing.

Devante Cooper

Great Bridge, 5-9, 180, running back/defensive back

The skinny: Wildcats coach Brian Boerboom said Cooper, “is the best practice player I’ve seen in my 28 years of coaching.” Last season he rushed for 1,243 yards with 14 touchdowns. He also had 11 receptions for 98 yards. On defense, he had 103 tackles, including eight for loss.

Narquiss Cross

Norcom, 6-3, 195, tight end/defensive back

The skinny: Cross, who has a 3.0 grade-point average, is a very good pass defender and attacks the ball in the secondary as seen by his pivotal interception in the win over Lafayette in the playoffs. Greyhound coaches believe Cross has “tremendous potential.”

Bryce Cupp

Lafayette, 6-1, 190, safety

The skinny: Fast and athletic in the defensive backfield, he’ll get more carries at fullback this season after rushing for 461 yards on 31 attempts (14.7 ypc). Cupp, who has a 3.5 grade-point average, is getting interest from William & Mary and several Ivy League schools. “He’s an underrated athlete who is sneaky fast,” said Rams coach Andy Linn.

Jermond Davenport

Phoebus, 5-9, 205, linebacker.

The skinny: A ball-hawk good against the run and in pass coverage, his 2019 stats included 109 tackles, 10 pass breakups, five tackles for loss, two sacks, an interception and two fumble recoveries.

Peyton Douglas

Kecoughtan, 6-0, 215, linebacker/running back

The skinny: Douglas, who has a 3.6 grade-point average, does it all for the Warriors. He will carry the load in the backfield along with being the leading returning tackler from last season.

Demonte Dunlap

Maury, 5-9, 170, running back

The skinny: The Norcom transfer is shifty, reads defenses well and has a low center of gravity. Maury coach Dyrri McCain said he’s expecting big things from him this season. “Playing against him, he’s a guy that we had to focus on defensively,” he said. “He’s definitely one of the best running backs in this class.”

Dajon Evans

Maury, 5-9, 185, athlete

The skinny: Commodores coach Dyrri McCain said Evans is one of those guys who does everything. He can play running back, receiver, defensive back, linebacker and return kickoffs and punts. “He’s just an athlete because there’s so much that he does and he can score every way,” McCain said.

Kelvin Fonville

Princess Anne, 6-1, 185, defensive back/wide receiver

The skinny: Fonville played opposite Tony Grimes last season and because of that was tested often. Cavaliers coach James Yeager said Fonville - an all-state track athlete with a 3.9 grade-point average - will have a breakout season this year. “A lot of people didn’t know about him last year,” he said, “but they will this year.”

Joseph Frole IV

Western Branch, 6-0, 195, athlete

The skinny: Frole, who has a 3.8 grade-point average, plays each snap like it’s his last. A versatile athlete, he can play quarterback, running back, wide receiver and defensive back. He’s fast off the ball on defense and is a patient runner. Last season he averaged six tackles a game and had six sacks. The Bruins look to him for leadership.

Tommy Gardner

Lafayette, 6-4, 325, center

Preseason skinny: Physical and heady, Gardner was a standout on a line that paved the way for the Rams 346 yards rushing per game last year. He drawing interest from East Carolina and James Madison. Rams coach Andy Linn said Gardner is a valuable leader. “He’s really good at identifying defenses,” Linn said. “When you can get those five guys together and on the same page, it makes your football team a whole lot better.”

Teon Garland Jr.

Norcom, 5′8, 200, linebacker

The skinny: Garland, who was first-team All-Eastern District selection last season, was second on the team in tackles last year. Greyhounds coach Korrey Davis describes him as “tenacious” and looks to him to lead the defense this season.

Jaylen Givens

Menchville, 5-11, 160, defensive back

The skinny: Extraordinary speed, good hands and quickness makes Givens a two-way standout. He’s getting interest from Wake Forest, Temple and Hampton.

Chris Gundy

Smithfield, 5-8, 160

College: Navy

The skinny: Gundy led the Packers offensively with 510 rushing yards, 335 receiving yards and 300 return yards. He is getting interest from Old Dominion, Hampton, Norfolk State, Maine and Army.

Jayden Hayes

King’s Fork, 6-2, 285, lineman

The skinny: Hayes has is a returning two-year starter for the Bulldogs. He’s an aggressive lineman who has great feet and hands. Jayden, who has a 3.0 grade-point average, is enrolled in honor classes.

Ryan High

Princess Anne, 6-3, 230, quarterback

The skinny: High is a strong-armed quarterback who moved to Hampton Roads from Spotswood High (Harrisonburg). He helped lead his team to the Region 3C championship game and was named first team Valley District.

Malaki Jones

Salem, 6-0, 170, Wide receiver/cornerback

The skinny: Jones, who has a 3.5 grade-point average, has put in work this summer. He’s gained MVP honors at several camps. SunDevils coach Shawn Wilson said, “He runs great routes, has good hands and works his butt off.”

Joey Kagel

Catholic, 6-2, 265, center

The skinny: Kagel is an all-state lineman who has a 4.3 grade-point average and scored 1,330 on the SAT. He’s getting interest from the military academies and several Ivy League schools.

Aiden McLaurin

Churchland, 6-2, 200, wide receiver

The skinny: Truckers coach Dontrell Leonard said McLaurin has size, strong hands and runs “precise” routes. He said McLaurin also is playmaker in the red zone. He has several schools looking at him, including Ohio University, Old Dominion and William & Mary.

Avontae Mitchell

Booker T. Washington, 6-0, 210, linebacker/running back

The skinny: Bookers coach William Robertson said Mitchell has worked hard this offseason, losing 10 pounds. He will be expected to be a key player on defense and contribute on offense. “I feel like this year is going to be his year,” Robertson said.

Jordan Mumford

Gloucester, 5-10, 170, safety/wide receiver

The skinny: Confidence and a knack for getting to the ball, Mumford earned All-Peninsula District honors at defensive back. He’s also a standout wide receiver.

Derick Nixon

Warwick, 5-10, 185, athlete

The skinny: Nixon, who has a 3.18 grade-point average, earned all-district and all-region honors last season. Raiders coach Corey Hairston calls Nixon “extremely coachable, a playmaker, and a leader.” He’s getting interest from William & Mary and Liberty.

Patrick O’Neal

Oscar Smith, 6-2, 255, offensive line

The skinny: O’Neal, an All-Southeastern District selection, has good size, quick feet and a 3.4 grade-point average. He will be a key figure on the Tigers offensive line this season.

Payton Payne

Nansemond River, 6-0, 260, defensive tackle/offensive guard

The skinny: Payne, a four-year starter, had 69 tackles last season, including 14 for loss. Warriors coach Justin Conyers calls Payne “our best all-around player,” who never comes off the field. He has interests from Howard, Morgan State, Norfolk State and Virginia State.

Jordan Pollard

Warhill, 6-5, 300, offensive tackle

The skinny: He’s played only one varsity season, but Pollard possesses unusual athleticism for his size, which should generate some college interest.

Caleb Roby

Kempsville, 5-10, 170, quarterback

The skinny: Roby started last season strong as he was one of the top passers in Hampton Roads before suffering an injury. Chiefs coach Daryl Cherry thinks season will be even better because of Roby’s ability to “make all the throws.”

Pierre Royster

Lake Taylor, 6-1, 190, defensive back

The skinny: Royster was first team all-state last season for the Class 4 state champions. “We call on him to play everywhere on defense,” said Titans coach Hank Sawyer about him. He is getting attention from Norfolk State, Virginia State and Virginia Union.

Ollie Schlosser

York, 6-4, 260, offensive lineman

The skinny: Overshadowed by older linemen during the Falcons’ unbeaten regular season last year, Schlosser is strong, long and athletic.

James Scott

Lakeland, 6-6, 195, wide receiver/defensive end

The skinny: Cavaliers coach Joe Jones said Scott “commands double teams” on defense and has become a dominant receiver because of his size and hands on offense.

Hunter Sherman

Princess Anne, 6-2, 220, linebacker

The skinny: Cavaliers coach James Yeager calls Sherman a “throwback” because of his warrior-like attitude. Several Ivy League schools have expressed interest in Sherman, who has a grade-point average near 4.0.

Jamari Simmons

King’s Fork, 5-10, 210, linebacker/fullback

The skinny: Simmons is a hard-nosed athlete who brings it on offense and defense. Last season, he was named first team all-region and led the Bulldogs in tackles.

Anthony Smith Jr.

Grassfield, 6-2, 185, athlete

The skinny: Smith, who has a 3.6 grade-point average, is a versatile player who can play wide receiver, quarterback and defensive back. He’s getting a lot of interest, including from the Naval Academy, Norfolk State, Alabama State and Yale.

Brunye “Bubba” Thomas

Portsmouth Christian, 5-6, 180, running back

The skinny: Thomas led Hampton Roads in rushing during the regular-season with 1,910 yards and rushed for 16 touchdowns. Patriots coach Josh Blalock said Thomas is a strong, powerful running back who doesn’t go down on first contact. He also runs with a chip on his shoulder because, “He’s always being told he’s too small and that drives him.”

Anthony Waddler

Wilson, 6-2, 240, defensive end

The skinny: Wilson coach Anton Cannady said Waddler has been a force on defense and “can’t be blocked” and causes havoc on the on the quarterback. He said he’s getting interest from many schools as he continued to get better.

Luca Weber

Maury, 6-1, 170, punter

The skinny: It’s not often that a kicker/punter makes this list, but Weber is a special talent. Last season he averaged 43.1 yards a punt, including a season-long 61-yarder. He also put eight punts inside the 10. On kickoffs, he had 18 touchbacks. “This kid flipped the field position like no other and does not get enough credit for putting our offense and defense in the best positions during the season,” said Commodores coach Dyrri McCain.

Gunner White

Tallwood, 5-9, 185, running back

The skinny: Lions coach John Kepple has high praise for White, a two-time all-region selection. “He has been and will be our go-to guy,” he said. White will play running back but also look for him in the slot, in the return game and on defense. “With more offensive weapons around him this year,” Kepple said, “we can be more creative with his skills.” He has been getting interest from Bucknell, Georgetown, Pennsylvania and Drake.

Thurland White

Bayside, 6-2, 280, defensive tackle/offensive tackle

The skinny: White is a four-year starter and a three-year captain. He is getting interest from James Madison, Old Dominion and Hampton.

Kole Williams

Nansemond River, 6-1, 225, linebacker

The skinny: Williams led the defense last season with 90 tackles, including 10 for loss. Warriors coach Justin Conyers called Kole, “The surprise of the season for us.” He’s getting offers and interest from Norfolk State, Old Dominion, East Carolina, Marshall and Appalachian State.

Dominic Wilson

Cox, 6-3, 185, athlete

The skinny: Wilson is long, rangy, physical and has plenty of speed. He’s a versatile athlete who can play quarterback, running back, slot, linebacker and defensive back. He also has a 3.3 grade-point average. Falcons coach Bill Stachelski calls Wilson, “a fantastic kid who is hard worker and is coachable.”

Marlen Wilson

Warwick, 6-2, 220, defensive end

The skinny: A fourth-year starter with 17 sacks and 17 tackles for loss on a team that won a playoff game. He has interest from Norfolk State.

Carlton Winston III

Ocean Lakes, 5-10, 160, athlete

College: Campbell

The skinny: The Landstown transfer is regarded as one of the fastest players in the Beach District. He can use his speed in the backfield or be used in the slot. “He’s dangerous when you give him the ball in space,” said Ocean Lakes coach Joe Jones.

Jyquez Woods

Hampton, 6-0, 260, lineman

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The skinny: Crabbers coaching legend Mike Smith says “Littlejohn,” an All-Peninsula District first team selection last year, is smart, quick, strong and packs a wallop in the trenches on both lines.

Taijon Yorkshire

Portsmouth Christian, 5-11, 180, athlete

The skinny: Yorkshire is a special talent who was all-state on offense and defense. He accounted for 1,513 yards last season and 17 total touchdowns. On defense, he finished with nine interceptions. “He can play anywhere,” said Patriots coach Josh Blalock. “And he’s so dangerous when he gets his hands on the ball.”

Bradley Ziemba

Green Run, 6-2, 295, center

The skinny: Ziemba, who has a 4.3 grade-point average, is a three-year starter and the centerpiece to the offensive line. Stallions coach Brandon Williams said Ziemba “consistently” grades out higher than anyone on the team. He expects a big season from him this year.