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2020 TSF Cincinnati DPOY Finalists

La Salle DB Jaylen Johnson (photo by Dan Bieneke/TriStateFootball.com)

For the second time in the last three seasons the finalists for the 2020 TriState Football Cincinnati Defensive Player of the Year are all seniors. The award has gone to a player from Colerain four times in the last five years.

This is the 14th year for this award, Andrew Booker and Dontay Corleone become just the 12th and 13th players to be a named a TSF Cincinnati DPOY finalist two-years in a row. That elite group includes three former players that made it to the NFL – Jordan Hicks (Lakota West) in 2008-’09, Joel Heath (Mount Healthy) in 2009 -’10 and Adolphus Washington (Taft) in 2010-’11. Washington was the only one of the three to be named the TSF Cincinnati DPOY (in ’11).

Here are the finalists for the 2020 Cincinnati DPOY:

Andrew “Bam” Booker (Winton Woods), Sr, DE – Was a “game-changer” with his speed and agility. Booker was named 2020 OPSWA Division II First Team All-Ohio and First Team All-TSF (for a second straight season) after tallying three-and-half sacks, more than 10 tackles for losses and two scoop-and-scores. He has committed to Maryland.

Dontay Corleone (Colerain), Sr, DL – A dominant force in the trenches, Corleone was in on 41 total tackles and had eight sacks on his way to 2020 OPSWA Division I First Team All-Ohio, First Team All-TSF (for a second straight season) and GMC Defensive Player of the Year accolades. He finished his Colerain career with 137 total tackles and 19.5 sacks. Corleone has signed with Cincinnati.

Matt Devine (St. Xavier), Sr, LB – The leader of the state champion Bombers defense. Devine registered 109 total tackles, 24 tackles for losses, five-and-a half sacks and had a pick six. He earned 2020 OPSWA Division I First Team All-Ohio, First Team All-TSF and GCL South Linebacker of the Year honors for his efforts. Devine has signed with Air Force.

Jaylen Johnson (La Salle), Sr, DB – A big, hard-hitting defensive back who had quite the run as a Lancer. Johnson had 51 total tackles and a sack on his way to 2020 OPSWA Division II First Team All-Ohio and First Team All-TSF acclaim.  He has signed with Ohio State.

Jackson Kuwatch (Lakota West), Sr, LB – Stepped up big time for a Firebirds defense that allowed just 51 points in nine games, with four shutouts and no one scoring more than 14 points on them. He finished his senior campaign with 59 total tackles and three sacks on the way to 2020 OPSWA Division I First Team All-Ohio, OPSWA Southwest District Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-TSF honors.

Diego Neri (Northwest), Sr, LB – A four-year starter who will go down as one of the best players in Northwest history. Neri tallied 71 total tackles, with one-and-a-half sacks and a fumble recovery, as a senior. His work garnered 2020 OPSWA Division III Second Team All-Ohio, OPSWA First Team All-Southwest District (for a third straight season), Second Team All-TSF and the SWOC Defensive Player of the Year honors. Neri finished his Knights career with 266 total tackles, four-and-a-half sacks, six forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and a pick six.  He has signed with Bowling Green.

Cam Sanders (Winton Woods), Sr, LB – Has played at a high level of consistency for the past two seasons. Sanders was rewarded for his efforts by being named 2020 OPSWA Division II Second Team All-Ohio, Third Team All-TSF and the ECC Co-Defensive Player of the Year.

Devonta Smith (La Salle), Sr, DB – Can turn a game around no matter where he lines up. Smith was in on 32 total tackles and snared two interceptions on his way to 2020 OPSWA Division II First Team All-Ohio, First Team All-TSF (ATH) and GCL South Athlete of the Year honors. He finished his career in a Lancers uniform with 82 total tackles, one fumble recovery, five interceptions, 31 receptions for 648 yards (20.9/rec.) and seven touchdown catches. Smith has signed with Alabama.

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