Faustin top defensive player

Photo by LEXEY SWALL

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jhony Faustin, Lely

For proof of Jhony Faustin’s dangerous versatility, look no further than a Week 7 mock-up against heated rival Naples High.

In the Coconut Bowl, Faustin was all over the field. He intercepted a pass for a crucial defensive stop, he returned a blocked field goal to set up a score and he also had a 96-yard kickoff return.

Faustin was a force all over the field for the Trojans this season, but his biggest contribution wasn’t his three interceptions, 34 tackles or two special teams touchdowns. Faustin changed games by locking down the opposition’s best receiver each game.

For his big-play ability and skill as one of the state’s best coverage corners, Faustin is the Daily News Defensive Player of the Year.

“For him to take out (a receiver) another team depends on, it allowed us to do many more things,” Lely coach Dave Miller said. “He was dominant. When he was playing well, our defense was playing well.”

Faustin received recognition before the year got under way when he committed to play for Purdue next season. The 5-foot-10 senior didn’t mind the attention. In fact, he thrived on it.

As his coach will attest, Faustin played his best in the biggest games. Against Naples, Lely needed a victory to stay alive in the Class 3A playoff hunt, and Faustin delivered.

“When the crowd is big, I tend to play better,” Faustin said. “I was mentally ready for (the Naples) game.”

His speed, which he shows in the spring on the Lely track team, made Faustin a dangerous returner. His athleticism, displayed while playing for the Trojans basketball team, held receivers all over Southwest Florida in check.

Though he didn’t lead the area in interceptions, there were few balls he let get past him. Faustin had seven pass defenses and recovered two fumbles.

“He seems to have a knack whenever the ball is on the ground or in the air to be around it,” Miller said. “I’ve never seen another player like that. Plus his ability to tackle in the open field is one of the best I’ve seen.”

Though Faustin might have fewer interceptions and tackles than other defenders, his ability to single-handedly change games makes him the area’ best.

“I had better stats last year,” Faustin admits, “but this year I had more big plays, plays to help my team win.”