Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

Richmond Hill’s Jaylon Deal has set the bar high for his own season and for the Wildcats this year. And he has plenty of good reasons for his optimistic outlook.

Deal, a senior linebacker, is regarded by numerous high school outlets as one of the best at his position. The Wildcats are also recognized as being in the top half of the state’s better schools.

The swift and sleek 5-9, 201-pound linebacker came into his own last season. Deal recorded 99 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, one interception, and three caused fumbles. Last season, he was also listed among the top 150 tacklers in the state.

Head coach Matt LeZotte expects Deal to be one of the mainstays on the team this fall. A seasoned senior, LeZotte will look to Deal for his experience.

“Jaylon Deal returns as one of the cornerstones of our defense after an outstanding off-season at linebacker,” said LeZotte. “His impact goes well beyond the stat sheet, bringing a level of physicality and toughness that few players can sustain for four quarters.”

Deal began playing the game at a young age, and he also had the luxury of playing it in different locations. His parents, Justin and Quamellia, moved from Hawaii three years ago.

“My parents introduced me to many sports when I was seven, and I happened to find football more fun due to my friends being on the same team,” said Deal. “Due to my parents being in the military, my favorite memory of youth football was playing in many different states that withheld different cultures of football.”

Growing up, Deal also has been a running back. However, he has worked to hone his game at linebacker. He also has seen his team mature in the process.

“What makes being a linebacker a good experience is the multiple lessons I’ve learned through experience and other competitive players,” noted Deal. “I feel confident in this sport and in my position because of my time in the film room and on my computer studying my opponent or myself to improve my skill set.”

Deal also believes he has benefitted from the support of his parents.

“I have to thank my parents for putting me in a position to become the best young man I can be,” said Deal. “It has been about whenever I'm going through life.”

Deal sees his team making a deep postseason run.

“Last year, the obstacles we overcame as a team makes me believe we have a chance to skyrocket through our expectations,” said Deal. “This team is more than ready. We are hugely anxious to get ready to dominate our competition.”

LeZotte anticipates another banner season ahead for Deal. The Wildcats will open the season against Effingham County Aug. 21.

“Jaylon sets the tone with his relentless style of play, consistently delivering punishing hits while leading by example,” said LeZotte. “His experience, motor, and unwavering intensity make him one of the most influential players on our defense and a key piece of our success this year.”