Region Player Of Year A Man Of Action On The Field
by John Hunt
posted August 19, 2008
The Red Bank Lions have dominated Region 4-4A football in recent years, claiming championships the past four seasons with outstanding teams that featured an explosive offense.
They had big-time playmakers like Jake Ledbetter, Tim Benford and Dominique McDuffie who were responsible for more than 5,000 offensive yards in 2007.
Those players have graduated and signed major college scholarships.
Despite rumors to the contrary, the cupboard is not bare at Red Bank.
There may be some questions to be answered by the Lions’ offensive unit, but the Red Bank defense should be solid.
Miguel Sanchez is back for his senior year.
He was honored as the Region 4-4A Defensive Player of the Year in 2007 after recording 104 tackles, including 30 for lost yardage.
He also had eight quarterback sacks and he recovered a pair of fumbles.
And he did all of that being double and triple-teamed most of the season.
At the Region 4-4A Media Day a few weeks ago, several opposing coaches referred to him as the best player in the area who can single-handedly turn a game around.
Sanchez is a tiger on the defensive line. He’s only 6-1, which is relatively short for big-time defensive linemen.
He weighs about 250 pounds. He is stronger than a bull and he’s deceptively quick.
He’s the kind of defensive player every coach in the world would love to have.
“Miguel is an outstanding football player who has one speed. He plays wide open all the time.
"He’s got a mean streak in him, but he plays the game the way it should be played,” suggested Red Bank head coach Tim Daniels earlier this week.
“He has all the tools to be a great defensive lineman. He plays hard and he practices hard. You never see him cutting up or just laying around.
"He’s all business on the field. He has a strange sense of humor and he’s quiet most of the time, but he’s a unique individual.
“There’s no question he makes those players around him better as he’s an inspiration to them. The other kids thrive off of his success,” Daniels added.
Brad Benefield is the defensive line coach for Red Bank.
He’s had the chance to work with some good ones in the past, but none quite like Sanchez.
“I’ve never coached a more intense player than Miguel. He’s in a zone of his own when he’s on the field.
"He has a unique personality. He’s a silent guy who gets people fired up by how he plays the game,” Benefield said during Monday afternoon’s practice.
“He’s a real technician who uses his hands well. He’s thinking about what he’s doing the entire time and he has a nose for the ball.
"He has a motor that never stops. I’ve never seen him loaf as he goes 100 percent all the time,” Benefield added.
Kenny Cobble is Red Bank’s Defensive Coordinator and has been for the past seven years. He’s had the opportunity to work with Sanchez for four years.
“He’s a special player for sure. I can always count on him to give his best effort on every play.
"I’m glad I don’t have to play against him. For four quarters, he’s wide open,” Cobble praised.
“He’s extremely aggressive and as intense as anyone we’ve ever had. He’s the guy people notice when they’re watching film of our games.
"The height isn’t there for him, but he has everything else he needs to be an outstanding player.
“He’s not a big rah-rah guy as he lets his action speak for him. He’s also a pretty good student and that will open some doors for him along the way,” Cobble added.
Sanchez was reluctant to take time away from the repetitions the defensive line was getting as they worked on blocking schemes.
He finally took a break and had some interesting things to say.
“It’s going to be a good year for Red Bank. I think I’ve improved over the summer as I’ve worked on technique and my pass rush.
"Most people don’t think we have a chance to win our fifth straight Region title, but anything is possible if your mind is right. Nothing is impossible,” he said with a smile.
“I’m really a laid-back guy most of the time, but I love being able to hit people on the football field. I’m angry on the inside when I’m on the field. I don’t do much talking as I’m more of a walker than a talker.
“We aren’t ready for the season to start just yet, but we’ll be there,” he continued.
When asked about the biggest games of the year, he mentioned two in particular.
“Cleveland and Rhea County are the two biggest as far as I’m concerned.
“From the team’s point of view, it will be Cleveland since they’re supposed to be number one. They have some good players with experience.
"From my point of view, it will be Rhea County. They have a couple of big boys on their offensive line who have committed to Tennessee. If they’re the best, I want to face the best,” he said, the excitement in his voice increasing as he thought about that opportunity.
Sanchez has a 3.3 grade point average, so grades won’t be a problem when he decides where to attend college.
He said he wants to study aerospace engineering and to go somewhere in Colorado because “I just love being in the mountains.”
He has been contacted by several schools, including Air Force, UTC, MTSU and Miami of Ohio. The list contiues to grow daily.
Red Bank opens its season on Thursday, Aug. 28 against arch-rival Soddy Daisy.
Both teams have many questions to answer, but one thing is for sure.
Keep your eye on Red Bank’s number 63. He's the man in the middle of the defensive line.
Chances are good you’ll be hearing his name a lot.
(Email John Hunt at tnmoose2002@aol.com)
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