All-World 2012: Linebackers

BY BARRY LEWIS World Sports Writer
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
7/18/12 at 6:54 AM

1. T.J. Ponds, Wagoner

6-0, 230, Sr.

Had 132 tackles, including 23 for losses, to help the Bulldogs win the Class 4A state title. Recorded three sacks, recovered two fumbles and scored a defensive TD. Colleges recruiting him include Tulsa, Oregon State and Iowa State.

Tulsa World file

2. Kimmee Carson, East Central

6-2, 204, Sr.

Recorded 108 tackles for the Cardinals in 2011. Had an interception and fumble recovery in playoff win over Booker T. Washington. Offered a scholarship by Arkansas State.

3. Devin Rolan, McAlester

6-0, 235, Sr.

Produced 108 tackles and was a key member of a defense that helped the Buffaloes reach the 5A semifinals. Also handles kickoff and had six touchbacks. Committed to Tulsa.

4. Coleby Evans, Union

5-10, 190, Jr.

Was the hero of the 6A state title game as he returned a fumble 30 yards for the winning TD with 3:51 left in a 23-22 win over Broken Arrow. Also had an 84-yard interception return to set up a fourth-quarter TD. Had 107 tackles and four sacks.

CORY YOUNG / Tulsa World file

5. Jordan Cunningham, Claremore

5-11, 185, Sr.

Has 285 tackles over the past two seasons, including 136 last year. Also emerged as an impact player on offense as he rushed for 739 yards and 12 TDs. Runs a 4.38 in 40.

6. Melvin Gilliam, B.T. Washington

5-10, 210, Sr.

Had 88 tackles, including five sacks, last season. Also had four fumble recoveries and a TD. A three-year starter. Recruited by Tulsa, Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Kansas State.

7. Hunter Harrison, Catoosa

5-9, 185, Jr.

Had 105 tackles last season to help the Indians reaach the 4A semifinals. His twin brother, Hagen, also is a starter at linebacker and they will share time at running back.

8. Trent Taber, Jenks

5-8, 215, Jr.

Contributed 87 tackles and four sacks last season to help the Trojans reach the 6A semifinals. Had 14 tackles against Union in Week 2. Recorded 12 tackles each against Norman and Stillwater.

9. Hollis Birmingham, B.T. Washington

5-10, 220, Sr.

Recorded 66 tackles, including seven sacks, and had two fumble recoveries last season. A key performer in 2010 5A state title game. Strongest player on the team with a 385-pound bench press and 500-plus squat.

10. Rowdy Simon, Vian

5-10, 190, Sr.

Had 144 tackles last season, including 20 for losses and eight sacks. A two-way starter for four years. As a tailback, rushed for 1,293 yards on 166 carries and scored 23 TDs last season. District 2A-6 defensive player of the year.

Original Print Headline: All-World linebackers

ALL-WORLD 2012: CAST YOUR VOTE

Here are the latest rankings of who the public thinks are the best local high school football players. Right now, you can vote for players at running back, quarterback, defensive line, offensive line and receiver/tight end. Voting starts for defensive backs today; linebackers on Wednesday; and kickers on Friday.

You can vote 10 times a day until 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12. Results will appear Sunday, Aug. 26, in the Tulsa World High School Football Preview. Cast your vote at tulsaworld.com/allworld.