The 2015 season has been a good one for Vicksburg High defensive end Jo’Mon O’Neal.

The sophomore was named all Region 2-5A and is The Vicksburg Post’s 2015 Defensive Player of the Year in his first year of varsity football. He knew coming into this season he’d have the opportunity to step up and play a big role, and delivered.

O’Neal finished the season with 61 tackles — 20 of them for loss — 13 sacks, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He’s the first Vicksburg High player to win the Post’s award as Warren County’s top defensive player since linebacker Carlos Williams in 2008. He’s also the first defensive lineman to win it since Warren Central’s Thad Henderson in 1999 and 2000.

“As Coach (Marcus) Rogers always says, the class of 2018 and the younger class are a good class coming through,” O’Neal said. “I’m going to make the next two years the best years of my high school football (career).”

Being named Defensive Player of the Year makes O’Neal feel proud of the work he’s done to achieve the honor and makes him want to work harder. He read The Vicksburg Post every week to see where he stacked up against other players in Warren County, but was disciplined enough to not let statistics creep into his head or brag about his numbers.

Going into the season, O’Neal wanted to statistically lead in sacks, be a leader on his defense and make it to the playoffs. He did all of that, leading the county in sacks and the Gators to the first round of the Class 5A playoffs where they lost to eventual state runner-up Oxford.

With O’Neal leading the charge, the Gators’ defense totaled 35 sacks this season and allowed 19.3 points per game — its best total since 2008. Vicksburg allowed 26.5 points per game in 2014.

Against Canton on Oct. 23, O’Neal had nine tackles and three sacks, including one to end the game. He also scored a touchdown off a blocked punt, which sent his mother into an excited frenzy.

“That’s what he looks forward to on Fridays when football season starts is to help the team do what they can to win,” April O’Neal said.

O’Neal’s natural teenage development and growth were a part of his improvement from his freshman season to his first year on the varsity. The 6-foot, 210-pound sophomore has gotten bigger, stronger and faster with weight training and conditioning, but still considers himself an undersized defensive end.

“I haven’t hit my growth spurt yet. I done went against some big, strong fellas and I gained competition fighting. I never gave up and I always kept my head up,” O’Neal said.

Rogers appreciates the special type of player he’s coached in O’Neal and recognizes his high football I.Q, which led to the success of O’Neal’s season. He also appreciates the model behavior O’Neal displays by doing the right things and encouraging his peers to get to class.

O’Neal isn’t the player to rely on natural abilities and become complacent. Rogers said he’s always asking for advice on what he could do to be a better ballplayer and works hard on off days.

“It’s attributed to his work ethic and just being a real cerebral kid,” Rogers said. “As a ninth-grader I could see the potential in him. I told him midway through his ninth-grade season that I needed to bring him to varsity because I can see the maturation in him.”

O’Neal’s leadership skills entail him being a model student and player for the Gators, while staying out of trouble off the field. He also works with teammates who want to get better and always encourages them to never give up.

“We got a class of (sophomores) that’s a special class,” Rogers said. “He’s a leader in that group and I enjoy coaching him and enjoy having him in the building. He’s a difference maker.”

Next season, O’Neal looks forward to returning to the playoffs, growing into his body and winning more games.

“He did an outstanding job in the football season,” April said. “I’m proud of him and hope he continues it.”

Vicksburg Post Defensive Players of the Year

2015 – Jo’Mon O’Neal, DL, Vicksburg

2014 – DeArius Christmas, LB, Warren Central

2013 – DeArius Christmas, LB, Warren Central

2012 – DeArius Christmas, LB, Warren Central and Derrick Thomas, LB, Warren Central

2011 – Devon Bell, P, Warren Central

2010 – Lee Douglas, LB, Central Hinds

2009 – Mitchell Hoskins, LB, Port Gibson

2008 – Carlos Williams, LB, Vicksburg

2007 – Carlos Williams, LB, Vicksburg

2006 – Dekores Branch, LB, Vicksburg

2005 – Willis McGowan, DB, Vicksburg

2004 – Chico Hunter, DB, Warren Central

2003 – Humphrey Barlow, LB, Porters Chapel

2002 – D’Eldrick Taylor, DB, Vicksburg

2001 – D’Eldrick Taylor, DB, Vicksburg

2000 – Thad Henderson, DT, Warren Central

1999 – Thad Henderson, DT, Warren Central

1998 – Jason Myers, LB, Vicksburg

1997 – Josh Morgan, DB, Warren Central

1996 – Ivan Martin, DL, Warren Central

1995 – Chris Rainey, LB, Vicksburg

1994 – Eric Payne, LB, Warren Central

1993 – Michael Myers, DL, Vicksburg

1992 – Michael Myers, DL, Vicksburg

1991 – Chris Henderson, LB, Vicksburg

1990 – Ronnie Taylor, LB, Vicksburg

1989 – Robert Winters, LB, Warren Central

1988 – Robert Winters, LB, Warren Central

1987 – Jack Muirhead, LB, Warren Central