HomeTeam 100: Players 51-60

We weren't going to let the weekend slip by without another installment of the area's top football players. Catch up on any of the countdown you may have missed here: 

91-100

81-90

71-80

61-70

Top players more

• 51. Devyn Salmon

  2011 stats:

  NA

  The breakdown:

  Plant City's resident run stuffer on the defensive interior also has been impressing the heck out of coach Wayne Ward at offensive guard lately. Look for the Raiders to be a bit more run-heavy out of the spread this year. This senior's a 6-foot1, 285-pound reason why.

• 52. Kenyatta Merriex

  2011 stats:

  15 carries, 243 yards rushing, two TDs; 57 receptions, 1021 yards receiving, four TDs

  The breakdown:

  The Tarpon Springs WR may be undersized (5-6, 145), but that hasn't stopped him from back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. And we wouldn't bet against a third from this Spongers' senior.

• 53. Darryl Richardson

  2011 stats:

  43-for-98, 804 yards, seven TDs, two INTs

  The breakdown:

  The heralded 6-5, 230-pound senior QB didn't deliver as expected his first season as a starter, competing fewer than 50 percent of his passes. But his second year should be smoother, and he looked more comfortable in the offseason.

• 54. Francisco Hernandez

  2011 stats:

  78 tackles, three sacks.

  The breakdown:

  The Largo junior (6-1, 180) DB is one of the best unknown defenders in Tampa Bay. He is a big-time playmaker at safety, and on special teams will be good for two to three touchdown-producing plays in 2012.

• 55. Marquez Valdes

  2011 stats:

  350 yards receiving, five TDs

  The breakdown:

  The senior (6-3, 184) played in the shadow of Rodney Adams last season, but in Lakewood's high-octane attack should have a big 2012. Big frame, good hands and speed that he showcased at offseason camps and 7-on-7s, attracting 11 college offers.

• 56. Bilal Salat

  2011 stats:

  30 catches, 529 yards, five TDs

  The breakdown:

  Caught a touchdown in each of past three games, averaging four catches for 73 yards, and we expect the sure-handed 6-3, 170-pound senior to carry that over into 2012 with Sickles expected to throw more.

• 57. Tramaine Batten

  2011 stats:

  1,194 yards rushing, 10 TDs

  The breakdown:

  One of 2011's breakout stars should produce another big season for Dunedin. The 5-10, 190-pound senior is part of a talented backfield, which may limit his opportunities but increase his potential for big plays.

• 58. Shaquille Speights

  2011 stats:

  130 carries, 845 yards, eight TDs

  The breakdown:

  : The a 5-10, 208-pound Jefferson senior became a bright spot on a young team a year ago, good for at least one touchdown in almost every game he played. Now that the Dragon are more seasoned and have better chemistry, watch out.

• 59. Cortavious Givens

  2011 stats:

  17 carries, 150 yards, three TDs; three receptions, 66 yards before injury

  The breakdown:

  Healthy, Admiral Farragut's 5-11, 207-pound wrecking ball might be a top-25 player. We'll see how his repaired knee fares, but the junior is looking good and ready to reach the 1,000-yard form we've been predicting.

• 60. Isaac Tanner

  2011 stats:

  75 tackles, seven sacks, two fumble recoveries.

  The breakdown:

  Freedom didn't have many bright spots last season, but this LB was one of them. The 6-0, 209-pound senior showed off his coverage chops all offseason, and looks ready to post his third straight standout season.