SBLive Oklahoma All-State Football 2022: Meet the first and second team members

Some of the best of the best players from Oklahoma this past football season

By SBLive Oklahoma staff 

Photo of Bixby quarterback Connor Kirby (with ball) by Michael Kinney

SBLive Oklahoma is proud to announce the players who will comprise the Oklahoma All-State football team from this past season.

The top superlative award winners this season were: Grove running back Emmanuel Crawford (MVP); Metro Christian quarterback Kirk Francis (Offensive Player of the Year); McAlester linebacker/defensive back Erik McCarty (Defensive Player of the Year); Stillwater coach Tucker Barnard (Coach of the Year); and Broken Arrow running back Kaydin Jones (Newcomer of the Year).

Here now are the players that have either made the first team or the second team squads, as determined by the staff of SBLive Oklahoma.

First Team

Offense

Quarterback

Connor Kirby | Bixby | Sr.

Kirby was the maestro of one of the most potent offenses the state has ever seen, as Bixby put up 644 points in the regular season (third most in Oklahoma history). He completed 73 percent of his passes for 1,925 yards and 30 touchdowns, while also gaining 1,023 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground.

But most importantly, he led the Spartans to their fifth consecutive state championship.

Running backs

Xavier Robinson | Midwest City Carl Albert | Jr.

When you set the single-season rushing record at a program like Carl Albert, people take notice.

Robinson finished his junior year with 2,598 yards and 39 touchdowns on the ground for the Class 5A state champions.

Rickey Hunt Jr. | OKC Millwood | Sr.

With more than 200 all-purpose yards per game, Hunt was a picture of consistency for the Falcons on their run to the Class 2A state championship game.

Quick enough to break off 75-yard touchdown runs, strong enough to break multiple tackles in one play and selfless enough to throw crushing blocks for teammates, the Ohio University signee truly is the whole package.

Wide receivers

Jacobe Johnson | Mustang | Sr.

His combination of physicality and speed made the future Oklahoma Sooner a matchup nightmare all season for opponents. Finished his senior season with more than 1,200 all-purpose yards and 19 touchdowns.

Micah Tease | Tulsa Booker T. Washington | Sr.

Tease, a Texas A&M signee, finished his senior season with 821 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, but perhaps his most impressive stat on offense was 27.4 yards per reception.

Tight end

Luke Hasz | Bixby | Sr.

One of the top tight end prospects in the entire nation, Hasz was one of the Spartans’ most reliable playmakers during his entire career, and his final season at Bixby was no different.

The Arkansas signee caught 35 balls for nearly 600 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior.

Offensive line

Jakobe Sanders | Stillwater | Sr.

The anchor of the Pioneers’ fantastic offensive line, Sanders dazzled at the center position in a way you rarely see, which was a big reason why he’ll further his career at Oklahoma State.

Landon Zaldivar | Jenks | Sr.

The University of Memphis signee not only has great size (6-foot-5, 300 pounds), but he used his excellent footwork to keep pass rushers out of the backfield all season.

Jonathan Ashford | Edmond Santa Fe | Sr.

The Air Force signee used his size and pure strength to overwhelm opponents. Routinely pancaked smaller defenders.

Jax Rumsey | Moore | Sr.

Rumsey was a force at the tackle position, able to protect the edge while also going to the second level to take out linebackers and safeties.

Kaden Stanton | Beggs | Sr.

Extremely athletic for his 6-6, 315-pound frame, Stanton proved he was able to protect his quarterback’s blind side, pull on run plays and was even capable of catching a pass or two. After previously committing to walk on at Oklahoma State, the Beggs standout will go to Missouri State.

Place kicker/specialist

Stanley Johnson | Del City | Sr.

Johnson was 61-of-62 on extra points, made nine of his 11 field goal attempts and executed 27 touchbacks on kickoffs.

Return specialist

Camden Crooks | Cushing | Sr.

While he easily could have made the team as a receiver, his five punt return touchdowns along with a kickoff return for a touchdown made him a threat every time he returned a kick.

Defense

Defensive Line

Taje McCoy | Putnam City | Sr.

The big man along the front for the Pirates was a wrecking ball for opposing offensive lines. He set a school record with 17 sacks on the season to go along with 94 tackles and also blocked two kicks.

McCoy's next stop is the Pac 12 and a spot in new Colorado coach Deion Sanders' first recruiting class for the Buffaloes.

Jaedon Foreman | Del City | Sr.

Foreman literally stands tall on a football field with his 6-foot-4 and 260-pound frame. In his senior season, Foreman recorded 11 quarterback sacks and 72 tackles while leading the Eagles up front.

Next up, he's headed up the road to Oklahoma State to try to be the latest impact defensive lineman for coach Mike Gundy's Cowboys.

Austin Houk | Fairview | Sr.

Houk was one of the biggest factors in the Yellowjackerts' run to an undefeated state championship in Class A. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Houk had a whopping 17 quarterback sacks along with 87 tackles, 25 of those for a loss. He also found the end zone 12 times either offensively or on special teams.

Houk had more than 10 collegiate offers, but has committed to continue his playing career down the road in Weatherford at Southwestern Oklahoma State.

Bai Jobe | Norman Community Christian | Sr.

One of the top pure athletes in the senior class in Oklahoma high school football this year, Jobe tallied 14 quarterback sacks and 80 tackles for the Royals. His story is interesting, as he's only played football since 2020 after being born in Senegal and only coming to the U.S. in the fall of 2018, during eighth grade.

Now, he's continuing his football career into college after signing with Michigan State, where he's an early enrollee already on campus.

Linebackers

Riley Matheson | Cushing | Sr.

The Tigers' defense was every bit the match of its high-powered offense, and nobody was a more important part of that than Matheson. The senior lined up at outside linebacker - sometimes as a pass rusher - and was seemingly in on every play, either making one of his 161 tackles or taking the focus of opposing blockers to free up teammates to make plays.

At the next level, he'll be on the baseball field, signing with the University of Central Oklahoma as a catcher.

Reese Roller | Verdigris | Sr.

Roller's role in Verdigris was similar to Matheson's. He was a disruptive force wherever he lined up, with 19 quarterback sacks and 85 tackles, 37 of those for a loss at either defensive end or at linebacker. Roller also was a fierce blocker on the offensive side of the ball for the Cardinals.

After weighing multiple college opportunities, in mid-January, Roller announced his commitment to the University of Central Oklahoma.

Tyler Johnson | Tulsa Lincoln Christian | Sr.

Johnson was all over the field for the Bulldogs, as he recorded four quarterback sacks and 97 tackles, with 24 of those for a loss, and 269 total tackles for his four-year career in which Lincoln won 50 games.

In late January, Johnson announced his commitment to continue his football career playing for Oklahoma Baptist University.

Defensive Backs

Tashawn James | Midwest City Carl Albert | Sr.

The Titans held the Class 5A gold ball on championship Saturday, and James had a big hand in that and many Carl Albert wins in his career as one of the state's top defensive backs. In 2022, James intercepted four passes and had 74 tackles, 11 of those coming in the state championship win against McAlester.

He'll be headed to the Big 12 for college after signing with Iowa State during the early signing period in December.

Jalyn Stanford | Jenks | Sr.

Stanford starred on both sides of the ball as both a defensive back and running back, and was a big part of multiple Class 6AI state championship teams during his time with the powerhouse Trojans.

His efforts in the secondary earned him a chance to play collegiately at the University of Houston after a senior season in which he intercepted three passes and made 114 tackles.

Cale Fugate | Bixby | Sr.

Few in the state controlled the middle from the safety position quite like Fugate. He returned two of his five interceptions for touchdowns while securing 66 tackles. His interception near the goal line late in Bixby's semifinal win against Jenks was a game-changer.

And the biggest achievement of all was his part in Bixby's run to a state championship in its first year in Class 6AI. Fugate next will play for coach Brent Venables at the University of Oklahoma.

Kanijal Thomas | Del City | Sr.

Joining Foreman as another key part of the talented Del City squad, Thomas starred on both sides of the ball, recording 61 tackles and six interceptions on defense while also being a star at wide receiver offensively, recording 821 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on the season.

His future involves defense, though, and he'll be headed into the Big 12 Conference to play at Kansas State after signing in December.

Punter

Gage Gundy | Stillwater | Sr.

Gundy did his more visible work as the starting quarterback for Stillwater's undefeated state championship run in Class 6AII.

But he also was an effective punter for the Pioneers, averaging 41.4 yards per kick, including several important boots to maintain or turn field position in the 6AII championship win against Choctaw.

Second Team

Offense

Quarterback

Blaze Berlowitz | Cushing | Sr.

The 6-3, 195-pound signal caller led Cushing to the brink of an undefeated season before falling in the 4A State Championship game. 

During his high school career, Berlowitz amassed 9,878 yards and 114 touchdowns. He has signed with New Mexico State.

Running backs

Noah Roberts | Stillwater | Sr.

Roberts was one of the main cogs in helping Stillwater win the 6AII state championship. The 5-7, 150-pound tailback ran for 1,888 yards and tallied 28 total touchdowns during his senior season.

Roberts was named the 6AII District 1 Running Back of the Year and was a first team all-conference selection.

Mike Taffe | Bishop McGuinness | Sr.

Taffe carried the load for the Irish on the ground his senior campaign. In some of the biggest games, the 6-foot, 190-pound back had some of his biggest moments. That includes racking up 114 yards in a win against Piedmont.

Taffe helped guide Bishop McGuinness to the Class 5A semifinals before falling to McAlester.

Wide receivers

Tykie Andrews | Enid | Sr.

The Plainsmen had a resurgence this year and Andrews was a big reason why. The 6-foot, 165-pound wideout was a playmaker for Enid and showed up in their biggest games.

In his senior season, Andrews hauled in 135 catches for 1,551 yards and 17 touchdowns to lead Enid to the playoffs in 6AI. Andrews committed to Oklahoma State on Jan. 14.

Mason Ford | Coweta | Sr.

Throughout his career at Coweta, Mason Ford had been a standout performer. But the 5-7, 170-pound receiver may have saved his best for last. As a senior, he raked in 52 catches for 691 yards and eight TDs. He also reached the end zone four more times carrying the rock.

Ford finished his career with 60 total touchdowns and 5,000 total yards. He committed to Emporia State (Kan.) University on Jan. 5.

Tight end

RJ Jackson | Choctaw | Sr.

While Jackson has gained most of his notoriety around the state for his prowess at defensive end, the 6-4, 220-pound athlete was also a force at tight end.

His five catches for 33 yards and two touchdowns do not tell the whole story of his impact on the Yellowjackets' offense. His blocking helped spring holes in the run game.

Offensive line

Caden Tahbonemah | Lawton MacArthur | Sr.

At 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, very few players in the state can match Tahbonemah’s size. He put that size to work in protecting the Highlanders’ quarterbacks this season.

Tahbonemah carried a 3.5 GPA and was named to the Large West OCA All-State Team.

Brody Duffel | Bixby | Jr.

Duffel is one of the few juniors (2024) to make the all-state list. But his play on the field definitely warranted it.

At 6-6 and 250 pounds, Duffel wreaked havoc on opposing defenses for Bixby on its run to a 6AI state championship.

Gabe Gaines | Choctaw | Sr.

The Yellowjackets had one of the highest-scoring offenses in Class 6A. Gaines was a major reason for that. The 6-4, 275-pound tackle was a force in the run game and protected his quarterback on the way to the 6AII state title game.

Gaines signed with Lindenwood University in Missouri during the early signing period. 

Tanner Gardner | Stillwater | Sr.

At 6-3, 278 pounds, Gardner was able to play both guard and center for Stillwater as the Pioneers made their way to the 6AII championship.

Jamison Mejia | Broken Arrow | Sr.

With Broken Arrow seemingly in the middle of a rebuilding year, Mejia went unnoticed for much of the year. But in the Tigers' biggest games, the 6-5, 275-pounder was hard to miss.

Mejia earned a spot on the 6AI All-District 1 team and was selected as the district's Lineman of the Year.

Place kicker/specialist

Andrew Pursell | Jenks | Sr.

Pursell didn’t have to kick many field goals, but the senior made them count when he did. Pursell booted eight field goals this year for Jenks. That includes a season-long 52-yarder in 34-31 victory against Mustang in the 6AI quarterfinals, part of a huge fourth-quarter rally by the Trojans.

Pursell’s numbers off the field are even more impressive. He is carrying a 4.33 GPA and scored a 1500 on the SAT and a 35 on the ACT.

Return specialist

Jakeb Snyder | Bixby | Sr.

Snyder was Mr. Do-Everything for Bixby this season as a 5-10, 175-pound playmaker. Along with being one of the Spartans' leading receivers with 53 catches for 459 yards and six touchdowns, he had eight kickoff returns for 219 yards.

Snyder committed to the University of Oklahoma on Dec. 16 as a preferred walk-on.

Defense

Defensive line

Hayden Milner | Washington | Sr.

Milner made his presence known on the defensive side of the ball for the 2A state champion Warriors. He finished his senior season with 67 tackles and 27 of those were tackles for loss. Milner also was very disruptive in the backfield, as he recorded 12 sacks.

Milner will continue his football career at Southwest Baptist University in Missouri.

Evan Keefe | Hilldale | Sr.

Keefe played offensive and defensive lineman for Hilldale and is 6-4 and weighs 275 pounds. As a defensive lineman, he made 47 tackles and seven of those were for a loss and one was for a sack.

He will continue to play football in college at Air Force as an offensive lineman.

Kenneth Wermy | Cache | Sr.

During his time at Cache, the 6-6, 305-pound senior recorded 26 tackles and three sacks during his senior year. He made big plays such as recovering a fumble against John Marshall late, which helped Cache win the game.

Wermy will play in college for Brent Venables at the University of Oklahoma, signing with the Sooners as a preferred walk-on.

Parker Jenney | Holland Hall | Sr.

Jenney played edge rusher and running back. Jenney tallied 78 tackles, 52 of those solo stops, along with seven sacks. He also was disruptive at stopping passes from being thrown, as Jenney batted down three passes for the Dutch.

He played some running back and scored 10 rushing touchdowns.

Linebackers

River Faulkner | Heritage Hall | Sr.

Faulkner played nine games this year for the 3A state champion Chargers and tallied 64 tackles, with eight of those tackles being sacks. He also recorded one interception and one fumble recovery.

He was a two-way player and played running back, where he rushed for 1,232 yards and scored 25 touchdowns. Faulkner scored five of those touchdowns in the state championship game.

Eric Fields | Ardmore | Sr.

Fields was a stud during his time at Ardmore. He recorded 268 tackles during his junior and senior year.

He was hurt during part of his junior year, but still made 88 tackles. But during his senior season, he accounted for 180 tackles, with 120 solo tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles. Fields will take his talents to play for Matt Rhule at the University of Nebraska.

Cooper Crissup | Jenks | Sr.

Crissup made many plays for the Trojans. He recorded more than 150 tackles during his career for Jenks.

He also made a huge play in the playoff win against Mustang by making a tackle which forced a fumble, giving the Trojans a short field goal late in the game. During the Bixby regular season game, he made several tackles which helped the Trojans end Bixby’s 58-game win streak.

Defensive backs

Gabe Rodriguez | Wagoner | Sr.

Rodriguez was great at covering receivers downfield and recorded three interceptions. He also racked up 80 tackles for the Bulldogs and was named defensive MVP for Class 4A District 3.

Rodriguez played both sides of the ball and late in the 4A state championship game, he ran the ball and picked up a huge first down, which set up the eventual game-winning field goal. He will be a preferred walk-on at Oklahoma State, following in the footsteps of his older brother Malcolm, who was a superb linebacker for the Cowboys and is now playing in the NFL for the Detroit Lions.

Tre Miller | Edmond Deer Creek | Sr.

Miller was a special player for the Antlers, racking up several pass break-ups in the secondary. Miller also recorded four strip fumbles and returned one for a touchdown.

When Deer Creek played at Mustang, he guarded Oklahoma commit Jacobe Johnson and only allowed Johnson to catch six passes and score one touchdown.

Miller will move across the country to play for Mack Brown and the University of North Carolina.

Devin Robinson | Tulsa Union | Sr.

Robinson tallied 72 tackles in the backfield, 47 solo and 25 assisted. He recorded one sack and four interceptions, returning two of those interceptions back for a touchdown. He also played special teams for the Redhawks and blocked a punt.

He will stay in his hometown and play for new head coach Kevin Wilson at the University of Tulsa.

Chaz Bradley | McAlester | Sr.

Bradley was a ball hawk as he recorded eight interceptions, which led Classes 4A, 5A and 6A. One of those interceptions was a pick six, returned for a 98-yard touchdown, which was at Collinsville in the first round of the playoffs, with 15 seconds left in the game to seal the deal for the Buffaloes.

He also recorded 46 tackles and deflected many passes.

Punter

Jace Mills | Luther | Sr.

Mills was reliable for Luther, as he made 92 percent of his extra points and he kicked a touchback 80 percent of the time during kickoffs. His kickoffs averaged 70.8 yards and his punts averaged 46.1 yards.

He will take his consistent kicking abilities to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in Miami, where he committed January 31.