JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jyon Simon arrived at Raines missing one very important thing.
A nickname.
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Everyone had a nickname on defense, and Simon was the one who didn’t. By the end of that first week at Raines three years ago, Simon had shown coaches what that name should be.
The Big Cat.
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The nickname stuck. Now, Simon, a wrecking machine on the Raines line and Varsity 4 All-News4JAX defensive player of the year who is headed to Rutgers, is probably better known by his handle than his actual name. Several coaches who submitted season-ending forms with top player nominations listed “Big Cat” instead of Simon’s real name. Just how does a 6-2, 260-pound interior defensive lineman come away with a name that conjures up visions of a large cat?
“My defensive coordinator, he was like, all the studs got nicknames,” Simon said. “… He was like, ‘you remind me of Leon Lett.”
Lett was a monster of a defensive lineman for the Cowboys and Broncos in the 1990s, and earned the moniker, Big Cat, because he shouldn’t have been so nimble and athletic for such a big body (6-6, 290). Coaches saw Simon’s athleticism and power when he was a sophomore, and gave him that nickname after just three days of practice. It fit so well that Simon was the Big Cat before he ever played a varsity snap for the Vikings.
On a physical and attacking front, the Vikings had an assortment of defensive monsters. Ge’Terius Brown, Troy Butler and King Massey combined for 56.5 tackles for loss and 20.5 sacks. Simon was the headliner, racking up 70 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks with a combination of speed and agility that made him the area’s most feared player at the line of scrimmage.
“It’s an amazing feeling just to know that my work don’t go unnoticed,” he said. “Just like the work that I put in after hours is being shown, being rewarded. So, it’s a great feeling.”
In a season that included a 13-1 record and run to the Class 3A state championship game, Simon said his most lasting memory of high school came in the aftermath of a state semifinal win.
Sarasota Booker was trying to claw back before Raines slammed the door shut in the final minute. Troy Butler jarred the ball loose from a Tornadoes player and Simon recovered it to sew up the win.
“I said I wasn’t going to cry, but when my dad just came up to me and he was telling me how proud he was, he always tells me how proud he was, but that specific time, it felt different,” Simon said.
“So, just my dad telling me how proud of me he was and just the things that I’m doing right now, he never got the chance to. So, I’d say that’s my most memorable moment.”
There were no shortage of unforgettable moments for Simon and the Vikings defense. The Booker game happened to be the headliner because of how much Raines needed every big play the defense could deliver. The Vikings trailed 23-14 at half and were probably a little fortunate to be down by just that. Raines pitched a second-half shutout and raced back for a 28-23 win.
“My last game being at Raines, Week 4 of the playoffs. Ain’t nobody else playing in the city, so it felt good to have my last game at home, and get to project us in the state championship game,” he said.
Varsity 4 All-News4JAX players of the year
2024: TJ Cole, Raines (offensive); Jyon Simon, Raines (defensive)
2023: Laython Biddle, Bartram Trail (offensive); Drake Stubbs, Mandarin (defensive).
2022: Orel Gray, University Christian (offensive); Grayson Howard, Jackson (defensive).
2021: Dom Henry, Nease (offensive); Jaheim Singletary, Riverside (defensive).
2020: Jadon Canady, Sandalwood.
2019: Myles Montgomery, Fletcher (offensive); Trevez Johnson, Bartram Trail (defensive).
Varsity 4 All-News4JAX defense
Position, Player, School, Class, Notable
DL Colby Cronk, Flagler Palm Coast, Sr.
NC State signee had best season of his career. Team-leading 120 tackles, 57 tackles for loss and 27 sacks. Forced and recovered a couple fumbles for 9-2 Bulldogs.
DL Ryker Kemp, Ponte Vedra, Sr.
Wrecking ball in the Sharks run to the regional finals. Had 43 tackles, 15 sacks, 5 TFL, forced and recovered a fumble and blocked a couple FGs.
DL Jyon Simon, Raines, Sr.
All-News4JAX Varsity 4 defensive player of the year. Coaches mentioned Simon more than any other defensive player. Had 70 tackles, 19.5 TFL and 12 sacks for the Class 3A state runner-up Vikings. Rutgers signee.
DL Amare Thomas, Oakleaf, Sr.
“Biggie” was a wrecker for the Knights. Top defensive player in Clay County. Had 120 tackles and school records for tackles for loss (17.5) and sacks (14.5). Recovered two fumbles.
LB Kameron Mills, Mandarin, Jr.
Powerful outside backer who had 61 tackles, 22 TFL and 11.5 sacks for Mustangs. Also recovered a fumble.
LB Joe Miracle III, Nease, Sr.
In the player of the year conversation. Leader of a wicked tough Panthers defense. Team-best 105 tackles, 19 TFL. Added 7 sacks, 3 INTs, forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Took a pick back for a TD for 10-1 Nease.
LB Tony Williams, Raines, Jr.
Led team with 104 tackles, 16 TFL and 6 sacks. Forced 3 fumbles. Second-team All-News4JAX selection last year at White. Has 198 tackles, 24 TFL, 9 sacks and 5 INT in his varsity career.
DB CJ Ennis, Bolles, Sr.
Remarkable ballhawk had area-best 8 interceptions in his final season. Had a fumble recovery and a forced fumble. Blocked a FG and had 41 tackles. Had 13 picks over his final two seasons.
DB Joshua Patterson, White, Sr.
Four-year player had 53 tackles, 4 TFL, 10 passes defensed, a couple of forced fumbles and fumble recoveries to held deliver a district title. Had 11 career picks. Iowa State signee. Third-team selection last year.
DB Kaylib Singleton, Oakleaf, Sr.
Nicknamed the “Iceman,” he had 54 tackles and broke up 17 passes. Had three interceptions. No team threw a TD pass against him this season. Blocked a couple FG attempts. Signed with Syracuse. Third-team selection last year.
DB Drake Stubbs, Mandarin, Sr.
Two-time All-News4JAX selection. Was defensive player of the year as a junior. Had 54 tackles, 8 TFL, 2 INT, 3 forced fumbles and a defensive TD. Signed with Florida.
P Noah Ash, Ponte Vedra, So.
Excels at placekicking and punting. Averaged 38.8 yards per punt and had nine inside the 20. Long of 60 yards. Had 53 touchbacks in 64 kickoffs. Hit six FGs.
ATH Sebastian Cruz, Fleming Island, Jr.
Versatile athlete. Safety had team-best 114 tackles (75 solo). Forced a fumble, defensed 12 passes and picked off 5. Had 655 all-purpose yards, 3 rushing TDs. Took an INT and a kickoff back for TDs.
ATH Jacob Curry, Nease, Jr.
Linebacker/safety had 8 sacks, 101 tackles and 12 TFL for the 10-1 Panthers. Forced a couple fumbles and recovered one. Has 187 tackles, 11.5 sacks in two seasons.
ATH Jeremiah McKenzie, Bradford, Sr.
Had 65 tackles, 5 TFL, a sack, an interception, and blocked a couple punts for the Tornadoes. Signed with Central Michigan.
SECOND TEAM
Position, Player, School, Class, Notable
DL BJ Carter, Middleburg, Sr.
Iowa State signee was a force for the Broncos. Had 46 tackles, 7 sacks, 6 TFL and a forced fumble as Middleburg had its best season since 2003.
DL Andre Jackson, Fletcher, Sr.
Massive jump in production in his final season. Had 84 tackles, 19 TFL and 19 sacks. Had 147 tackles, 29.5 TFL and 27.5 sacks in final two years.
DL King Massey, Raines, Sr.
Had 69 tackles, 24 TFL and 7 sacks to lead a wicked-tough Vikings defense. Forced 5 fumbles, recovered 5 fumbles and had a pick for 13-1 Raines.
DL Kyon Wilcox, St. Augustine, Sr.
Absolute monster on the line for the Yellow Jackets. Had 83 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks and a couple forced fumbled for 11-2, state semifinalist.
LB Simeon Caldwell, Bolles, Jr.
Safety/LB hybrid had 80 tackles, 12 TFL, 3 sacks and recovered a fumble for 10-2 Bulldogs. Also blocked a couple FGs. Third-team All-News4JAX selection last year.
LB Seth Chestnut, Baker County, Sr.
Four-year player who had 92 tackles, 5 TFL, 2 INT and recovered a fumble. Selection to FACA all-star game.
LB Kemari Spriggs, Mandarin, Sr.
Team-best 105 tackles, 7.5 TFL and a couple INTs for district champ Mustangs. Also had a safety.
DB Braylon James, St. Augustine, Sr.
Safety was a playmaker. Had 93 tackles, 6 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 INT and helped defense overcome big graduation losses en route to state semifinals.
DB Gavin Jenkins, Union County, Sr.
Four-year player for the Tigers. Had 29 tackles, a sack and an interception. Had 6 passes defensed and a couple fumble recoveries. Big-time playmaker at receiver (31 catches, 577 yards, 7 TDs). Signed with USF.
DB Elisha Luckett III, Nease, Sr.
Star in the secondary for the Panthers during 10-1 season. Had 45 tackles, 16 passes defensed and 5 INTs for district champs. Had a pick-six and a kickoff returned for a TD.
DB Jordin Price, Oakleaf, Jr.
Had 54 tackles as a DB, 2 TFL, a sack and fumble recovery. Picked off 4 passes and took one back for a TD. Had 28 PBU. Had 23 catches, 427 yards, 6 TDs as a receiver. Took a kick back for a TD, too.
P Tyler Ghazanfari, Nease, Sr.
Do-it-all player for the Panthers. Averaged 36.5 yards per punt and had 7 inside the 20. Hit 6 of 10 field goals with a long of 44. Hit 51 of 53 PATs. Had 372 receiving yards on 19 catches, 6 TDs.
ATH Sam Hayward, Providence, Sr.
Army signee had a excellent final season. Had 20 TFL, 10 sacks and 25 QB hurries as Stallions earned No. 1 seed in Region 1-1A. Had 22.5 career sacks, 47 TFL. Played TE, too, where he had 319 yards on 17 catches, 2 TDs in his career. Second team All-News4JAX selection last year.
ATH Trenton Klein, Union County, Sr.
Had 72 tackles, 23.5 TFL and 7.5 sacks for Rural power Tigers. Passed for 1,409 yards, 22 TDs and rushed for 587 yards, 7 TDs. Third-team All-News4JAX selection last year.
ATH MJ Rossin, Suwannee, Sr.
Monster all over for the Bulldogs. Had 46 tackles, INT, 4 fumble recoveries and a sack from spot in the secondary. On offense, he rushed for 359 yards (4 TDs) and had 818 yards receiving (10 TDs). Finished with 1,619 all-purpose yards.
THIRD TEAM
Position, Player, School, Class, Notable
DL Ge’Terius Brown, Raines, Jr.
Had 60 tackles, 13.5 TFL and was a wrecking ball on a vicious Vikings defense as Raines went 13-1 and played for 3A state title.
DL Asher Ghioto, Bolles, Fr.
Breakout first season in varsity football. Fourth on team with 66 tackles. Led Bulldogs with 21 TFL and 7 sacks. Recovered a fumble.
DL Phillip Jackson, Baker County, Sr.
Had 51 tackles, 8 TFL and 15 sacks for the Wildcats. Had 27 sacks over his final two seasons.
DL Javon Johnson, White, Sr.
District champion Commanders got some serious push from Johnson. Had 85 tackles, 10.5 TFL and 6.5 sacks. Forced a couple fumbles, too.
DL Aaron Stacy, Clay, Sr.
Bright spot in tough season for Blue Devils. Had 83 tackles, 28.5 TFL and 10 sacks. Also recovered a couple fumbles.
LB Talan Babin, Ponte Vedra, Jr.
Led Sharks in tackles (79). Had 9 TFL, 4 sacks and blocked a punt as Sharks reached regional final.
LB Troy Holloway, Bolles, Sr.
Led Bulldogs in tackles (105) and 7 TFL. Also forced a couple fumbles and has 6 passes defensed for 10-2 Bulldogs. Committed to Sewannee University.
LB Tristan Kelly, Impact Christian, Sr.
Team leader with 107 tackles and 25 TFL. Led area with 28 sacks and helped Lions reach the state playoffs for the first time. Had a couple fumbles returned for TDs.
DB Luke Harmon, Menendez, Jr.
Strong safety had 79 tackles and 4 INTs. Had 9 passes defensed, forced and recovered a fumble. Took a fumble back for a TD and blocked a kick.
DB Shareef Jackson, Mandarin, Jr.
Had 50 tackles, 3 TFL and a couple picks. Added a fumble recovery. Has 9 INTs in last two seasons.
DB Von Lane, Columbia, Jr.
Had 42 tackles, 3 TFL, 5 passes defensed and 3 INTs for Tigers. Returned a pick for a TD.
DB Tamajh Mitchell, Mandarin, Jr.
Had 39 tackles, 5 INTs, 3 TFL and a sack. Forced a couple fumbles and had a defensive TD.
P Eddie Hinton, Raines, Jr.
Averaged 34.7 yards per punt. Even better in the secondary where he had 75 tackles, a sack and picked off a team-best 5 passes. Also recovered a fumble.
ATH Tayvion Lawson, Jackson, Sr.
The 6-2, 185-pound two-way player had 5 INTs, 26 tackles, 3 TFL, 8 passes defensed and a defensive TD from DB position. Added 21 catches for 356 yards, 2 TDs as receiver.
ATH Tre Williams, Trinity Christian, So.
One of numerous underclassmen playmakers for the Conquerors. Had 2 picks and recovered a fumble. Had 4 passes defensed, 18 tackles. On offense, had a pair of rushing TDs and led team in receiving (429 yards, 4 TDs) as Trinity reached state semis.
Honorable mention
Linebacker
Matteo Bernardi, St. Augustine, Sr.; Dajon Brown, Columbia, Sr.; LeCosta Byrd, Fort White, Sr.; Bryan Copeland, Oakleaf, Sr.; Jalen Gaskins, Columbia, Sr.; Joris Gibson, Parker, Sr.; Noah Hodge, Nease, Jr.; Kyle Hurtado, Nease, Jr.; Matt Jenkins, Bolles, Sr.; Maddox Lehman, Menendez, Jr.; Josh Macklin, White, Sr.; Aidan Matos, Tocoi Creek, Sr.; Micah Merritt, Raines, Sr.; Aidan Piper, Bishop Kenny, Jr.; Jermaine Robinson, Oakleaf, Sr.; Javaris Roberts, Clay, Sr.; Gunnar Rogers, Bishop Kenny, Jr.; Zachary Sandell, First Coast, Jr.; Joseph Soto, Menendez, Sr.; Kaleel Vereen, Trinity Christian, Sr.; Corinthians Watson Jr., Flagler Palm Coast, Sr.; Macaiden Weise, Episcopal, Sr.
Defensive line
Synorice Barnes, Baldwin, Sr.; Troy Butler, Raines, Jr.; Elysha Campbell, Palatka, Sr.; Jakhari Cooper, Parker, Sr.; Taylor Davenport, Baldwin, Sr.; Kyten Davis, Columbia, Jr.; Tyce Donnelly, Creekside, Sr.; Nigel Eldridge Jr., Beachside, Sr.; Martin Geary, Ponte Vedra, Sr.; Omar Goosby, Clay, Sr.; Brian Harris, Mandarin, Jr.; Trente’ Jenkins, Bradford, Sr.; Aiden Justilien, Oakleaf, Sr.; Julius LaRosa, University Christian, So.; Duke Lewis, Bradford, Sr.; Noah Lustrea, Beachside, Jr.; Keegan MacLean, Wolfson, Sr.; Darnell Malpress, Atlantic Coast, Sr.; Derrick Small, First Coast, Sr.; Anthony Smith, Oakleaf, Sr.; Blake Warner, Tocoi Creek, Sr.; Mike Wright, St. Augustine, Sr.
Defensive backs
AJ Alicea, Bishop Kenny, Sr.; Brody Jennings, Mandarin, Jr.; Julian Holt, White, Jr.; Darrell Jenkins, St. Augustine, Sr.; Andrew Koenig, Wolfson, Fr.; Jaylen Lewis, Mandarin, Sr.; Joel Lowe, Middleburg, Sr.; Shemar McNair, Nease, Sr.; Richard Pooler, Riverside, Sr.; Jalen Ross, Bolles, Sr.; Lucas Siharaji, Flagler Palm Coast, So.; Jayshaun Wanton, Raines, Sr.
Athlete
Jaden Boyd, Middleburg, Sr.; Eliyjah Caldwell-Hardy, Impact Christian, Jr.; Fareed Coleman, Oakleaf, Jr.; James Davis III, Bishop Kenny, Jr.; Davion Dean, Baker County, Sr.; Jaxon Earle, Creekside, Jr.; Colton Hollingsworth, Keystone Heights, Jr.; Jayden Jackson, Fort White, Jr.; Noah Johnson, Providence, Sr.; Anthony Jones, Jackson, Jr.; Zamarion Jones, Columbia, Sr.; Amare Mack, University Christian, Jr.; Quinton Moore, Orange Park, Sr.; Ethan Myers, Yulee, Sr.; Josiah Payton, Providence, Jr.; Jayden Roberts, Menendez, Fr.