Amateur to Professional Developmental Football League

Atlanta, Georgia - With the 26-50 segment of the 2018 APDFL Top 50 garnering attention, the top half should also open eyes.

25. Ladecker Johnson (DB, Prattville)
Reasoning: While only snaring three interceptions, Johnson broke on the ball with quick hands and timing. Breaking up 18 passes means teams tried him and failed. In addition, Johnson can shadow from anywhere. Johnson sits on this list due to the elevation of his game during playoff time. Facing a prolific Blackhawks offense, Ladecker picked two passes and tallied five tackles.

24. Mike Gatewood (OL, Dynasty)
Reasoning: Gatewood anchors what many consider the best offensive line in the league. By stonewalling defenders, he ensures the Dynasty ground game thrives. Keeping the interior clean takes skill. With offensive linemen, their skills are difficult to quantify.

23. Terrell Singleton (OL, Patriots)
Reasoning: During the Patriots’ resurgence, Singleton helped to solidify the line during the quarterback transition. Scoring 47 points in five games helps no one. Singleton helped Prattville find its way back. A tenacious blocker, Singleton handled talented rushers during the Prattville win streak.

22. Dee Garrett (DB, Gators)
Reasoning: What separates Garrett from many corners is his willingness to tackle. Gulf Coast saw fit to allow Garrett to make plays in close proximity to the line. Three TFL, to accompany his 18 PBU and 6 interceptions scream for a spot on this list.

21. Louis Ellis (DT, Dynasty)
Reasoning: When Ellis lines up across an interior lineman, either guard or center, he brings a resonating violence to each snap. Ellis beats opponents with sheer power, will, and determination. In grading his performance, stats fade from relevance. Ellis’ legal assault on linemen gives the Dynasty nastiness, an edge that sets the tone early. Through brute force, Ellis causes the offense to change game-plans.

20. Rakeem Scott (WR, Ayrmen)
Reasoning: Scott became Carl Davis’ go-to wideout, early and often. If the Ayrmen needed a big play, they found Scott. As a result, the Ayrmen offense clicked throughout the season. 19 yards per reception nets him a spot. Finishing the regular season with four consecutive 100-yard games and seven scores slides Scott into the Top 20 with ease.

19. Keland Johnson (DL, Dynasty)
Reasoning: Operating on the line for the Dynasty, Johnson brings the penchant for the big play. To the casual observer, big play equals sacks. In contrast, Johnson’s ability to stop the run and get upfield makes the Dynasty perennially dangerous. Versus playoff teams, he tallied eight sacks and three forced fumbles. At the same time, the Dynasty defense appears almost impossible to run on.

18. Henderson Ware (DT, Ducks)
Reasoning: When the Ducks played in 2018, many ignored their product. However, after shocking the Blackhawks and Patriots in consecutive games, Augusta announced its presence. In the middle of that defense, Henderson Ware causes havoc of opposing running games. Ware’s sheer mass and power force opponents to run to the perimeter. The Ducks enjoy a force in the middle.

17. Matt Rowser (QB, Generals)
Reasoning: Rowser led a Generals offense that upended the Kings and gave the Dynasty a scare. Rowser’s timing, in concert with his ability to keep plays alive, gave the Generals a season to remember. Rowser’s accuracy and toughness put the Generals in prime winning position. As Rowser settles in at quarterback, his agility will continue to suit him well.

16. Lemarcus Gwinn (Edge, Generals)
Reasoning: Rowser’s teammate anchored a defense that allowed less than ten points six times. Gwinn destroyed game-plans with his ability to read a play and make a sound decision. The Generals enjoyed a fantastic season, highlighted by Gwinn’s freakish ability to alter games. Knocking off the 9-1 Kings in the playoffs gives Mobile the impetus they need to build for the future with Gwinn as a cornerstone, irreplaceable defender.

15. Roderick Gladney (OL, Dynasty)Reasoning: Without Gladney clearing the way, the Dynasty offense would halt. In him, the Dynasty enjoys a blindside protector unafraid to meet edge rushers at the corner. In fact, Gladney enjoys clearing a path. More importantly, being technically sound affords him the leeway in blocking various rush types.

14. Jonny Warren (WR, Crescent City)
Key Stat: 30.4 yards per catch.Reasoning: Granted, many receivers caught more touchdowns, but none commanded attention like Warren. Taking the top off defenses allowed the Kings to enjoy a successful first APDFL season.

13. Kelly Marsh (WR, Blackhawks)
Reasoning: While other teams and receivers garnered attention, Marsh made play after play for the Blackhawks. Averaging 17.2 yards per catch and netting eleven touchdowns made Marsh a constant headache for defenders.

12. Carl Davis (QB, Tuskegee)
Reasoning: The Ayrmen enjoyed season-long success, thanks to Davis. A patient passer, Davis will shred secondaries with precision. Sporting a 3:1 touchdown to interception ratio, Davis also completed 59 percent of his passes.

11. Irvin Nash (LB, Vipers)
Reasoning: Nash makes his reputation for abruptly stopping plays with his hits. Five forced fumbles for a linebacker means that Nash, both in space or traffic, destroys what he sees. Moreover, adding three interceptions make Nash a complete linebacker. In 2018, Nash inches closer to national recognition with strong play and the ability to dislodge the ball.

10. Labarron Mallory (ATH, Gators)
Reasoning: Without a doubt, no player possesses Malloy’s elite versatility. Although he scored on offense in every conceivable way, Mallory found a home on defense where his six picks and two scores on that side of the ball ignited the Gators defense. Passing, rushing, receiving, and pick-sixes all found their way onto Mallory’s stat sheet.

9. Shaun Jones (LB, Kings)
Reasoning: Operating as the unquestioned heart and soul of the Kings’ defense, Jones enhanced his game in 2018. By adding new moves to his repertoire, Jones became a different player. Despite his frame, Jones slips blocks and knifes in to also make stops versus the run.

8. Corey Wells (LB, Blackhawks)
Reasoning: While most in the APDFL know of the Blackhawks’ prolific offense, Wells anchored the surprisingly nasty Blackhawk defense. The Blackhawks held opponents to single-digit points eight times. Wells registered ten tackles or more six times.

7. Patrick Campbell (Edge, Patriots)
Reasoning: Offensive lines have a choice with Campbell. Either chip or pick your quarterback off the ground seems like the relevant two. In addition, Campbell’s ability to string out running plays served the Patriots well. Including the playoffs, Campbell snared 32 TFL, 100 tackles, and 13.5 sacks. While these stats may appear far-fetched, film accurately portrays him as a disruptive force.

6. Chris Calhoun (QB, Blackhawks)
Reasoning: Regardless of opponents, 31 regular-season & playoff combined passing touchdowns will open eyes. Calhoun led the Blackhawks up and down the field with a mix of pinpoint and vertical throws. Double-digit playoff touchdowns put the Blackhawks on the map. Going forward, Calhoun could merit a much higher consideration.

5. Tyrone Jones (ATH, Pensacola)
Reasoning: On film, Jones’ play speaks volumes about his place on this list. Almost single-handedly keeping the Jets in games, Jones’ combination or arm and feet solidify him as one of the most exciting players in the APDFL. Under a constant rush, Jones thrived in the controlled passing game. That being said, on the outside, he defeats defenders with agility and elusiveness.

4. Kyle Caldwell (QB, Patriots)
Reasoning: When Kyle Caldwell joined the Patriots in April, the team teetered on the brink of missing the playoffs. Yet, through his knack for the big play and approach, Prattville embarked on a miraculous run, which continued into a championship game appearance. Knowing each contest served as an elimination game, Caldwell willed a once-dormant offense into contention. In such a small sample, Caldwell resuscitated an offense from the brink of collapse.

3. LeSteven Jackson (QB, Dynasty)
Reasoning: Jackson is the steering wheel. Wherever the Dynasty goes, he will lead them. Very few players in the APDFL endure the responsibility of leading the entire franchise, on both sides of the ball. On the field, Jackson’s shiftiness and strong mindset will his team to victory. When down 13-0 versus Mobile, Jackson calmly marched his team back and forward to a 20-13 victory. To behold one player will an entire team is magical to witness.

2. Jyron Walters (QB, Crescent City)
Key Stats: 6 regular season games with 200 yards passing.
Reasoning: While people may want to debate or argue, Jyron Walters is the best pure passer in the APDFL. The film speaks for itself. For the entire world to see, Walters keys a potent Kings attack. With a TD/INT ratio of 2:1, Walters rarely makes the catastrophic mistake. For instance, facing the Patriots’ defense, Walters threw for 444 yards and two scores. In addition, the Kings played one of the toughest schedules in the league. Five times during the regular season, Walters averaged ten yards or more per attempt. The Kings trust in his ability to beat the opponents vertically. Moreover, Walters will endure a vicious hit, only to embarrass corners and safeties.

1. Justin Robinson (DL, Prattville)
Reasoning: In a declarative statement: No APDFL player enjoyed a better 2018 season. You can throw all of the stats at that statement. However, film proves that Robinson sits atop this list for a few reasons.

Competition: If you look at the Pats’ schedule, they played quality teams all season. Teams like the Ducks, Ayrmen, and Kings boast stout offensive lines. Yet, Robinson continued to take up residence in the backfield.

Team Competition: One point to remember is that Robinson played across from another elite rusher in Patrick Campbell. These two met each other in the backfield all season. No pass rushing combo generated as much commotion. During the 0-5 start, Robinson tallied 4.5 stats. Since then, 18.5 sacks. As a result, facing elimination, Robinson rises to the occasion.

23 sacks and 9 forced fumbles this in a world of occasionally odd stats matters. Robinson’s first step, combined with his ability to jar the ball loose earned him that spot. In an era of self-promotion and social media bravado, quality film stands out. Justin Robinson is the best player in the APDFL for 2018. Robinson also lined up at tight end, catching a touchdown, saw time in the backfield, rushing three times for 38 yards. Stats and film remain the most honest marriage. Neither lie.

What separates the APDFL from most leagues is the diverse team construction.

Looking forward to 2019, this list will look and feel different. Players deserve recognition for excellence. The owners must continue to provide the tools necessary for success. Once again, congratulations to Justin Robinson and all of those stellar athletes.