Mansfield Senior's Bradley, Crestview's Barker named MNJ Defensive Players of the Year

MANSFIELD — They were the most dominant forces in all of Richland County football during the 2022 season.

So, it is only right that they were both honored as the 2022 Mansfield News Journal Defensive Players of the Year.

Let's take a closer look at Mansfield Senior linebacker Mekhi Bradley, who is a repeat winner of the award, and Crestview defensive end Owen Barker.

Mekhi Bradley, Mansfield Senior

Postseason honors: Division III First Team All-Ohio, Division III First Team All-Northwest District, Division III Northwest District Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-Ohio Cardinal Conference

Season stats: 113 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and a blocked point-after attempt

Owen Barker, Crestview

Postseason honors: Division VI First Team All-Ohio, Division VI First Team All-Northwest District, Division VI Northwest District Lineman of the Year, Firelands Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year, First Team All-Firelands Conference

Season stats: 80 tackles with 12 sacks and 36 QB pressures to go with 30 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, a safety and a pass breakup

jfurr@gannett.com

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Twitter: @JakeFurr11

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Mansfield Senior's Bradley, Crestview's Barker are MNJ Defensive Players of the Year