PLAYOFF PROFILES : It’s All Work for Deagon

While many of his teammates have grabbed headlines and attracted college recruiters, Antelope Valley High tackle Michael Deagon has all but spilled his own blood to one day be noticed.

Deagon, a senior, has helped quarterback Bobby Brown pass for 1,110 yards and 12 touchdowns and tailback Jermaine Lewis rush for 2,013 yards and 27 touchdowns.

By making holes on the left side of the line, Deagon has also helped showcase Trymon Redick, Tony Walker and Ken Nelson--players who have Division I potential. But recruiters from large schools are hesitant to seek Deagon, because, they say, he needs more polish, and at 6 feet 3 and 178 pounds he is too short and too light.

“If he was 6-8, he’d get some interest,” said Brent Newcomb, who has coached at Antelope Valley 28 years. “Hell, when I played, 6-3 was the biggest guy. Back in those days, you were kind of a goon if you were 6-6. You couldn’t play on the basketball team.

“[The University of] Washington was here today, and the first thing they asked was, ‘How tall is he?’ ”

Deagon, whom Newcomb calls the most-dominant lineman in the Golden League, sometimes spends hours at home practicing technique in front of a mirror or sparring in the backyard with his brother and Antelope teammate, Jim, a junior lineman.

“While some people may go home and watch TV or hang out with friends, I try to do the things that will help me get through,” said Deagon, who carries a 3.63 grade-point average and has attracted the interest of Ivy League coaches. “I always tell the other players [away from practice] is the time when you improve yourself, work on your quickness, speed and strength.”

The hard work is slowly paying off. Deagon, who makes his block on nearly every play, had seven pancake blocks in a game against Highland. Lewis says other linemen should look up to Deagon and learn from his work ethic.

“He’s a leader and a role model,” Lewis said. “He does it in the classroom and on the field. He’s a great teammate.”

And with the defending champion Antelopes (11-1) facing Downey tonight at Gahr High in the Division II semifinals, Deagon desperately wants to win the title again.

“The seniors were so much more into it last year, because they knew they were leaving a final impression on AV,” he said. “There’s so much more pride when you’re leading the team instead of following it.”