Steven Soles of Powell (Photo: Tanner Walker).
BY MIKE BLACKERBY
The light really came on for standout Powell defensive end Steven Soles midway through the 2021 high school football season.
Soles’ wrecking-ball style of play was a big reason the Panthers emerged as one of most dominant defensive units in the area.
Powell’s defensive allowed just 27 points throught its first four playoff games.
The Panthers then outlasted Page 42-34 to win the Class 5A state championship game in December.
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Soles, the 5Star Preps Defensive Underclassman of the Year, posted huge numbers from his defensive end position.
Soles’ specialty was destroying linemen and getting in the backfield as fast as possible.
He led Powell with 17 quarterback sacks for minus-129 yards and 50 quarterback hurries.
Soles also recorded 50 solo stops and 74 overall tackles with two fumble recoveries.
“People forget that Steven started for us as a freshman,” said Powell coach Matt Lowe.
“You saw bursts his freshman year in 2020. As the season progressed last year from about midseason on you saw a different kid when it came to motor and chase.”
Soles said he takes great pride in being known as a defender who never takes a play off.
“First, I just have a love for the game,” said Soles.
“I just try and get after it and lead by example. I try and use my explosiveness and speed, but I can also catch linemen off guard with my power.”
Soles played last season at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds.
He is already up to 6-3 and 215 heading into what promises to be an exciting 2022 season, both individually and team wise.
Lowe said he expects Soles to take another big step next season.
With continued physical growth and skills development he predicts Soles will emerge a Division I prospect.
“I think it’s coming this spring,” said Lowe.
“I talked to a number of (college) coaches and I expect him to explode. You’re talking about a 16-year-old kid who is already 215 or 218 pounds. We expect him to play at 225 next year and 235 or 240 his senior year.”
Soles said he intends to take full advantage of the opportunity in front of him.
“I’m working hard in the weight room and eating a lot trying to gain weight,” he said.
“By my senior year I want to get up to 235.”
Lowe said the blueprint is in place for Soles.
The rest is up to him.
“No one questions his explosiveness,” said Lowe.
“The bottom line is he has got to continue to develop and put on weight. It’s just about consistently putting in good work on a daily basis,” Lowe continued.
“All of the physical attributes are there. At the defensive end spot there’s a lot of technical work to study and learn.”
Despite having a dream season in 2021, Soles hardly sounds like he’s satisfied moving forward.
“I’m just going to try and pick up where we left off,” he said.
“I’m just going to keep my motor running, work hard and do it again.”