By Mike Keeney, Contributing Writer
The future is indeed bright for Jonzell Prudhomme.
The 6’2″, 220-pound senior linebacker turned in quite a year for the Davis Falcons.
Prudhomme recorded 49 solo tackles, 37 assisted tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 11.5 quarterback sacks, 2 interceptions (one he returned for a touchdown), seven batted ball, five pass breakups and nine quarterback hurries.
Those numbers added up to Prudhomme being named the 2018 Northeast News’ Defensive Player of the Year.
He had a busy season indeed, and will also have a busy winter as he decides which college he wants to choose to continue his academic and athletic career.
Prudhomme has already visited the Air Force Academy and will visit West Point in January. He is also drawing interest from Kansas State, New Mexico, Sam Houston State, the Naval Academy, Fresno State and a host of other schools.
“I really liked the Air Force Academy and I am looking forward to visiting West Point,” Prudhomme said.
James Showers, his coach, said whoever lands Prudhomme will be getting a special player.
“Jonzell is a workhorse who does not let up,” Showers said. “He’s very smart and can analyze a play before it happens. His strengths are his football IQ and his relentlessness to make plays. Jonzell has a true passion for the game.”
Prudhomme, whose father Tremel played on the 1990 Aldine High School team that won the state and national title, is also a solid student off the field. He carries a 3.9 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) and is in the top 1% of his class. He’s also a member of the National Honor Society at Davis High, served as a volunteer during Hurricane Harvey, was a member of the District 16-6A All Academic Team and was Academic All-State. He was also named first team all-district on the District 16-6A defensive team. He is also a Houston Chronicle Top 100 recruit.
“He’s well liked by his classmates, our staff and his teammates,” Showers said. “Our coaches love him, especially me!”
Showers said Prudhomme is only scratching the surface with his playing talents. He said his frame should allow him to add another 20 to 30 pounds of muscle that could make him an even more powerful player.
Off the field, Prudhomme likes giving back to his community and church, Showers said.
“He enjoys assisting in the community and with the ministry at his church,” Showers said. “He comes from an outstanding family. He is a reflection of his mom and dad, Tremel and Natasha, both of whom work in the district.”
It appears whatever college or service academy lands Jonzell Prudhomme, they are going to get a winner on and off the football field.