A position by position look at the 2026 Destrehan Wildcats:
Quarterback
Two years ago, then-freshman quarterback A’ushai Smith found himself pressed into action unexpectedly.
Destrehan had lost quarterback Jackson Fields to an injury suffered in Week 1 of the 2024 season. Then backup quarterback J’hase Thomas likewise was unexpectedly sidelined, leaving the first-year varsity passer Smith to take the helm. Smith led the Wildcats to Week 2 and Week 4 victories before Fields returned at midseason, as Destrehan kept its season afloat – and the Wildcats would ultimately march to the Division I non-select semifinals.
“He earned some experience as a freshman, he stepped in and really showed composure. And really that’s his big attribute. He’s composed. These kids played together through middle school and rec, and they’re very familiar with him. They believe in his leadership style,” said Scott. “He handled the ups and downs. He was supposed to be our third string quarterback, and then J’hase broke his ankle. He had to play at Alexandria. He played at Terrebonne and he handled that pressure well.”
In the team’s spring scrimmage with Shaw, the junior quarterback had the chance to show off his rushing ability via a few designed runs.
“He’s a dual-threat. He can get out of trouble with his legs and it’s definitely a plus. He can add to the run game when necessary,” Scott said. “It’s like any season, you want to gear what you do around what your kids do best and take advantage of what the defense gives you. It’s really the same approach we’ve always had.”
Sophomore Denham Ellsworth will back Smith up.
Running back
Like Smith, Malachi Dabney found a starting role and the spotlight that comes with it much earlier than expected at Destrehan, after then starter Shane Ward was lost for the season with injury in 2024.
Dabney has thrived under the lights. He’s posted huge statistical seasons in two consecutive years, including more than 2,000 total yards and 35 touchdowns in his junior season last year. He enters his senior year established as one of Louisiana’s true star playmakers. Dabney will also play at the college level, recently committing to Nicholls State.
Scott said competing in track and field gives Dabney an offseason boost and that the running back is ready to roll.
“He’s put on some good weight. He’ll lead our offense,” Scott said.
Dabney has time and time again broken loose for long touchdown runs. It displays his speed, but Scott said Dabney’s balance is another big part of that equation.
“That’s something that stands out. He can run through arm tackles and keep going. He’s got a low center of gravity that helps him as well. He is able to combine speed and power and you can see the results,” Scott said.
Tony Crump has seen significant time at running back the past two years and has also played linebacker for Destrehan. He’ll be carrying the football again for DHS this season, and Scott said he put together a strong preseason scrimmage last week against East Ascension.
“He ran hard the other day. He normally does,” said Scott. “He adds another dimension to our run game as well. Tony’s a tough kid, a physical, downhill runner.”
Senior Jordan Zeringue and sophomore Landyn Dugas are two players who will mix in as well, while also playing receiver.
Wide receiver and tight end
Senior Jaylan Ash returns and is, by far, the most experienced member of this corps of wide receivers.
Ash established himself as a playmaker for Destrehan last season and the team will be counting on him again as a primary target in the passing game.
“Jaylan gives you that threat down the field and makes plays in the short and intermediate game. For us, we’ve got to make sure we put him in position to make plays,” Scott said. “He’s really good at making those contested catches. He’s got leaping ability and makes plays that are off-schedule, kind of what people refer to as acrobatic catches. He has a knack for making plays in traffic.”
Senior Akil Banks, senior Coryan Armstrong and junior Darryl Washington will join Ash at wide receiver, along with Zeringue and Dugas who will each play a hybrid role.
“It’s a good group. I’m looking forward to watching them grow as they get experience,” said Scott. “That room is young. They play together … instead of it being one or two guys, it’s kind of done by committee. That’s good, because everybody has to be ready and contribute. We feel good in that we have some guys who we know can go out there and make plays.”
Scott said in the cases of Zeringue and Dugas, it can make things difficult for the opposing defense when the Wildcats can shift formations without changing personnel.
Senior Brayden Fayard is set to play H-back and should also see snaps on defense at linebacker as well.
“He’s a first-year starter, but he’s been in our program working and getting better since he was a freshman. You love seeing kids come up through the program and earn that opportunity to contribute,” Scott said.
Judah Thornton, Scott said, could also see time at H-back as well.
Offensive line
This will be another group with some turnover in its ranks.
The line’s most experienced returning player is Jordan Collins, who started at tackle last season and played alongside his brother Earl, who graduated in the spring.
Collins brings great size at 6’4, 305 pounds, and Destrehan is looking for a big year anchoring the team up front.
“He’s stepped up and embraced his role as the leader of that group,” Scott said. “That being said, he’s also still young. But he’s done a good job. We want to see him keep that going.”
Senior Jamiah Giles will start at center and junior Andrew Culver at guard. Scott said the team is still settling the other two spots, with senior Ethan Smith, sophomore Damari Tabb, sophomore Remy McCloskey and senior
Judah Thornton all in the mix for playing time.
Scott said the group is showing promise, but also cautioned it will take some time and on-field experience for this group to reach its potential.
“The main thing is they’re picking up the system,” said Scott. “They’re playing within themselves. The main thing is to get lined up, make plays, and everyone just has to do their job. This is a good, hard-working group. They just need experience – they’re getting better every week.”
Scott said last week’s scrimmage showed the group’s upside, but also that there are things to work on.
“Some good, some bad,” Scott said. “They did some good things and there’s some things we’ve got to fix – but that’s the same story you’ll hear from every coach in America right about now.”
Defensive line
Joshua Fiffie is a returning starter at defensive end and a cornerstone for the Wildcats. The 6’6, 305-pound senior has a 7’1 wingspan and brings size, physicality and experience.
Sophomore defensive tackle Brandon Ross is another player who played extensively last season, and along with senior defensive end Avant Carter will join Fiffie on the starting defensive line.
Senior Christian Ordonge, junior Kamryn Ratcliff and junior Romell Green will also be counted on in the rotation up front.
“It’s a nice sized group. Fiffie and Ross are big kids,” Scott said. “The thing is (for the collective group) they play technique and do their job and showed some really good signs the other day at the scrimmage.”
Linebacker
Senior Cameron Florent broke out in a huge way last season, earning District 8-5A Defensive MVP honors.
“He’s performing well. We’re giving Cam a little more responsibility. He’ll play all over, depending on the gameplan in a given week. He had a strong spring and he gives us some versatility at linebacker for sure. His speed and his motor are big strengths for us,” said Scott.
Junior Malik Lee, senior Blain Picou and sophomore Chandler Scott will join Florent on the field. Picou is a returning starter. Lee is expected to also see time offensively at H-back. Chandler Scott started two games as a freshman, and will also play some safety for the team.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how those guys step up and seeing how they all contribute. They’re progressed nicely as a group. I thought all of them made strides this offseason,” Marcus Scott said.
Defensive backs
Senior cornerback Jakyrin Sanchez and senior safety Ryan Montague are among the leaders of a deep, talented and experienced group of defensive backs.
Randy Morgan will start across from Sanchez at the other cornerback spot. Brian Reed Jr and Tahj Morton are also returning starters from a year ago. Several other players will see time, including senior Donald Thomas, junior Benjamin Robinson and junior Jordan Pate.
“It’s a versatile group with several guys who can play multiple positions,” Scott said. “It helps with injuries, and when you’re playing different types of offenses, having guys who can do multiple different things within that group is a benefit.”
Montague in particular has shown a strong range and ability to do different things within the Wildcats’ defense.
“Ryan is a crafty player. He’s really good playing up in the box but he also has the ability to play corner. He can play both down safety and on the hash. So, he can do multiple things in the secondary that can help,” Scott said.
Sanchez, meanwhile, brings good size at cornerback at 6’2 and 170 pounds.
“He’s learning how to use his length and his body to his advantage,” said Scott. “He started for us at safety as a sophomore. He’s been around the block and brings some experience, and we’re looking forward to a big year from him.”
Special teams
Senior Ian Arceneaux and sophomore Sam Munoz will serve as the team’s placekickers on field goals and kickoffs. Senior Ryan Comeaux returns as the team’s punter. Senior Ben Hall will serve as long snapper, while sophomore Karson Corona will also see time in that capacity.
