CLASS OF 2017 DEFENDER HELPS ENGINEER BUENA PARK

Orange County defensive end/outside linebacker is the architect behind the Coyotes’ fast and rampaging defense

Cedric Dashiell II led the Freeway League in three defensive categories last season, which not only earned him Freeway League Defensive Most Valuable Player honors, but is now a prospect to watch in the Class of 2017 (photo contributed).

Call rising Class of 2017 defender Cedric Dashiell II “the engineer.”

It’s not because of what he does on the football field that prompts his proposed nickname, as he creates a pulverizing rush from the edge and starts the defensive machine at Buena Park High School in Orange County. The defensive end/outside linebacker hopes that one day he can design, construct or maintain machines and engines – which explains why “engineer” can be an appropriate additional name for him.

“I want to pursue an engineering degree and play football where I’m wanted and where I can get better,” Dashiell said.

If Buena Park’s defense is an engine, then the 6-foot-1, 210-pound future engineer is the operator in charge of making it run effectively.

His athleticism and aggression triggered a Coyotes defense that surrendered seven points or less in eight games during last season’s 11-2 campaign. He’s mutilated blocking schemes in a variety of ways.

At defensive end, Dashiell fires off from his four-point stance like a Fourth of July firecracker, then he bull rushes his blocker and lastly, he crumbles the pocket by getting the sack for the Coyotes. Often times, he lines up in a tilt position along the line of scrimmage. The positioning, which is sometimes considered a “go” stunt for defensive ends, has him lining up at an angle ready to come crashing down on the offensive tackle.

Dashiell uses his 4.65 40-yard dash speed and his hands to dominate blocking battles. He finished the season leading the Freeway League in tackles (152), stops for a loss (43) and sacks (18.5); culminating in Dashiell running off with the 2014-15 Freeway League Defensive Most Valuable Player award and earning him first team All-State honors through Cal-Hi Sports as a sophomore.

Since then, his name has ascended in the recruiting realm.

Dashiell – who held a 3.6 grade point average during the last school semester and cites math as one of his strongest subjects – has received letters from Nebraska, Kansas State and San Diego State. Renown recruiting analyst Tom Lemming, who’s reported on high school football prospects since 1978, listed Dashiell as a 4-star prospect; meaning that he’s capable of being a starting defender at any NCAA program.

Dashiell has emerged as a Class of 2017 player to watch by Tom Lemming, who's a famous figure in high school football recruiting (photo credit Tom Lemming). 

Dashiell’s athleticism and speed aren’t the only key attributes that turn him into a potential highly-coveted defender in the Class of 2017.

“My strengths as a football player are my faith, my work ethic and my first step (after the snap),” Dashiell said.

Three of his inspirations are NFL Pro Bowlers James Harrison (Pittsburgh Steelers), Elvis Dumervil (Baltimore Ravens) and Dwight Freeney (San Diego Chargers); all of whom sculpted their success as consistent pass rushers.

His other inspiration comes from a man living inside his house.

“My dad has always taught me that working hard is the key to everything,” Dashiell said. “My dad pushes me and prays for me. He’ll ask me to outwork him every day. Work ethic is the key to any real life success.”

Dashiell and his Buena Park teammates already hit the weight room hard during the spring. Dashiell and the Coyote players were seen hoisting dumbells or flipping tires on the corner of Academy Drive and Magnolia Avenue in Buena Park, all while pushing each other to excellence.

Dashiell credits the BPHS coaching staff for installing a hard-working mindset in him and his Coyote teammates.

“Coach (Anthony) White and the Buena Park staff is amazing. We have a great off-season training program,” Dashiell said. “During the season, we’re better prepared than anyone. And because we work so hard at BP, we believe you reap what you sow. We plant hard work. We’re excited about 2015.”

Buena Park is projected to be a major player for the Freeway League title and a contender for the CIF Southern Section Southwest Division championship in 2015-16. Last season’s team lost 38-7 to Trabuco Hills in the semifinals, marking it the first time in 11 years that BPHS advanced that far in the playoffs.

Along with preparing for his junior season, he’s trying to sell his name further on the recruiting trail by attending different camps. He ends up placing his name among the top performers at each event.

He owned one-on-one blocking schemes in front of the Fresno State coaching staff during the Bulldogs’ June 11 camp held at Charter Oak High in Covina. Three days later, the San Diego State staff named him one of the three best defensive lineman performers during their Aztec Skills Camp in Los Angeles.

But through his supremacy against blockers and his eye-popping stats, Dashiell isn’t complacent about where he is during his prep career.

He hopes his work ethic not only leads him to a bright football future, but a future engineering job; especially since his blue-collar attitude and strong math skills help define “the engineer.”

“I want to get bigger, stronger and faster,” Dashiell said. “My motivation is my faith, family and my desire to compete in the classroom and on the field.”