2021 Football Defensive Player of the Year: Michael Yingling
The Coastal Preps Football Defensive Player of the Year is junior defensive end Michael Yingling from Hoggard.
Michael’s Accomplishments
Hoggard’s Michael Yingling terrorized opposing offensive linemen all season.
The junior defensive end used his speed and strength to record an area-leading 15 sacks. He also finished with 47 tackles, including 24.5 for loss.
Yingling came away with two or more sacks in four games. He had a season high of three in a 28-7 victory at Topsail on Sept. 24.
In the fourth round of third round of the 4A playoffs, Yingling intercepted a screen pass with the score tied in the fourth quarter. He raced 52 yards to put the Vikings inside the red zone.
Yingling was a key part of the area’s best defense. Hoggard allowed only 134 points in 13 games (10.3 per game) and held eight opponents to seven points or less.
The Vikings went unbeaten in Mideastern Conference play for a second straight season. They finished with an 11-2 record and won a pair of playoff games for the first time since 2017.
Hoggard junior Michael Yingling is the 2021 Coastal Preps Football Defensive Player of the Year. [Tim Hower/Coastal Preps]
More about Michael
Favorite Food(s): Crab, steak and salmon
Favorite Restaurant(s): Cape Fear Seafood Company
Favorite TV Show(s): Breaking Bad
Favorite memory from this season: Getting an interception against Panther Creek.
Favorite memory from your career: Getting an interception against Panther Creek.
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Do you have a sweet tooth? If so, what is your favorite treat?: Airhead Xtremes Bites
What app on your phone do you use the most?: Snapchat
If you could shop for free at one store, which one would you choose?: Dick’s Sporting Goods
Would you rather hang out by the pool or on the beach?: On the beach
Do you prefer cold or hot weather?: Hot weather
What is a skill you are bad at that you wish you could master?: Surfing
Would you rather watch a movie at home or in the theatre?: In the theatre
