The New No. 1

Since he was a freshman at Collinsville, Okla. inside linebacker Levi Draper has faced a mountain of expectations. It wasn't just for him to fulfill his own considerable potential but to help lead the Cardinals to state prominence. It's a level of expectation that can turn into a crippling reality for some young players while others see it as an opportunity.

After a sophomore spring and summer that saw him pick up offers from Alabama, Oklahoma State, Florida State, Oklahoma, and many others his personal successes were becoming both widely followed as well as undeniable.

However, early in the 2015 season with his team off to a 1-3 start to the season and his defense surrendering over 20 points per game it felt as though perhaps he couldn't get things going for his team.

Following that 1-3 start Draper helped his team rally to a 7-2 finish that culminated in a trip to the 5A state championship game where they came up just short in a heartbreaking 31-28 loss to Altus.

And though some might give that credit to Draper he gives it to everyone but himself.

"I felt my junior year went well. We had a great season and my team put me in a position to achieve a lot of things I wanted to achieve," Draper said.

"I'm more thankful than anything that God has put me in this situation. All of the success I have gotten over the last few years is a direct reflection of my family, coaches, and team."

With all of this success it's no surprise to see him selected as SoonerScoop.com's Junior of the Year an honor shared by former Oklahoma high school standouts, Steven Parker, Austin Box, and Jermaine Gresham amongst many others.

"It's an honor and is more motivation to continue to work, to try and see the same results many of them have seen at the next level."

Honorable Mention: Tre Brown, Tulsa Union, Adrian Wolford, Meeker, and Justin Broiles of Oklahoma City John Marshall