DELRAY BEACH – What may have defined Kalem Michel’s senior season more than anything else was his ability to adapt.
The American Heritage (Delray Beach) defensive tackle played both ways this past year, as he logged in a lot of time on the offensive line as well. This move paid off in great dividends for the Stallions, who advanced as far as the Class 4A-Region 4 finals against eventual state champion Cardinal Gibbons.
American Heritage defensive line coach Mike Hall spoke on how well Michel made adjustments to make his team better throughout the season.
“Kalem showed up this past year focused and ready to work,” Hall said. “He totally bought into what we are doing here at American Heritage. He was asked to play both ways and did so without complaining. He was our Ironman, playing both ways most games and never wanted to come off the field. Even with playing so much, he was able to be a force on both sides of the ball. I am so proud of Kalem and what he achieved this past year.”
In eight games, Michel posted 55 total tackles (27 solo, 28 assists), 11 tackles for loss, nine quarterback pressures, three quarterback hits, three sacks, and one forced fumble.
The best game this past season for our No. 1-ranked defensive tackle and No. 8 overall player in Palm Beach County was probably in Week 8 against Cardinal Newman, when he posted nine tackles, four tackles for loss, four quarterback pressures, one quarterback hit, and one sack in his team’s 19-0 road win on Oct. 30, 2020.
Michel’s heralded efforts led to him beating out fellow nominees Earl Miller (American Heritage-Delray senior defensive end), Zakaih Saez (King’s Academy sophomore defensive end), and Sebastian Scott (Cardinal Newman sophomore offensive lineman) for our 561 Private Lineman of the Year honor.
“Kalem deserves it for sure,” American Heritage head coach Nick Martinez said. “Coming back as one of the top defensive tackles in Palm Beach and not only living up to those expectations and dominating there, he took on a larger role and started for us on the offensive line as well. He was our highest graded offensive lineman for the year as well. He was a two-way player that never took a play off.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Mike Hall
