Football: Poly’s Joseph Wicker is a man among boys

It’s not difficult to spot Joseph Wicker once he steps onto the football field. In fact, you can’t miss the 6-foot-4, 265-pound senior from Long Beach Poly. He sticks out like a sore thumb, typically towering over many of his opponents.

In an attempt to shift the balance of power, opposing coaches have sent double- and triple-teams in the direction of the defensive lineman. The strategy has done little, or nothing, to slow down Wicker, who has 10 sacks in three games this season.

“I’m a marked man. I’ve had two or three hats, sometimes more, on me all the time,” Wicker said. “Is it tough to deal with? Yes, but it doesn’t bother me. The attention is a sign of respect. When I’m drawing an extra man, things always open up for one of my teammates.”

Such was the case again during Friday night’s 34-24 nonleague victory over Westlake Village Westlake. Apparently, with the onus on stopping him, Wicker was held without a sack for the first time this season. Several other Jackrabbits got in on the act with stops in the backfield.

A handful of college coaches were in attendance, each presumably there to get a closer look at Wicker. Not surprisingly, he has double-digit offers, including one from Miami, Notre Dame and Texas Tech. UCLA is also in the mix.

Given his options, it appears as if the future is bright for not only Wicker, but also Long Beach Poly (3-0 overall). The same thing, however, can’t be said for his counterparts across the line of scrimmage who must contend with both his frame and skills on a weekly basis.

Sean Ceglinsky has covered sports in the Southland for the better part of the past 15-plus years. Follow him on Twitter: @SeanCeglinsky