Junior Balles: Top 10 potentially junior difference makers this Big Bend football season

We are under a month away from Friday night lights .

As Big Bend football teams prepare for the coming season , rosters across the area have difference-makers who could be the winning factor in a tight game. While most of the time those players are seniors, but the junior class is able to step up when it matters most as well.

Let's take a look at 10 of the top juniors in the area who could be a difference maker for their team.

Senior Stars: Big Bend football seniors who could make an impact this season

Note: Stats from previous seasons are pulled from MaxPreps and college offers and commitments will be pulled from players social media or recruiting sites like 247Sports or On3.

Ryshard Miller, Running back, Madison County

One of the breakout stars of Madison County's state championship run last season, running back Ryshard Miller is primed for a starring role in his junior campaign. Last season he had 91 carries for 672 yards and 12 TDs for the Cowboys, part of a lethal running attack that featured Jason McDaniel and John Christian. A shifty runner, Miller has quick speed and is able to get big yardage on the ground, something that fits the Madison County style of play like a glove.

Camen Upshaw, Defensive back, St. John Paul II

One of the top defensive backs in the area, Camen Upshaw is a difference-maker in coverage for St. John Paul II. In his sophomore year, Upshaw made second-team All-Big Bend with 86 Tackles, seven for loss, one Sack, one QB Hurry, 19 PBU, four forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in a starting role for the Panthers. He is a strong and quick defender who has a good eye for coverage, and notably, he has the ability to make a big hit and force a turnover.

Tyriq Walker, Linebacker, Rickards

Part of a strong defensive front for Rickards, linebacker Tyriq Walker is set to announce himself as one of the area's top linebackers this season. After a standout sophomore season, Walker was named to the All-Big Bend second team, posting 122 Tackles, six Sacks, three INTs, one PBU and two forced fumbles. With Jalen Wiggins on the edge and Walker in the middle, the Raiders could have a formidable force on defense this season.

Tylan Vickers, Wide receiver, Godby

Tylan Vickers proved to be one of the Big Bend's top wide receivers last season, hauling in 45 catches for 527 receiving yards and 13 TDs. A standout for Godby since his freshman season, Vickers has quickly made waves in the state of Florida with his play, even earning three-star rankings from national recruiting services On3 and Rivals. Primed for a big season with quarterback Lazarus Chambers and fellow wide receiver Jamarin Simmons ready for a breakout campaign for the Cougars.

Taylor Jacobs, Quarterback, Chiles

Developing quickly as one of the top quarterbacks in the area, Chiles junior Taylor Jacobs could be a difference-maker for a Chiles team looking to make it to the playoffs this season. Jacobs flashed his potential as a sophomore by throwing for 1163 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Timberwolves. Heading into his junior season with a full year of varsity play under his belt, Jacobs could be someone who turns heads this season with what he's able to do for the Chiles offense.

Jeremiah Lalanne, Wide receiver, Leon

Transferring from JPII, Leon receiver Jeremiah Lalanne showed his explosiveness during the spring season for the Lions. A tall, quick receiver, Lalanne can create separation with his speed but also go over the top of defenders with his size to make a catch. With Leon under new leadership with Tyrnoe McGrif departing the program and new coach William Mosely coming in, Lalanne might be a go-to safe target for the Lions.

Owen Klees, Quarterback, Wakulla

The Klees name runs Wakulla football, and this year it's time for Owen Klees to step into the spotlight for the War Eagles under center. Taking over the quarterback role from his older brother Haden, who is now at Samford, Owen could have a big year for the War Eagles with his ability to escape the pocket and run. A physical player, Owen has had time at quarterback during his time with Wakulla after an injury to Haden, but now it's time for the junior to take over and shape the War Eagles offense for the future.

Kabran Paul, Wide receiver, Lincoln

While he might not be a top name just yet, Lincoln junior wide receiver Kabran Paul has shown the potential for a big junior campaign during some summer workouts. Heading into the season with Mekhi Maddox and Christian Sims ready to break open defenses, Paul is a speedy receiver who can help create havoc for the Trojan's offense this year. An agile player, Paul could be in for a breakthrough campaign on Trojan Trail this fall.

Jadahrien Stokes, Defensive back, Gadsden County

The Jaguars have a lot of talent this season, and on the defensive side of the football one player who could standout is Jadahrien Stokes. The defensive back had 31 tackles and two PBU's last season for Gadsen County, and now he enters his junior campaign as a player who could turn some heads for the Jaguars. A quick and physical defender, Stokes has good instincts when reading the play.

Caleb Alkema, Linebacker, North Florida Christian

It's a new era for NFC football, and with roster turnover and a new head coach in Johnny Nichols coming in, the Eagles will need someone reliable on defense. Enter Caleb Alkema. The linebacker was a top player for NFC last season, posting 51 tackles, six for a loss, and a sack last season as a sophomore. As he enters his junior campaign and becomes a leader for the program, Alkema could be a big-time player for the NFC defense this season.

Liam Rooney covers preps sports for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamroone y

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Junior Balles: Top 10 potentially junior difference makers this Big Bend football season