Making The Grade – Away From The Field

So many times we hear all those outstanding athletes who are amazing on the football field, but not so much in the classroom. For so many reasons, youngsters are still not getting it when it comes to the classroom. But there is a flip side to that coin. Stellar Athletes who get it done on the field – and are respected for their work in the classroom. <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-80151" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/12/Prep-Zone-Grade-Graphic-300x174.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="174" /> While we hear so much about that impressive football player who couldn’t get it done in school, we hear very little about those who did. No matter where it is – at what level they compete – there are always going to be those who have their priorities straight, and today we bring you five of them: <strong>2022 – Jeremiah Acosta, Athlete, Tallahassee Rickards. </strong>The best thing about this impressive young man, it doesn’t matter where you put him. He is quick, athletic and plays this sport with plenty of passion. In addition to what he accomplishes on the football field, his work in the classroom has been something that will go a long way in helping Jeremiah Succeed. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13535000/Jeremiah-Acosta">https://www.hudl.com/profile/13535000/Jeremiah-Acosta</a> <strong>2023 – Keyondray Jones, RB/WR/Slot, Apopka. </strong>In a year where this football program once again captured the spotlight, there was this versatile and gifted football player, who showed so much during his sophomore season. As colleges coaches have started to find out, what he does on the football field only lends itself to his 3.8 GPA in the classroom, where he is certainly the definition of a student/athlete. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15054938/Keyondray-Jones">https://www.hudl.com/profile/15054938/Keyondray-Jones</a> <strong>2021 – Cody Lemke, OLB, Pace. </strong>First of all, this young man can play the game. He covers, blitzes, plays the run and leads this football team. In a year where this program started to turn the corner, here was a catalyst on the field. Plays this game with plenty of passion. In the classroom, he has maintained a 3.0 GPA and is ready to move on to the next level. <strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10986115/cody-lemke">https://www.hudl.com/profile/10986115/cody-lemke</a></strong> <strong>2023 – Jacob McIntyre, PK, Sarasota. </strong>In case you noticed over the past few years, but special teams have certainly taken the spotlight. Top-flight punters and kickers are now being produced here in Florida – and this young man is indeed one of the stars for the future. And, keeping with the theme of also making the grade in the classroom – his 3.2 GPA and overall solid work in school is also something that needs to be pointed out as well. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra39AeFv47M&amp;feature=youtu.be">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra39AeFv47M&amp;feature=youtu.be</a> <strong>2022 – Jack O’Brian, LB/DE, Sneads. </strong>If you watched this program this season, you already know what a tremendous run the Pirates had. Defensively, this impressive junior made a huge impact – with big plays and leadership. As he will be coming back for his senior year in 2021, so will his hard work in the classroom, where his 3.2 GPA and want to succeed has gotten this quality prospect plenty of recognition. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12282352/Jack-OBrian">https://www.hudl.com/profile/12282352/Jack-OBrian</a> <strong><em>You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: <a href="mailto:Foridakids1@aol.com">Foridakids1@aol.com</a>. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.</em></strong>