Florida Boasts 20 Players In Tonight’s Game

When Ohio State and Alabama get together tonight at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the state of Florida will be well represented this evening in the National Championship Game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Prospects like Alabama DB Pat Surtain II returns to the Sunshine State.

Larry Blustein January 11, 2021 @ 11:54 AM

When Ohio State and No. 1 Alabama square off this evening at Hard Rock Stadium, there will be 20 players on both sides of the ball who call Florida home. One of the most talented states – year after year – Florida is usually in the epicenter for talent and gifted teams. The Crimson Tide boast one of the top defensive secondaries in the nation – and all four of the impressive prospects happen to come from Florida – south Florida in particular. Jordan Battle (6-1, 210, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Josh Jobe (6-1, 195, Jr., Miami Christopher Columbus), Patrick Surtain II (6-2, 202, Jr., Plantation American Heritage) and Daniel Wright (6-1, 195, Jr., Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson) all come from two counties in southern Florida. Battle is an outstanding football player who plays this game with plenty of passion, adding to what he brings to the table athletically and physically. Tremendous student in the classroom as well. Since Jobe’s sophomore season in high school, here is a talented prospect that continued to get better and improve. This is a secondary standout that will cover you. Very physical talent. Not much to say about Surtain II. The best in the country, early, early first round draft pick that learned this sport early and it has given him a chance to be great for a long time. Well coached and taught all of his young life by some special people – including his dad, a one-time NFL standout as well as a tremendous high school coach, who recently won another 5A state championship. Wright has followed in the footsteps of some quality and talented siblings who have traveled down this path. Has always been a quality football player that could do it all on both sides of the ball – and this past season has watched him emerge as a big time talent. Mac Jones, QB, 6-3, 215, Jr., Jacksonville Bolles. Another major A major star the past two seasons for this program, he made the offense go – and while he didn’t win the Heisman Trophy, he is still as good as you get. Alex Leatherwood, OL, 6-6, 325, Sr., Pensacola Washington. He is the best lineman in American – and there is no disputing that. Big, strong, fast, athletic, smart. Just a tremendous football player. Evan Neal, OL, 6-7, 360, So., Okeechobee (IMG Academy). Another major prospect from the Sunshine State that will dominate again in 2021. Has long been a difference maker and outstanding young man. In addition, here are other Floridians who have helped Alabama get to this evening’s game: Braylen Ingraham, DL, 6-4, 290, Fr., Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas Thaiu Jones-Bell, WR, 6-0, 190, Fr., Miami Carol City Julian Lowenstein, LB, 6-0, 201, Fr., Sarasota Riverview Jarez Parks, LB, 6-4, 240, Fr., Sebastian River Jahquez Robinson, DB, 6-2, 190, Fr., Jacksonville Sandalwood Trey Sanders, RB, 6-0, 215, Fr., Port St. Joe (IMG Academy) Tim Smith, DL, 6-4, 320, Sebastian River Xavier Williams, WR, 6-1, 190, So., Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna FLORIDIANS HELP OHIO STATE REACH TITLE GAME Over the years, Columbus has been a destination for Florida talent – and while they may not feature as many as the Crimson Tide do, but with defensive backs Sevyn Banks (6-1, 200, Jr., Orlando Jones) and Shaun Wade (6-1, 195, Gr, Jacksonville Trinity Christian), the Buckeyes have athletes who are special. Also, there’s Jacksonville Trinity Christian’s Marcus Crowley (RB, 6-1, 205, So.) and Tyreke Johnson (CB, 6-1, 195, So), and Tampa Berkeley Prep product Nicholas Petit-Frere (OT, 6-5, 310, So.). You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Foridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.