American Heritage Pipeline Continues In 2021

For colleges to boast how many players they had selected in the NFL Draft is something that they build from – using it as a recruiting tool. When a high school produces that NFL talent, it’s a celebration that all the skills that have been taught brought that student/athlete to great heights. While Alabama, Ohio State and several other college programs were placing their athletes in this year’s draft, one high school was indeed shining in that same spotlight. For head coach <strong>Pat Surtain </strong>and his Plantation American Heritage Patriots, having six players selected in this year’s NFL spotlight, was certainly something that he and the coaching staff at this football powerhouse can celebrate and take great pride in. In an arena that usually reserved for the amazing college coaches in this country, one high school – in southern Florida – turned heads like never before. With St. Thomas Aquinas always emerging as the national leader in getting athletes to the next level and beyond, the Raiders had to share that spotlight this year with a program on the west side of the county. From Denver to Green Bay, Jacksonville and everywhere in between, American Heritage is now taking its place among the best and most productive programs anywhere in the country. <strong>STOCKING THER SHELVES FOR THE FUTURE</strong> With a tremendous group of rising seniors (2022), the Patriots have another wave to get to college after the 2021 season. This impressive list of prospects has the same credentials coming out of high school – and will certainly be among the best statewide and nationally. Today, we once again take a trip to American Heritage and check out five rising seniors: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="49989" first="Marvin" last="Jones Jr"]., DE, 6-4, 225. </strong>If you had to project into the future, the son of former FSU and New York Jets’ linebacker is certainly at the head of everyone’s list, combining size, quick and versatility. Remember, he played receiver the first two seasons with the Patriots. Will be a major difference maker as the team looks for two straight in 5A. <strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/9961887/Marvin-Jones-Jr">https://www.hudl.com/profile/9961887/Marvin-Jones-Jr</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50279" first="Jaeden" last="Kinlock"], LB, 5-11, 205. </strong>One of the special prospects in this class, who has created a huge balance between athletics, where he is a three-year starter at linebacker as well as a state-rated wrestler, and the classroom, a place that has provided him the opportunity to attend Harvard next year. He is a leader on and off the playing field with quite a bright future ahead. <strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/9961887/Marvin-Jones-Jr">https://www.hudl.com/profile/11744944/Jaeden-Kinlock</a> <strong>Earl Little, CB, 6-0, 170. </strong>Another of the Patriots who are following in the rather large footsteps of his father, who was one of the best football players ever at North Miami High – before going on to star at the University of Miami and in the NFL. Earl Little Jr. combines the best of what his dad did along with his own skills, which have come after years and years of working, getting ready to play this game at the highest level. Solid in the defensive secondary. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11744668/Earl-Little-Jr">https://www.hudl.com/profile/11744668/Earl-Little-Jr</a><strong> </strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50005" first="Jacolby" last="Spells"], CB, 6-0, 170. </strong>Ever since watching this impressive athlete late in his freshman season, many were sold right away – as his talent and athletic ability took over on both sides of the ball. As impressive as he is at the receiver position – what he has learned in the defensive secondary is quite impressive – to say the least. Easily one of the best in the state of Florida – and across the country.<strong> TAPE:</strong> https://www.hudl.com/profile/11211572/Jacolby-Spells <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50044" first="Richard" last="Thomas"], DE, 6-2, 240. </strong>From the first time many watched this amazing talent perform, they were sold. A starter as a 9^th grader, who was an instant success, going up against some of the elites of the game. All he’s done since then is settle into a solid defensive end with endless skills. Is another in a long line of standouts in this program that brings everything to the table with him. Has developed some very good work habits as well. <strong>TAPE: </strong>https://www.hudl.com/profile/9961886/Richard-Thomas <strong><em>You Can Contact [player_tooltip player_id="111610" first="Larry" last="Blustein"] with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.</em></strong>