Fort Myers Anxious To Get 2021 Under Way

Like every other program in Florida, 2020 was tough for head coach <strong>Sam Sirianni Jr. </strong>and his Fort Myers football program. While the Green Wave finished the year 6-3, things didn’t go as planned – with a number of key seniors leading the way. Losses to rivals North Fort Myers (33-17) and 6A power Fort Myers Dunbar in the regular season – and a tough playoff setback (54-53) to Naples Barron Collier were tough games for this tradition-rich program to swallow. Remember, the Green Wave are one of the most successful teams in the history of Florida football. With Sirianni and his father – a Hall of Fame coach – this is a program that has always set standards and produce elite talent. Currently, Fort Myers has over 20 athletes competing in college – seven at the D1 level. With victories over South Fort Myers (29-14), Punta Gorda Charlotte (21-9), Fort Myers Cypress Lake (23-16), Lehigh (31-21), Cape Coral Ida Baker (16-6) and Fort Myers Riverdale (48-40), the tone was indeed set not just for 2020, but also the future. With some key prospects in the rising senior (2022) class, there is plenty of optimism, heading into the off-season. Prospects such as <strong>Greg Delaine</strong> (CB/Athlete, 6-1, 175), <strong>David Gomez</strong> (OC/OG, 6-1, 265), <strong>Robert “Bo” Blanchard</strong> (OL/LS, 6-5, 295) and defensive lineman <strong>Chris Nougues</strong> (6-2, 290) will definitely lead the way. Delaine will be a four-year starter – holding offers from Iowa State, Syracuse, Utah UCF, Wisconsin (pending mid-year transcript), Toledo, Coastal Carolina. Regarded as a big-time shutdown corner. Gomez will be a three-year starter for the Green Wave, here is a one of the best interior linemen in the region. One who spends plenty of time in the weight-room. Blanchard is coming off a tremendous spring. Has the size and athleticism to play at the Power 5 level. He is a college long snapper. Nougues is a major athlete, who also stood out on the basketball court. His potential is very interesting because of his size and speed (5.0 – 40). <strong>UNDERCLASSMEN WILL DICTATE THE FUTURE</strong> With some Class of 2022 standouts leading the way, look for the Green Wave to also come at you with quality Class of 2023 (rising junior) prospects as well. Keep an eye on <strong>Lil’urn Bonelli </strong>(Athlete/DB, 6-0, 180), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128856" first="Brady" last="Carrington"]</strong> (OC, 6-3, 275), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128515" first="Marquis" last="Sheffield"] </strong>(WR, 6-2, 195) and Randy Smith (Athlete/RB/CB) this coming season. Bonelli, a South Fort Myers transfer, showed during spring that he is gifted and versatile – and has the chance to be a Power 5 prospect over the next full year. Carrington started at center this past season, learning every day. He is also a top student in the IB Program. Sheffield is a two-sport athlete with plenty of length and skill. Smith is fast (4.45-40) and has developed into someone that this program will feature this coming season. As excited as he is over the 2023 Class, Coach Sirianni is equally as impressed with Class of 2024 (rising sophomores) <strong>Chad Clark</strong> (OL, 6-7, 325), <strong>Grant Coppens</strong> (OLB/H-Back, 6-0, 175), <strong>Bryan Fitzgerald  </strong>(OLB/H-Back, 6-1, 190), <strong>Quivari McClinton</strong> (DE/OL, 6-3.5, 248), <strong>Leroy Roker</strong> (RB, 5-10, 175) and <strong>Alex Thelusma</strong> (WR/Athlete, 6-0, 160). <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>