Newsome Ready For A Banner Season

With a strong, talented and well-rounded senior class, Newsome (Lithia) High’s football program could accomplish some huge things in 2020. One of the teams that actually navigated the 2020 pandemic season, the Wolves and head coach <strong>C.J. Yockey</strong> finished 8-3, losing a tough 17-7 decision to 8A state runner-up Kissimmee Osceola in the third round of the state playoffs. What this program showed last year was that there is enough talent to beat teams like Plant City Durant, Riverview, Lennard, Haines City and Ridge Community School in the regular season – and Tampa Wharton and Lutz Steinbrenner in the playoffs. This is a program has worked extremely hard to be in this position – as the summer is now upon us. The senior class, which was so impressive last season, has the prospects to give the Wolves another solid playoff run. Add to that the amazing work in the classroom, and this is a team that will shake some people awake. Prospects such as <strong>Jason Albritton</strong> (RB, 5-10, 202 – 3.04 GPA, 1150 SAT), <strong>Amir Austin</strong> (DB, 5-10, 180 – 2.62 GPA, 890 SAT), <strong>Richard “Luke” Bradford (</strong>DE, 6-4, 215 – 3.29 GPA), <strong>Devin Belcher</strong> (DB, 5-8, 160 – 3.12 GPA), <strong>Drew Dempsey</strong> (RB, 6-0, 180 – 5.2 GPA, 1090 SAT) and impressive student/athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50121" first="Ryan" last="Eckley"]</strong> (K/P, 6-1, 176 – 5.2 GPA, 1220 SAT) are certainly the heart and soul of this team. Add in <strong>Kaeden Eichelberger</strong> (OL, 6-3, 300 – 4.96 GPA), <strong>Ryan Green</strong> (DT, 6-1, 270 – 4.87 GPA, 1090 SAT, 22 ACT), hard-working <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="119103" first="Caden" last="Huffman"]</strong> (LB, 5-9, 175 – 5.3 GPA, 1240 SAT), <strong>Travis Jandrlich</strong> (DL, 6-1, 205 – 5.15 GPA, 23 ACT), <strong>Jacob Johnson</strong> (LB, 6-0, 185 – 3.4 GPA, 940 (SAT, Retaking, 21 ACT), <strong>Ethan Robinson</strong> (DB, 6-0, 175 – 5.25 GPA, 1420 SAT) and defensive tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="132152" first="Augustus" last="Teepe"]</strong> (6-4, 285 – 3.99 GPA, 1100 SAT) and you have experience and leadership all rolled into one. <strong>THE UNDERCLASSMEN ARE READY</strong> Following the lead from the classes ahead of them, the 2023 junior group is also worth keep an eye on this coming season. In the spring and summer, prospects like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128564" first="Seth" last="Burke"]</strong> (OL, 6-5, 320), <strong>Matt Connally</strong> (RB/Slot, 5-10, 160 – 4.27 GPA), <strong>Tanner Easley</strong> (WR/FS, 5-10, 170 – 4.16 GPA), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128670" first="Evan" last="Mitchum"]</strong> (DT, 6-1, 250 – 2.66 GPA), <strong>J.C. Roque </strong>(RB, 5-8, 170 – 3.4 GPA) and defensive back <strong>Albert Soto</strong> (5-10, 160 – 3.62 GPA) have proven that they are waiting to make a solid contribution. Even Class of 2024 standouts <strong>Dwayne Bain</strong> (OL, 6-4, 300 – 4.54 GPA) and <strong>Eli Hiscock</strong> (LB, 6-2, 215 – 4.54 GPA) are quickly emerging. <strong>PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWSOME HIGH FOOTBALL</strong> <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>