J.P. Taravella Team Preview

Michael Costeines

July 16, 2021 @ 02:51 PM

I headed over to J.P. Taravella to oversee Thursday's practice in Coral Springs. The Trojans are led by coach Charles Hafley Jr. Their last winning season was a 7-4 mark back during the 2018 season. The Trojans did make the playoffs in 2019 and finished with a 5-6 record. General Information: League: 8A District 14 Returning Starters: Offense - 5 Returning Starters: Defense - 3 Last Season: 1-5 Opening Game: @ Olympic Heights (8/19) Next Two: @ Stranahan (8/27), vs Pembroke Pines Charter (9/2) Players To Watch: Jeremiah Belony (2022)/Keith Bullard (2023) - Quarterbacks I thought Belony and Bullard both looked good throwing the ball in 7 on 7 drills near the end of practice. Specially, their throws came out tight in between the hashes. From my vantage point, both signal callers are in the 5-foot-10 range and have mobility. I think working through their reads and making accurate throws towards the sideline are two areas they can continue to develop on. In addition, identifying their target quickly should avoid negative plays or potential sacks. Young quarterbacks need to have that time clock in their heads. Their improved arm strength, preparation, and chemistry with their receivers in practice should yield to extended drives in the fall. Repetitions, repetitions, repetitions. Tranell (T.J.) Smith (2024) - Wide receiver Smith was lined up on the nearside so I got to see a lot of him during practice. The first thing that stood out to me was his size and overall frame. He looks to be around 6-foot-1 and has muscle. For a sophomore, I think he has the potential to develop and make plays this fall. He did drop some catchable balls; so that is an area he should focus on. Specifically, he dropped a ball in the end zone during the last play of practice. In a game, that could be the difference between a win or a loss. The Trojans also have a playmaker in the slot in Daniel Santiago. His quickness and agility resulted in a few plays with yards after the catch. He could be a weapon that alludes tacklers and turns something out of nothing. 2023 Jayden Franklin was also making catches during drills. Bryan Richards (2022) - Linebacker Richards looked good in coverage during 7 on 7 drills. He actually had a chance at an interception during one pass, but the ball fell out of his hands and hit the ground. As I said above, taking advantage of possessions could determine the outcomes of games. That should be a point of emphasis for the team. I expect him to be a solid tackler and a key part of the team's defense. Victor King (2023) - Defensive line King should be a factor with his hand on the ground for the Trojans. At 6-foot-1 and 250 pounds, he should have no trouble creating 2nd and third-and-long situations for the Trojans. Look for him to be an anchor of this unit. Others To Watch: Michael Brown (2022) - Running back Cameron Tomlinson (2022) - Free safety Holdon Zelter (2024) - Offensive line Phillip Rayford (2023) - Wide receiver Maxwell Delien (2023) - Defensive lineman Leonard Llano (2022) - Defensive lineman Tahj Carter (2022) - Wide receiver Nigel Smith (2022)/Jonathan Carn (2022) - Defensive backs Overview: The Trojans have some experience to gain with new starters on both sides of the ball. How they handle adversity throughout the season could prove how well they fare in the win/loss column. A strong start out of the gate could build their confidence and give them added momentum as they go through their schedule. For any South Florida Prep Redzone news or information...please contact Micahel Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.