Showcase Brings Out Talented Linebackers

Naples, Florida - Patrick Colligan is heading into his second year as linebacker coach at Ave Maria University. Last Sunday (April 10th), he had the opportunity to teach and instruct 10 quality prospects at the Paradise Sports Complex. As part of the Prep Redzone Showcase, Colligan, who was named Director of Football Operations last season, saw some talented young man do some amazing things for over three hours. With experience as an assistant coach at SUNY Morrisville, an NCAA Division III program in New York, he learned so much about what it takes to be a quality defensive standout, and his instruction during the drills gave those in attendance something extra. Here is a look at some of the linebacker prospects who benefitted in a major way: CLASS OF 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="275859" first="Justin" last="Coles"], 6-2, 195, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. When you play for the Raiders, it's always the next man up – and after learning and maturing the past two seasons, it's his time – and so far this off-season – he has made the most of it, attending everything that will help expose and promote him. At the showcase, he did everything well. From testing to drills and one-on-ones, he was someone that the college coaches and fellow prospects took notice of. Very hard worker and fierce competitor who knows that this is his final season at the high school level. TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13052329/Justin-Coles">https://www.hudl.com/profile/13052329/Justin-Coles</a> [player_tooltip player_id="320213" first="Jaizaih" last="Lugo"], 6-1, 200, Miami Northwestern. While he may not be a household name just yet to Bulls' fans and to those who follow football in south Florida, that could very well change in the next few months. Talk about a passionate and hard-working talent, he came to the showcase to get his name out there and to be noticed and it worked. Solid performance in all phases of the event, which is exactly what his objective was all about. Is ready to make the most of his senior year. TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16677049/jaizaih-lugo">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16677049/jaizaih-lugo</a> Yasnier “Bucky” Rojas, 5-10, 180, Vero Beach. While he was one of the underrated prospects at the event, he ended up turning heads with the way he played and tested. Coming off a junior season where he had 76 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and three sacks for the Indians during another solid year. Will be a huge asset to the program as they look to once again compete for a spot in the state playoffs. TAPE: <a href="https://access.qwikcut.com/highlights/6186dfef9a57c400340d9fb9">https://access.qwikcut.com/highlights/6186dfef9a57c400340d9fb9</a> 2024 William Brockmeier, 6-4, 205, Naples Gulf Coast. When you speak of prospects on the rise, here is someone who definitely fits that description. Size, athletic ability and football skills. His appearance at the showcase was something he needed to put him on the radar screen and perform in front of college coaches. When it came to drills, testing and one-on-ones, he stood out and made an impression, and with many eyes on his every move, that was a great thing. TAPE:<a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15075393/William-Brockmeier"> https://www.hudl.com/profile/15075393/William-Brockmeier</a> 2025 Carson Floyd, LB, 5-8, 170, Naples St. John Neumann. With so much young talent on hand, here was one of the most versatile prospects. One who not only plays outside linebacker, but also is a running back for a playoff team. Was impressive during the drills and testing – and had the opportunity to learn so much during the one-on-one competition. Is also a track and field sprinter who achieved some impressive results this season. TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16181912/Carson-Floyd">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16181912/Carson-Floyd</a> Jarrett Gallison, 5-9, 160, Venice. While varsity football is still ahead for this young man, heading to Naples was indeed something that paid off – as he tested, went through drills and learned so much during the one-on-one competition. Because of the talent level his school has and the quality coaching, the thing that separates him from being a seasoned football player is experience, and he will get that this spring and into the off-season. Ezekiel Marcelin (LB, 6-0, Miami Central). For those who watched this “monster” of a player perform this past season, helping to lead the Rockets to a third consecutive state title were sold right away. Speed, instincts and talent way off the charts. Has a chance to be as good as any linebacker this storied program churned out through the years. He turned heads in the drills – with amazing testing and tremendous skills during the drills and one-on-ones. A name not to forget. TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17070413/Ezekiel-Marcelin">https://www.hudl.com/profile/17070413/Ezekiel-Marcelin</a> Aiden North, 5-8, 184, Fort Myers Cypress Lake. The best thing about the sport of football is that if you perform with passion and give everything you have, you will indeed get the recognition and be noticed. This young man headed south to Naples to showcase his many skills, and when the testing, drills and competition was over, he knew that he gave his best against athletes who were more experienced. This is the kind of student/athlete you want at your competition because of his work ethic and love for the game. He will only get better as he matures. Jacob “JT” Taylor, 6-1, 200, Tarpon Springs East Lake. This is definitely the next impressive athlete this school is ready to produce. His size, quickness and overall athletic ability has thrust him into the spotlight at such a young age. A linebacker, baseball player and tremendous student (3.9 GPA), who also came to the showcase to make a statement and show the college coaches and those in attendance that he is one of the top 2025 (rising sophomores) in the state. Did well in every phase of the event, and headed back home, knowing that this spring will only enhance his standing. Solid prospect who will only get better. TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13290477/Jacob-Taylor">https://www.hudl.com/profile/13290477/Jacob-Taylor</a> [player_tooltip player_id="275847" first="Jaiden" last="Trengrove"], LB, 6-0, 202, Ocala Trinity Catholic. Another of those young and gifted football players who brings so much to the table at a young age. Capable of playing any of the linebacker positions as well as defensive end, he combines quickness with talent and plenty of athleticism. He tested well and learned plenty from the coaches. This is another impressive talent that we will keep an eye on. We will be spotlighting many of these prospects over the next few days, giving everyone a chance to shine! You Can Contact <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/larry-blustein/">[player_tooltip player_id="111610" first="Larry" last="Blustein"]</a> with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.