Region Semifinal Top Performers
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Throughout the course of a year, we get more correspondence from college coaches throughout the country trying to get information on prospects from Key West to Pensacola and everywhere in between. While we attend numerous camps and combines – 7-on-7…
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Continue ReadingThroughout the course of a year, we get more correspondence from college coaches throughout the country trying to get information on prospects from Key West to Pensacola and everywhere in between.
While we attend numerous camps and combines – 7-on-7 events, practices and games – those college coaches use the information that we post – year round as part of the recruiting process.
Because many people simply do not understand that talking about a prospect or sharing film is a small part of the recruiting process, we are fortunate to attend so many events, talk to the athletes, their teammates, coaches and parents – we find out much more from what you can see from a film.
During the course of a season, we highlight players with a weekly Prospect Spotlight, which is an enhancement to what coaches already know.
We hear from assistant and head coaches from some of the largest schools in the nation as well as smaller programs who thank us for bringing them the weekly information that is a big help to them as they follow certain players they happen to have interest in.
Here is a look at some of the player performances from the State Region Semifinals:
St. Petersburg Lakewood stayed alive in the playoffs as Anthony Colandrea (17-of-25, 250 yards) connected with wide receiver Aviyon Mack-Smith on a 20-yard touchdown and outscored Tampa Catholic. The Crusaders got a 187-yard performance from standout Lewis Carter Lewis Carter 6'0" | 200 lbs | LB Tampa Catholic | 2023 State FL .
Zephyrhills relied on running back Rodney Smith, who rushed for 107 yards in a win against Lecanto.
Kendrick Raphael Kendrick Raphael 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Naples | 2023 State FL , who rushed for 100 yards or more in nine of Naples’ 11 games this season, finished with 125 yards on 14 carries in the Golden Eagles’ win.
Quinn Niemann Quinn Niemann 6'2" | 200 lbs | QB Lake Minneola | 2023 FL threw for 224 yards, four TDs; John Celestin ran for 229 yards and 2 TDs to lead Lake Minneola.
Sophomore quarterback Ethan Cross threw two touchdowns in the second quarter, senior running back Jaden Booker Jaden Booker 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB Naples Palmetto Ridge | 2023 FL ran for two touchdowns and Clemson commit Olsen Henry had more than 100 receiving as Naples First Baptist rolled.
Orlando Edgewater remained unbeaten by getting by defending state runner up Tampa Bay Tech as defensive back Cai Baites turned in one of the most spectacular defensive performances of the season with three interceptions.
Miami Norland sophomore quarterback Ennio Yapoor continued his amazing season as he rushed for a touchdown and threw for another in a win over Miami Booker T. Washington. Senior linebacker Jermaine Beard, who has been one of the best prospects in the state, also made an impact for the Vikings.
Linebackers Adarius Hayes Adarius Hayes 6'4" | 210 lbs | LB Largo | 2024 State FL and Zayvion McCluster, and quarterback Jeremy Thomas scored twice to lead Largo.
University of Georgia-bound LB Troy Bowles Troy Bowles 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB Tampa Jesuit | 2023 State FL recorded three interceptions, returning two for touchdowns in a win against Tampa Gaither. Bowles is the son of Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles.
Tarpon Springs East Lake continued to make a huge statement as Luke Yoder finished with more than 200 yards rushing and three touchdowns and defensive back Nick Marabella picked off two passes.
Clearwater Calvary Christian relied on running back Sean Cuono, who ran for a touchdown, Jacob Drackett Jacob Drackett 5'11" | 160 lbs | QB Calvary Christian | 2024 FL and Joshua Robinson Joshua Robinson 5'7" | 150 lbs | WR Calvary Christian | 2025 FL .
Miramar RB Nathaniel Henry continued his impressive season with 158 yards and 3 touchdowns in a win against Miami Southridge.
One of the best defensive backs in the state Harlem Howard came up with a game-ending interception to lead Pompano Beach Blanche Ely to a win over longtime rival Fort Lauderdale Dillard. The Tigers are 11-0 and won just once in 2021.
The No. 1 senior player in Florida, Brandon Inniss Brandon Inniss 6'0" | 195 lbs | WR Plantation American Heritage | 2023 State FL , did it all for Plantation American Heritage in a win over Boynton Beach. Senior kicker Wylie Shaw, a first year kicker, broke the school’s extra point record (69) and had 3 kickoffs of 70 plus yards for the Patriots.
Pahokee sophomore QB Austin Simmons threw for 412 yards and 4 touchdowns on 17 completions in a win against Chiefland. Jashon Benjamin also had a huge game for the Blue Devils.
Miami True Prep Classic Academy came up with a huge first round win as 8th grade QB Zach Katz (17 of 23 for 271 yards and 5 touchdowns), Jasen “Jroc” Lopez (4 receptions, 2 TDs, 99 yards, Kick Return 35 yards), Josh Reyes (4 Receptions, 51 yards, 1 TD), Jonjon Delgado (6 carries 38 yards,1 reception 18 TD, 4 tackles, 1 fumble recovery), Jayson Lopez (9 tackles, 1 interception, 1 Fumble recovery) and Stephen McCloud (7 tackles, 1 for loss) all made a major contributions.
While the defense stole the show with nationally rated defensive end Damon Wilson Damon Wilson 6'4" | 230 lbs | DL Venice | 2023 State FL II leading the way, Venice looked to offensive weapons Jamarice Wilder Jamarice Wilder 5'9" | 180 lbs | RB Sarasota Booker | 2025 State FL , Brooks Bentley, Ryan Matulevich, Keyon Sears and Alvin Johnson III.
Cocoa’s Jameer Smith had two huge interceptions in a win against Palm Bay. Senior QB Blake Boda Blake Boda 6'4" | 190 lbs | QB Cocoa | 2023 FL threw 3 TD passes and rushed for another. Blake’s season totals are now 3,076 passing yards, 40 passing TDs, 65% completion percentage, 122.8 QB, 152 yards rushing and 3 rushing TDs. Blake is now Cocoa’s all-time leader in passing TDs.
Starke-Bradford County’s amazing season continued as Dae’Jon Shanks, Willie Pollard, Jeremiah McKenzie and Jametrius Pringle stepped up for the Tornadoes.,
Lake Wales remained unbeaten as Corey Harris and Amare Sanders Amare Sanders 6'1" | 165 lbs | DB Miami Gulliver Prep | 2024 State FL combined for multiple quarterback sacks as well as some outstanding offense. Senior QB Trent Grotjan was also a huge catalyst for the Highlanders.
The Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna Lions, one of the best teams in the nation, used junior quarterback Cedric Bailey (11 of 13 passes for 243 yards and four scores) to win a State Regional Semifinal game. It was the 21st straight win for a team that could stand up against anyone in the nation.’
Doral Academy RB Mark Wilder Jr. continued his impressive season with over 200 yards in a huge win against Davie Western.
Bushnell South Sumter’s Eian Finkley kept the Raiders unbeaten as he was seven for 8 for 65 yards and two scores and added two more touchdowns on the ground.
Ryan Oakley, Jacksonville University Christian 2024 DB had 4 pass break ups, a block kick and three tackles in a win against Orlando The First Academy.
Christopher Tooley, 2023 QB/Athlete from Orlando Jones threw for 250 yards and four touchdowns in a win over Oviedo.
Miami Central senior QB Keyone Jenkins Keyone Jenkins 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB Miami Central | 2023 FL , a five-year varsity performer, used his legs in a come-from-behind win against rival Miami Northwestern as he rushed for three touchdowns.
Lake Mary 2024 athlete Caden Harshbarger, a standout lacrosse performer, gave the Rams a huge lift on a 23-yard touchdown reception for the go-ahead score in a 12-8 upset win over Sanford Seminole.
2024 QB Jesse Winslette Jesse Winslette 6'6" | 215 lbs | QB Choctawhatchee | 2024 FL from Fort Walton Beach Choctawatchee threw for 202 yards, one touchdown and rushed for 53 yards in a huge win over last year’s state runner up Pensacola Pine Forest.
CLASS OF 2023 RANKINGS. https://prepredzone.com/florida/rankings/2023-rankings/
CLASS OF 2024 RANKINGS. https://prepredzone.com/2022/08/updated-2024-florida-rankings/
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.