Back On Track With Santana Wooten

At a time when Class of 2023 seniors are finding a landing spot for their college future, Miami Palmetto standout running back Santana Wooten is still out there.

Larry Blustein January 24, 2023 @ 06:28 AM

BRADENTON, Florida – There were many stories at this past Sunday's Prep Redzone Florida talent showcase at IMG Academy, but very few could match the road that [player_tooltip player_id='128429' first='Santana' last='Wooten'] has been down.   The current Miami Palmetto High senior running back added another chapter his football career that began five years ago at Palmer Trinity Prep as a promising running back/linebacker and athlete who was considered to be on the fast-rising stars in a state that had more than its share of elite talent.   On this warm Sunday on Florida's Gulf Coast, Wooten came out to a showcase that featured nearly 100 underclassmen who were out to turn heads and put themselves in a position to leave a mark in the competitive world of Florida high school football.   As instructors and coaches watched prospects from various classes and positions, this event was indeed the most successful Prep Redzone has run over the past two years in the Sunshine State.   With veteran coaches taking the players through testing and football drills, it was Wooten who was out to show that what everyone watched and saw a few years back was indeed the same talent he is today.   Even though he moved to Miami Palmetto and fit in as a running back, the only obstacle that this gifted student/athlete was looking to overcome was a knee injury which certainly slowed colleges from sending out offers.   Even though his 5-11, 185-pounder had worked hard to recover, college coaches started to back off with that wait and see attitude. It became frustrating for someone who always had a place in the spotlight, and parents who were there every step of the way.   “Tough to have the talent and know that you are still the same athlete that you have always been, but have to kind of start all over again by proving it,” he explained. “But to me faith is everything and I know that everything will work out fine.”   Looking solid in the testing phase of the event and against during the football drills, Wooten turned heads – as college coaches from West Palm Beach Keiser, Babson Park Webber International and Lakeland's Southeastern University paid attention to what this senior was doing – not know much of his past.   “NAIA schools and smaller programs would never have paid attention to Santana in the past,” explained Dana Wiley from Prep Films Florida. “From the start of his career he may have been a Group of 5 prospects at the very least. Now, everyone has the chance to perhaps win the lottery if he comes back and stays healthy.”   From emerging freshmen to gifted seniors like Wooten, this showcase was the perfect canvas for football players who are still searching for the dream.   As Prep Redzone Florida's Andrew Johnson and Oliver West scoured the entire camp, it was refreshing to know that the promotion didn't end with this event. Unlike other companies who host one day showcases and pretty much disappear, Prep Redzone Florida with an extensive team – including talent evaluator Shannon Jordan – will be there every day, keeping these names fresh in the minds of college and universities from coast-to-coast.   THE WOOTEN FILE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17340332/Santana-Wooten" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/17340332/Santana-Wooten</a>   You Can Contact [player_tooltip player_id='111610' first='Larry' last='Blustein'] with prospect or team information at: <a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com">Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.

BRADENTON, Florida – There were many stories at this past Sunday's Prep Redzone Florida talent showcase at IMG Academy, but very few could match the road that Santana Wooten Santana Wooten 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB Palmer Trinity | 2023 FL has been down.