Orlando Jones Loads Up For ’24

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Unfortunately for Orlando Jones and their football program, 2023 turned out much like 2022, but that's not a bad thing moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In finishing 10-4, this season was indeed exiting right down to the state semifinal loss, 42-35, at Homestead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In between that loss to Homestead and the setback to Orlando Edgewater back in middle September, head coach <strong>Elijah Williams</strong> and the Tigers won nine straight – including getting back at Edgewater for the second straight season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The memory of that back-and-forth contest with Homestead is something that is driving this program for the second consecutive year, losing to the Broncos at home last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While several seniors will depart this year, it's the loaded underclassmen that will keep this program right in the mix once again as they are putting together another challenging schedule that included two-time defending state champion Cocoa and Maryland power Our Lady of Good Counsel.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That underclass talent starts with the rising senior class (2025) that includes <strong>Walki Ambroise</strong> (WR/Athlete, 6-1, 170. 3.9 GPA), standout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='826542' first='Vernell' last='Brown III']</strong> (WR/Athlete, 5-11, 175. 4.9 GPA), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1022383' first='Steven' last='Casseus']</strong> (DE/OLB, 6-4, 225), <strong>Dekari Hill</strong> (OL, 5-1, 245), <strong>Justin Livie</strong> (OL, 6-4, 260), <strong>DeAndre McDaniel Jr.</strong> (LB/S, 5-9, 180. 2.85 GPA), <strong>Eric Milbourne</strong> (RB, 6-0, 195) and receiver <strong>Sean Murphy</strong> (6-1, 175. 3.2 GPA).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are also <strong>Malachi Porter</strong> (LB, 5-10, 180), <strong>Christian Robbins </strong>(DB/QB/Athlete, 6-1, 170. 3.8 GPA) and offensive lineman <strong>Kaleb Richardson</strong> (6-3, 280. 4.2 GPA).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>THE FUTURE WILL KEEP THIS TRAIN ROLLING</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While every year new faces will emerge, what happens with the underclassmen will certainly fuel the future, and the Tigers are set – with rising junior class (2026).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Among those gifted prospects include <strong>Alijah Austin</strong> (SS, 6-1, 180), <strong>Widel Baptiste</strong> (TE, 6-5, 185. 3.6 GPA), <strong>Savion Brooks</strong> (DE, 6-1, 230), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1251744' first='Corey' last='Brown']</strong> (OL, 6-0, 255), impact performer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212264' first='Dereon' last='Coleman']</strong> (QB, 6-1, 160), <strong>Omyry Hickson</strong> (WR, 5-6, 160), <strong>Jakahari Leonard</strong>, OL, 6-4, 310, <strong>Jordyn Martin</strong> (TE, 6-0, 217), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1581893' first='Xavier' last='Payne']</strong> (OL, 6-7, 280. 3.5 GPA), <strong>Jamerick Smith Jr. </strong>(CB, 6-2, 165. 3.5 GPA) and running back <strong>Daunte Wallace</strong> (5-10, 185. 3.4 GPA).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rising sophomore (2027) class will also have some gems with receiver <strong>Antwoine Glover</strong> (6-2, 165) and offensive lineman <strong>Rashad James</strong> (6-4, 245).<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With spring and the summer still ahead, there's a good chanced that the face of the roster will change, but this program is at a point where they will be in the state playoff mix every season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a><strong>Statewide Coverage Daily.</strong></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/">https://prepredzone.com/florida/</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at:</strong> Floridakids1@aol.com.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->