St. Augustine Is Far From Finished

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When the [player_tooltip player_id='1640270' first='St.' last='Augustine'] football team left Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee after losing the 3S state title to Daytona Beach Mainland, there wasn't one returning player who didn't believe this team would be back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That 21-19 setback that head coach <strong>Brian Braddock</strong> and the Yellow Jackets suffered was the only loss in a 13-1 season, and as the players, coaches and fans took a step back, they knew that the way 2023 ended would only fuel this team, heading into 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This gifted group has perhaps more players coming back – who were key in the success – than just about any program in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When this off-season began, 20 rising Class of 2025 prospects were all coming back – and all stinging from that loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Among those talented players returning included quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='826612' first='Locklan' last='Hewlett']</strong>, receivers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='748968' first='Carl' last='Jenkins'], Trenton Jones</strong> and big-time play-making defensive back <strong>Braylon James</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In addition, this team brings back <strong>Matteo Bernardi</strong> (LB), <strong>Brent Bell</strong> (DE/OLB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1322984' first='Bubba' last='Gardner Jr.']</strong> (NG), <strong>Tyquavius Harrison</strong> (WR), <strong>Darrell Jenkins</strong> (WR), <strong>Tarvarian Keenon</strong> (OG), <strong>Ellis McNeal</strong> (DE),<strong> Jarelle Mercado </strong>(NG), <strong>Nick</strong> <strong>Miller </strong>(OG) and outside linebacker <strong>Gavin O'Donnell.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Also in this rising senior class are <strong>Robert Owens</strong> (LB), <strong>Jimmy Wheeler</strong> (FS), <strong>Kodie Umphenour Jr.</strong> (DT), <strong>Kyon Wilcox</strong> OLB) and defensive end <strong>Michael Wright.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>UNDERCLASSMEN WILL ALSO BE A HUGE HELP</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In addition to that potent 2025 class, keep an eye on rising juniors (2026) <strong>Marquell Elmore</strong> (OLB), <strong>Elisha McKinley </strong>(DE) and receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1368267' first='Somourian' last='Wingo'].</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class of 2027 prospects <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1697112' first='Bennett' last='Hunt']</strong> (QB) and tight end <strong>Kaleb Stehr</strong> will join several other underclassmen who will gravitate toward this program in the off-season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PHOTO COURTESY OF [player_tooltip player_id='1640270' first='St.' last='Augustine'] HIGH FOOTBALL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sign For January 21 Stock Risers Camp At: </strong><a>https://events.prepredzone.com/e/946/register/stock-up-showcase-florida</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Statewide Coverage Daily.</strong> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/">https://prepredzone.com/florida/</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: <strong><a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com">Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->