Durant Learned Valuable Lessons
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Moments after a state playoff loss to Riverview Sumner last November, Plant City Durant head football coach Claybo Varnum and his team reflected on the 2023 season. While it ended sooner than they wanted, the valuable experience this program received…
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Continue ReadingMoments after a state playoff loss to Riverview Sumner last November, Plant City Durant head football coach Claybo Varnum and his team reflected on the 2023 season.
While it ended sooner than they wanted, the valuable experience this program received was something that will certainly drive them this off-season.
Knowing that they are headed in the right direction, the Cougars understand that getting off to another 7-1 start is certainly great but finishing things off and getting over that playoff hunt what 2024 will be all about.
What this program will rely on this spring and summer is the maturity of the rising senior (2025) class. This is a group that learned so much from last year and are anxious to get the season started.
Among those prospects include Garrett Bowmar (LB, 5-11, 175 – 3.4 GPA), Cole Castle (LB, 6-0, 190 – 3.58 GPA), Jayden Cornelius (WR/DB, 5-9, 160 – 2.87 GPA), Michael Everhart (OL, 6-5, 241 – 3.72 GPA), Christian Gambrell Christian Gambrell 5'9" | 160 lbs | ATH Plant City Durant | 2025 FL (RB, 5-7, 150 – 2.9 GPA), Chris Lankford Chris Lankford 6'4" | 200 lbs | TE Durant | 2025 FL (WR, 6-3, 180 – 2.6 GPA), and running back Emmanuel Lee Emmanuel Lee 5'10" | 170 lbs | RB Plant City Durant | 2025 State FL (5-8, 165).
In addition, Cade Long (OL, 6-1, 250 – 3.75 GPA), Ajani Peavy (WR, 6-0, 170 – 2.8 GPA), Aidan Piatt (DT, 6-2, 250 – 3.8 GPA), Michael Ryan Michael Ryan 5'10" | 140 lbs | K Plant City Durant | 2025 FL (QB, 5-10, 160 – 3.26 GPA), Hunter Smith (OLB, 5-8, 135 – 3.7 GPA), Hale Sollmann (LB, 6-1, 204 – 4.0 GPA), and receiver/defensive back Damari Styles Damari Styles 5'10" | 170 lbs | ATH Plant City Durant | 2025 FL (5-9, 160 – 3.26 GPA) will make a solid contribution.
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
As impressive as the rising senior class will be, the Cougars are also looking at the rising junior (2026) class to also play a huge role in the process.
Led by Jeremy Cannon (LB, 5-9, 165), Landon Collins (OL, 6-3, 285 – 3.4 GPA), Josiah Dennis (DL, 6-1, 300), Paul Dilley (DL, 6-0, 194), Michael Gibson (RB, 5-6, 164 – 3.0 GPA), Colin McClellan (OL, 6-1, 203), Ryan Porter (WR, 6-2, 150 – 2.6 GPA), Landon Snapp (LB, 6-0, 181) and Caleb Waters (DL, 5-11, 188), have quality depth will be essential.
Speaking about quality depth, the rising sophomore (2027) class is also going to be special – with Kairee Barnum (WR/DB, 6-0, 150), Jarvis Sherman (QB/DB, 5-7, 145), Jontrell Washington (OL/DL, 6-3, 230), and Nykel Young (LB, 5-9, 180).
PHOTO COURTESY OF PLANT CITY DURANT FOOTBALL
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You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.