Tampa Plant Back In The Mix

Moments after his team's loss in the state playoffs at Miami Christopher Columbus, Tampa Plant head coach Hank Brown quickly put his energy into the off-season and 2024.   While the ride back to Tampa was not what was expected, the Panthers certainly learned so much for a tremendous 11-3 season, which included three state playoff wins before the 27-7 setback to the Explorers.   As the off-season began, the focus was squarely on the spring and into the summer.   With so many things happening – with returning players maturing and ready to step up and take this thing to the next level, there are some quality football players to keep an eye on.   2025   [player_tooltip player_id='826467' first='Waltez' last='Clark'], RB/DB, 6-2, 195.   COACH BROWN ON CLARK: “Unique player who is a freakish athlete in all 3 phases. He excels with a tough physical running style, excellent hands and ability to catch out of the back field as a RB, and has size and skills to play both outside and inside receiver positions.  What makes him great on offense is also what makes him outstanding on defense which is his aggressive and relentless effort every play.  As a kick returner he is exceptional.”   TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/16351953/Waltez-Clark</a>     J.C. Mirasola, QB, 6-0, 180.   BROWN ON MIRASOLA: “JC has good size for a 2025 Dual Threat QB at 6'0" 185 lbs.  A playmaker on the field who works methodically tearing apart a defense.  Shows good speed and quickness on the run, taking on would-be tacklers.  His throws are made with high percentage results.  Fluid throwing motion.”   TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/16093591/JC-Mirasola</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='589033' first='Ty' last='Conze'], DL/FB, 6-0, 230.   BROWN ON CONZE: “Ty is a two-year Captain and a starter on our defensive line since his freshman year at all four positions.  Leads by example and a dominate player on the gridiron and in the classroom.”    TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/16182623/Ty-Conze</a>     Ben Mackinnon, WR/DB, 6-0, 170.   BROWN ON MACKINNON: “Natural route runner with great vision and hands.  His ability to find the soft spots and catch the ball and get up field serves his team well game in and game out.  On defense Ben is an above average tackler and coverage guy for us.”   TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/16184622/Ben-MacKinnon</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='1323383' first='Stone' last='Owens'], LS, 6-0, 160.   BROWN ON OWENS: “5-Star Long Snapper #6 Ranked LS in the county by Kohls.  Stone is one of the most disciplined players who is committed to his craft   TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/16189174/Stone-Owens</a>     Jamel Walls, SS/WR, 6-0, 170.   BROWN ON WALLS: “Aggressive safety who is a great run fitter and fluid pass defender.  Jamel will continue to grow and develop as an elite defender with every rep he takes.”   TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/13615369/Jamel-Walls</a>     Isaiah Sumpter, DL. 6-4, 230.   BROWN ON SUMPTER: “Versatile DL who can play all 4 positions.  Isaiah has a great frame with height as well.  He has transformed his physique to highlight his abilities at all four defensive line positions.”   TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/17614709/Isaiah-Sumpter</a>     A.J. Wimbley, RB/LB, 5-10, 195.   BROWN ON WIMBLEY: “Versatile RB who can play all three downs.  AJ runs hard, blocks well, and has receiver hands.     TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/16407432/Antonio-Wimbley</a>     Jake Mason, DB, 6-0, 170.   BROWN ON MASON: “Versatile DB who can play either corner spot or safety spot.  Being a converted basketball player he has good lateral movement and twitch.     TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/16195912/Jake-Mason</a>     Manny Flor, OL, 6-4, 320.   BROWN ON FLOR: “Someone who can play all 3 positions if needed.  Manny has a great size which is needed at the offensive line position.  He continues to transform his physique to highlight his abilities to dominate on the offensive line for us.”   TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/16924649/Emmanuel-Flor</a>     2026   [player_tooltip player_id='1726703' first='Tripp' last='Brown'], TE/QB, 6-4, 220.   BROWN ON BROWN: “A top collegiate prospect who still hasn't reached his full potential. His best traits are his hands and ability to catch in traffic. He comes down with impressive catches. A big target, serving as a reliable source for his QB.”   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17608161/Tripp-Brown" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/17608161/Tripp-Brown</a>     Zyhron Canady, DE/OLB, 6-1, 200.   BROWN ON CANADY: “Starting since his freshman year as a weak side defensive end and outside backer in our 3-4 defense, Zyhron has continued to excel and develop each game and each season.  Projecting as a linebacker at the next level.”   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17911965/Zyrohn-Canady" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/17911965/Zyrohn-Canady</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='1629778' first='Dane' last='Bathurst'], DE/OLB, 6-4, 225.   BROWN ON BATHURST: “Has the size and athleticism to be a dominate player and will continue to grow and develop as such.  He has a strong work ethic and is focused on exactly what it is we need to do for us to win a championship.”   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18402632/Dane-Bathurst" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18402632/Dane-Bathurst</a>     Dylan Rinkus, DE/OLB, 6-3, 240.   BROWN ON RINKUS: “He continues to work and gives effort on every play. Is going to be exciting to watch for the next two as he continues to dial in at his craft.”   WAITING ON HIS VIDEO     Gavyn Smith, DB, 5-8, 145.   BROWN ON SMITH: “Has a high football IQ and sees the field very well. This serves him well in his ability to make adjustments and put him in the best position to cover in passing situations and fit the run.”   TAPE:  <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18520951/Gavyn-Smith" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18520951/Gavyn-Smith</a>      2027   Timmy Gilbert, OL, 6-0, 250.   BROWN ON GILBERT: Started as a freshman on varsity. He is a master of his craft, a true technician. Is a natural center with a high football IQ and awareness about him and a nasty side who enjoys blocking. TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19656196/Timmy-Gilbert" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19656196/Timmy-Gilbert</a>   PHOTO COURTESY OF TAMP PLANT FOOTBALL   Statewide Coverage Daily. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/">https://prepredzone.com/florida/</a>   You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: <a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com">Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.

Moments after his team's loss in the state playoffs at Miami Christopher Columbus, Tampa Plant head coach Hank Brown quickly put his energy into the off-season and 2024.