Spring Tour: Auburndale Bloodhounds — New HC, same Dog Mentality

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As spring practices emerge for high schools around the state of Florida, I wanted to highlight some of the local schools in the Polk County area which has been a known hotbed county in producing athletes and talented football players. Our first spring tour stop features first-year head coach Antonio Thomas and the Auburndale Bloodhounds who finished 7-4 last season but return a number of college prospects who have a chance to make some noise in the 863. Prep Redzone scout Drew Johnson will turn to his backyard to attend one of the first week's spring practice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Auburndale Bloodhounds</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head Coach: Coach Thomas</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2022 Record: 7-4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An interesting and competitive QB battle will keep both of these young men in grind mode.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142239' first='Chad' last='Williams'] | Class of 2026 | @ChadWqb12</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams is just a freshman but was who I got my eyes on most today in terms of watching him spin it to various receivers. He has a good frame and has plenty of time to add another inch or two with the needed weight. Good QB fundamentals and footwork and completed a few 15-20 yard comeback throws. The Bloodhounds shocked the city with the strong season they had despite replacing production pieces lost before the season. Williams has been a bright spot on the offense as a young leader behind center who can get it done with his arm and limit turnovers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1230944' first='Amari' last='Turner'] | Class of 2025 | @10Free_AT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Turner is continuing to progress as he will be in the QB room to push Williams this spring. Both will grow and develop but Turner can provide a solid air game with mobility using his legs. Interested to see how locked in he stays.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR/ATH:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1220072' first='Jaysean' last='Pritchard'] | ATH | 2025 | Auburndale | @D1Jaysean</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I keep telling everyone in reach that this kid must watch football. College coaches who need a versatile athlete who can impact both sides of the ball, Pritchard is that riser you need to get in touch with. He'll pop on college radars this off-season and more with in-game film evaluation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sammy Etienne | WR | Class of 2025 | Auburndale | @TheRealestSam3&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just watched this kid perform at practice Thursday and no doubt he's the real deal. He showed off his potential to play the WR position but no doubt Etienne is a lockdown corner with great athleticism. Etienne has been one of the biggest risers in the area after showing off his versatility throughout the regular season.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Darion Jiles | ATH | 2026 | Auburndale | @DarionJiles07</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This kid is now on my radar to boost his college interest heading into the springs. Jiles is a physical rising sophomore who brings a lot of versatility to the Auburndale program. He looked solid on Thursday where he showed off crisp route running and sticky glue hands. Really was impressed with this kid who could have taken home DOG of the Day. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defense:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='283732' first='Elijah' last='Dias'] | LB | Class of 2026 | @twin_frmpolk</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This kid will be a name on a lot of colleges in the state of Florida's radar because of his versatile athletic ability to play multiple positions. Just check the stats and film. Led the team in multiple key categories as a freshman. Coaches need to tap in early.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Don't Sleep Prospects:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>David Bess | DB | 2026 | Auburndale | @Davidbess_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An interesting young rising DB who was very vocal at practice Thursday but was not afraid to back it up with physical coverage and tackling skills. Wasn't aware of this kid entering practice so good to get eyes on him in the spring.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Charles Calhoun | RB/LB | 2027 | Auburndale | @4_wayyyzz</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looks like this kid will be the bell cow for the Bloodhounds offense. Calhoun is a physical 2027 prospect with Dog mentality for the workload that'll come with the position this season. He has the size to be a blocking component as well but look for him to get between the tackles for hard-nose running. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jijuan Russell | DB | 2025 | Auburndale | @jijuan_russell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Javares Mcroy Jr | WR | 2025 | Auburndale | @jaythegreat_10</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cornell Carter | DB | 2025 | Auburndale | @cornellCarter07</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1230937' first='Robert' last='Stevenson'] | LB | 2025 | Auburndale | @ThatKidTrey07</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>William McKenzie | DB | 2026 | Auburndale | @d1_supa</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->