Oakleaf Accepts Challenge For 2024

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When Oakleaf head football coach <strong>Chris Foy</strong> looks back at the 2023 season, he sees a gauntlet that his program and had to navigate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While there was plenty of progress made during the nine games, it was those six opponents – all who advanced to the post season that kept the pressure of this team all year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the prospects learned a lot from many of those contests, it was the victories that the Knights used as a springboard to the off-season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With spring finished, the attention now focuses on the summer and a returning senior (2025) class that has talent, experience and leadership.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some of those prospects to keep an eye on:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Da'Jon Brown, OLB, 6-1, 195 – 3.0 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16169789/Dajon-Brown">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16169789/Dajon-Brown</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRIS FOY:</strong> “Da'Jon brown finished the season with 76 total tackles as well as 3 sacks to go along with. Da'Jon also made the transition later in the season to running back where he ran for 307 yards on 46 carries and 4 touchdowns. Da'Jon earned All-County, All-District and All-Area on the year.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bryan Copeland, DB/LB, 5-9, 215 – 3.0 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AWAITING VIDEO</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRIS FOY:</strong> “Stats and Accolades: Bryan Copeland looks to make the transition the center of the defense playing LB this upcoming season. Over the past season Copeland finished at DL with 35 total tackles.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Foy II, RB, 5-10, 200 – 3.2 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16345311/Chris-Foy">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16345311/Chris-Foy</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRIS FOY:</strong> "Chris Foy finished the season with over 800 yards rushing averaging 7.2 yards per carry ranking him inside the top 5 in the state in this category. Chris also added another 120 yards receiving and finished the year off with 6 touchdowns. Chris was awarded with All-County, All-District, and All-Area accolades while also being the only junior selected as a team captain.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1220041' first='Reggie' last='Houston'], OL/DL, 6-3, 270 – 3.7 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17671424/reggie-houston">https://www.hudl.com/profile/17671424/reggie-houston</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRIS FOY:</strong> “[player_tooltip player_id='1220041' first='Reggie' last='Houston'] spent the past 3 seasons starting at guard and DE/DT at Andrew Jackson High School. Houston allowed 0 sacks in the 2023 season and accumulated 46 pancake blocks. With great size and feet, Houston will make for a great player in the trenches and will be the starting right tackle for us in the fall as well as continuing to play DE/DT.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Luis Innocent, OL, 5-10, 250 – 3.0 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16116605/Luis-Innocent">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16116605/Luis-Innocent</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRIS FOY:</strong> “Luis served as a backup lineman this past season who still got valuable playing time at both guard positions and looks to be an impressive starter and key part of the Knights Offensive line and run game this upcoming season.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aidan Justilien, DL/LB, 5-10, 205 – 3.1 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16117369/Aidan-Justilien">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16117369/Aidan-Justilien</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRIS FOY:</strong> "Another DL looking to making the transition to not only LB but also FB on the offensive side of the ball this upcoming season. AJ finished the year at DL with 38 total tackles and 1 sack.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1229880' first='James' last='Kitchen'], DB, 5-11, 165 – 2.8 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16126752/James-Kitchen"> https://www.hudl.com/profile/16126752/James-Kitchen</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRIS FOY:</strong> “A lockdown corner who can also play the safety position, [player_tooltip player_id='1229880' first='James' last='Kitchen'] finished the season with 45 total tackles. Kitchen has been a Varsity starter since a freshman and this year was awarded with All-County and All-District awards.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Khalil Matthews, DL, 6-1, 295 – 2.9 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/21032338/Khalil-Matthews">https://www.hudl.com/profile/21032338/Khalil-Matthews</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRIS FOY:</strong> “A big body in the middle of the Knights D-line with great athletic feet to be able to chase down plays or get back into his gap responsibility. Khalil finished the season with 44 total tackles.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mykel Mayo, DL, 6-3, 315 – 2.8 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16236416/Mykel-Mayo">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16236416/Mykel-Mayo</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRIS FOY:</strong> “Mykel Mayo looks to make the transition to playing both OL and DL this upcoming season for the Knights, while on the DL this past season Mayo racked up 12 total tackles.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Andrew McDaid, K/P, 5-11, 165 – 3.8 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/21661697/Andrew-McDaid">https://www.hudl.com/profile/21661697/Andrew-McDaid</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRIS FOY:</strong> “Andrew McDaid did all the kicking/punting for the Knights averaging 44.0 yards per punt while also going 7/8 on field goal attempts and 100% in PAT attempts. Drew has got a strong leg and has been able to hit up to 50 yards as a career long.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Anthoni Smith, DE, 6-1, 190 – 2.7 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20446599/Anthoni-Smith">https://www.hudl.com/profile/20446599/Anthoni-Smith</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRIS FOY:</strong> “Anthoni Smith played more of the rush end for the Knights defense this past season accumulating 11 tackles and 4 total sacks. Anthoni has got the speed to get around bigger sized lineman and put pressure on the opposing QB.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Amare Thomas, DL, 6-0, 300 – 2.9 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16257936/Amare-Thomas">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16257936/Amare-Thomas</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRIS FOY:</strong> “Amare “Biggie” Thomas finished the season off with 51 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. As a defensive linemen Biggie has got it all. Hands, feet, hips for a big guy he sure can move well which helped to him earning All-County and All-District awards.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Demetrius Williams, DB, 5-11, 170 – 2.7 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19400054/Demetrius-Williams">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19400054/Demetrius-Williams</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRIS FOY:</strong> “Demetrius Williams played more of an outside LB this past season but has the speed and physicality to line up outside further or stay right where he is near the box. Williams accumulated 22 tackles over this past season.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carlos Witherup, WR/KR, 5-6, 160 – 3.1 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16278745/Carlos-Witherup"> https://www.hudl.com/profile/16278745/Carlos-Witherup</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRS FOY: </strong>"Carlos Witherup played the 2023 season with the state runner-up Mandarin Mustangs. Carlos played a crucial role in helping the Mustangs get to state playing receiver and Kick/punt returner. Witherup racked up over 900 all-purpose yards and with a recorded 4.4 40 he proves to be one of the fastest on the field at all times. Witherup will be playing the same role for us in the fall as well as getting some time in the backfield at running back to get the ball in his hands even more. An all-around playmaker.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THIS PROGRAM?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is a feeling around this football team that while the senior class will take a lead role, the underclassmen have some prospects who are ready to step up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are a few of those younger players that are ready for the challenge:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CLASS OF 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jayden Adams, DL, 5-11, 270 – 3.7 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17755102/Jayden-Adams"> https://www.hudl.com/profile/17755102/Jayden-Adams</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRIS FOY:</strong> “Jayden Adams is a young DT who will also be playing on the other side of the ball at center the upcoming season. Adams played both JV and Varsity football this past season and finished the year off with 6 total tackles.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Joel Bazinet, LS, 5-11, 215 – 4.0 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AWAITING VIDEO</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRIS FOY:</strong> “Joel Bazinet is ranked among the top longsnappers in his class earning a 4 star Kornblue ranking. Joel earned All-County and All-District awards for his long snapping and has been invited to the Chris Rubio Long-snapping camps.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tyrone Early, DB, 6-0, 160 – 3.7 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20611803/Tyrone-Early">https://www.hudl.com/profile/20611803/Tyrone-Early</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRIS FOY:</strong> “Tyrone Early is a young DB with 2 years of Varsity starting experience. Early finished the year with 11 total tackles and is a young guy to definitely keep an eye out for.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Denereo Jacobs, WR, 6-0, 160 – 2.7 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17755054/Denereo-Jacobs">https://www.hudl.com/profile/17755054/Denereo-Jacobs</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRIS FOY:</strong> “Denereo missed the 2023 season due to an ACL tear early in fall camp. However, with a deep receiver room, Denereo will shine this upcoming season and one to keep an eye on.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Jules, OL, 6-3, 255 – 3.3 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17935011/Christopher-Jules">https://www.hudl.com/profile/17935011/Christopher-Jules</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRIS FOY:</strong> “Finishing the season with 55 total pancake blocks, Chris Jules was one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the area earning All-County and All-District awards. Chris looks to be playing on both sides of the ball this upcoming season so watch out for this trench mobster.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jordin Price, WR, 5-10, 155 – 2.8 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18633383/Jordin-Price">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18633383/Jordin-Price</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRIS FOY:</strong> Price is a speedy receiver who torched defenses playing on the backside. Price finished with 23 receptions for 445 yards and 6 touchdowns. Price added another 114 yards and 1 touchdown rushing the ball and earning All-County and All-District accolades for the young receiver.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CLASS OF 2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Michael Conner, WR, 5-9, 145 – 3.2 GPA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19843880/Mike-Conner">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19843880/Mike-Conner</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRIS FOY:</strong> “Mike Conner is electric anytime the ball is in his hands. Conner led the Knights offense in Receiving yards and receptions with 38 total receptions for 578 yards and 3 touchdowns. Mike was awarded with All-County and All-District awards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='514144' first='Mason' last='Thomas'], DL/OL, 6-3, 270 – 2.8 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17957794/Mason-Thomas">https://www.hudl.com/profile/17957794/Mason-Thomas</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACH CHRIS FOY:</strong> “[player_tooltip player_id='514144' first='Mason' last='Thomas'] has proven to already be a force on both sides of the trenches. Mason played center for the majority of the 2023 season but is also able to play across the line on both sides of the ball. Mason is a young one that you are going to want to get on quick!”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Busy Spring Across The Sunshine State. </strong><a>https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/busy-spring-across-the-state/</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><strong>You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at:</strong> <a>Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACHES, PLAYERS: Do You Have A Subscription? Contact us for a savings code so you can see what everyone has been talking about! </strong><a>Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->