Key West Hungry For The Upcoming Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Talk to any player or coach around Key West and all will tell you that the way the 2024 season ended was disappointing – to say the least.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a second-place finisher in District 16-3A to eventual state champion Miami Northwestern, head coach <strong>John Hughes</strong> and the Conchs lost a home playoff game to Fort Myers Cypress Lake in a contest this program was favored to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While that loss was stinging and something that the senior class left with a bad taste, it shouldn't take away from the 8-4 season that watched this team showcase plenty of talent with wins against Clewiston, Miami Belen Jesuit, North Port, Miami St. Brendan, Miami Killian, Miami Jackson, Tavernier Coral Shores and Estero to kick off the state playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the off-season began, there was a sense that 2025 would be a year that the Conchs could pick up where they left off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is plenty of talent returning to accomplish those lofty goals:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CLASS OF 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Leandro Batista, RB/LB, 6-1, 220 – 4.2 GPA. </strong>The first thing you notice about this quality football talent is he has a motor that never stops on either side of the ball. On defense he drops into coverage as well as comes up to use his tackling ability. He reads plays, which is something that college coaches notice when seeing him perform. As a runner on the offensive side of the ball, he has a burst to get through the hole and has a tremendous balance of power and speed. Solid talent that this program will certainly need to step up this off-season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18849034/67a113206a1989991cb9e90b</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jeef DeJean, RB/DB, 5-11, 170 – 2.8 GPA. </strong>Another versatile talent who gets it done on either side of the ball as well as special teams. It's all about speed and athleticism with this quality prospect. He is indeed instant offense, running the ball out of the backfield, catching or just getting up field to stretch the defense. Defensively, he makes plays with his ability to read plays and react in the secondary. He truly brings so much to the table and this program will need that moving forward in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18296629/67841ad1bd10b399cf980e53</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Noah Mercer, OL/DL, 6-4, 245 – 3.1 GPA. </strong>Not your average lineman. This is someone who brings so much more to the game – with his quickness and versatility. Defensive end, tight end, offensive line. You name it and he will give you different looks at each position. Was extremely productive during the state playoff run. Throws the discus.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18620832/675203402d3cae6b54667256</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Walson Morin, RB/DB, 5-10, 175 – 2.7 GPA. </strong>As he gets it done on the defensive side of the ball, you cannot help but notice what he does as a running back. Great vision, speed and enough athletic ability to make plays and move the chains. The best thing about his offensive game is what he does in space. Once he gets into the secondary, he makes positive things happen. His speed also is a huge asset in the defensive secondary as a safety who has great anticipation for the flow of the play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18802230/679588b39a1d05785179f777</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CLASS OF 2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Allens Alexandre, OL/DL, 6-5, 270 – 2.7 GPA. </strong>Talk about physical and athletic, here is a two-way line prospect that will emerge as one of Florida's best for a number of reasons. He has size and strength, but also plays the game with a mean streak that is on display from whistle to whistle. He opens holes for the running games as well as pass protects, giving the quarterback additional time to find a receiver or create a positive. On defense, he plays the same way – using all the talent and football savvy to check the boxes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/21370470/66f17e05b74c1372f352c426</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1868200' first='Josh' last='Johnson'], OL/DL, 6-5, 265 – 3.5 GPA. Ve</strong>ry rarely do you see a lineman that is this athletic and quick. His first step as a defensive force is something that very few offensive linemen can deal with. He came up big in several games with this work ethic. On top of everything he does this young man is also the kicker, which you hardly see – especially with his size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/21285299/677e7b123e4c0ae1f2a330bd</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PHOTO COURTESY OF KEY WEST FOOTBALL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></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>Floridakids1@aol.com.</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 href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com">Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->