Auburndale Is Adding The Right Pieces

After the 2024 season ended and Auburndale head football coach Antonio Thomas and his staff reflected back on the year, there were some things that this program felt needed some changes.   With 4A state runner up Orlando Jones and Polk County power Lake Wales in the same district, the only way to make a push toward a state playoff spot begins right there with District 7-4A.   Before the Bloodhounds could even think about winning on the state level, they realized that things had to be taken care of during the regular season.   The only way to close the gap with Jones (49-7) and Lake Wales (23-0) was to get after it in the off-season, putting a huge emphasis on workouts, attending camps and combines and making sure that they ran toward the competition and not away from it, which they have.   The returning players – along with the newcomers would be the nucleus for the present – and of course the future.   Here is a breakdown of those players to keep an eye on in 2025:   CLASS OF 2026   [player_tooltip player_id='1143144' first='Riley' last='Cooper'], G/C, 6'1”, 285 – 3.2 GPA. Talk about a talent who gets after it every play, here is someone who has stepped up as a leader and producer. Quick off the ball and make it happen, providing time to throw as well as makes it possible to run the ball. Solid prospect.   TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/18157125/Riley-Cooper</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='1368321' first='Elijah' last='Dias'], LB, 6'0”, 205. Another of the rising senior leaders who is all over the field making plays. Whether it's stopping the run, rushing the passer or dropping back in coverage, this is indeed someone that sparks the team with his ability to lead by example. On the defensive side of the ball, he will certainly be a huge asset to the younger players on the team.   TAPE:   <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/17830496/Elijah-Dias</a>   Gavin Hall, CB, 6'2”, 165 – 3.4 GPA. This rangy, smart prospect is not scared to stick his nose in there on running plays and will truly lock receivers down when it comes to coverage on passing down. On and off the field, this is a prospect who leads by example and that is why he is one of the most respected student/athletes on the team.   TAPE:  <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18420672/Gavin-Hall">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18420672/Gavin-Hall</a>   Trey Sullivan, DL, 5'10”, 240. When this team needs a big play made on defense, they look to this versatile line prospect who is big enough to make things happen inside and has the athletic ability to follow plays up field. A solid talent that has a chance to be very special – as he is showing in the off-season.   TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/19344441/Trey-Sullivan?</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='1524509' first='James' last='Tilus'], DE/OLB, 6-3, 225 – 3.6 GPA. As we watched during the recent Rivals.com Camp in Miami, here's someone who is certainly going to be special for this team. Going up against some elite offensive line prospects, his strength, athletic ability and strength gave him a major advantage. Remember, this Wake Forest University commitment is a student/athlete that is quick (4.6 – 40) and strong (555 pound deadlift). Keep your eye on his progress. Also plays basketball.   TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19570597/66e5e19e7a5a3acee42aefdd</a>   Aquim Williams, DL, 6'4”, 285. Coming over from Lake Wales, this is definitely a football talent that everyone is anxious to watch this spring, summer and into the 2025 season. His strength and his instincts will be very valuable as this team continues to improve. Plays the game with plenty of passion!   TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/23129197/Aquim-Williams</a>   AWAITING SPRING VIDEO   Jordan Tarver, Athlete, 6'1”, 160. Track & Field. This Winter Haven transfer has plenty of speed (4.3 forty 10.7 100m) and will be an asset on the football field.     CLASS OF 2027   Charles Calhoun III, LB/RB, 6'0”, 218. No matter what side of the ball he plays on, this young man will be physical, but yet raw. He is indeed a playmaker who is quick, agile and skilled as a pure football player. As a linebacker, he plays the entire field, which makes him someone to keep an eye on for every down he's on the field. He also has tremendous vision and burst from the running back position. He is indeed one of the future stars of this program.   TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/19868678/Charles-Calhoun?</a>   Joseph Howard Jr., WR/FS, 5'9”, 150. If you want to make the coaching staff smile just talk about all the things that this quality underclassmen can do for this program. As a receiver, his speed, athletic ability and knack of running exceptional pass patterns certainly gives the offense a spark. In a year when there are new faces that will be joining this program, someone who can lead by example – especially a young prospect – is always great to have.   TAPE:  <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19901558/Joseph-Howard-Jr">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19901558/Joseph-Howard-Jr</a>     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: Floridakids1@aol.com.   COACHES, PLAYERS: Do You Have A Subscription? Contact us for a savings code so you can see what everyone has been talking about! Floridakids1@aol.com.

After the 2024 season ended and Auburndale head football coach Antonio Thomas and his staff reflected back on the year, there were some things that this program felt needed some changes.