Spring Tour: Newberry Panthers — Next man up

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our fifth stop on the Spring Tour takes us to Newberry, home of head coach Ed Johnson and the reigning district champion Panthers. After a 10-3 season in 2024, this group returns a strong crop of talent—especially in the 2026 and 2027 classes—with plenty of breakout potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1283611' first='Hayden' last='Moore'] | WR | 2026 | @HaydenM_14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moore is a natural D1-level athlete with a 6-3 frame and all the traits you look for. If he locks into the weight room and treats track with more urgency, he could become a major name in Florida. He's already a mismatch at receiver but could even project as a high-level defensive back. Big ceiling here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1395852' first='La'Harry' last='Debose'] | DB | 2026 | @laharrydebose3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My DOG of the day. Debose set the tone from the opening competition period and brought that same fire into 1v1s. He's vocal, physical, and backs it all up. With length, energy, and technical coverage skills, he's a name to know heading into the fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1373056' first='Kaleb' last='Woods'] | RB | 2026 | @Thekalebwoods</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Woods continues to show why he's one of the most productive backs in the area. With a sturdy build and the ability to contribute in the pass game, he offers true versatility. His development since last year has been impressive—expect another big season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Javeon Long | ATH | 2028 | @JayLong_1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach told me to watch out for a freshman, and Long didn't disappoint. He's already a smooth route runner with strong hands. Has the poise and IQ of an older player. Definitely one to stash on your radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Je'Kai Dawson | OL | 2026 | @JeKaiDawson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dawson is built like a college lineman already. Strong, tough, and reliable—he's a key interior piece for Newberry and has the potential to play both sides of the ball. A true tone-setter in the trenches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elijah Beckford | DB | 2026 | @Elijah_beckford</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beckford plays with confidence and physicality. He stood out in coverage and wasn't afraid to come up and tackle. With a few technical tweaks, he's got D1 potential written all over him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jamarcus Wimberly | RB | 2027 | @lulmarcus8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My other DOG of the day. Wimberly is a problem. His ability to run clean routes and find space is special—especially for a back. Natural feel for finding holes and attacking the second level. One of the more polished 2027s I've seen this spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kobe Johnson | QB | 2026 | @kobe_johnson1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson is the guy under center and brings dual-threat ability with a live arm and open-field speed. The staff will lean on his athleticism, but he'll need to take that next step in the passing game to keep defenses honest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Darius DeBose | ATH | 2027 | @TheDariusDebose</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Debose is a physical specimen—looks the part of a linebacker, edge, or even power back. Ran hard today and showed he's tough to bring down. His versatility will be a weapon for this team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Derris Ford | ATH | 2027 | @derrisford6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ford impressed on both sides of the ball and held his own in post-practice 1v1s. One of the more intriguing rising 2027s on the roster, he's shaping up to be a major contributor this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1408862' first='Davon' last='Rim'] | LB | 2026 | @Davonrim</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A veteran in this program, Rim knows what it takes. He showed up in practice with steady reps and leadership. He's an experienced linebacker that gives this unit some backbone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Isaiah Allen | WR | 2027 | @IsaiahAllen_1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Allen flashed real upside as a pass catcher. Long, athletic, and fluid—but still needs to find that next gear. If he locks in this offseason, he could break into the rotation and make some noise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->