St. Thomas Aquinas targeting 8th straight state title

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It sounds unreal, but St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) is aiming for an eighth straight state championship in 2026 to go along with its state-leading 17 state titles. Many would argue that this year's Raiders are better than last season's, as many contributing juniors are entering their senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The quarterback position has not been quite solidified, as [player_tooltip player_id='895745' first='Cody' last='Conness'], Nate Merrell, and Blake Calixte will battle to determine who will be the starter in fall camp. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some of the top players to watch going into the 2026 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1410835"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a14a8ca8fee2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jones has deceptive speed that accelerates to create separation when the ball is in the air. He makes tough catches in traffic and times his jumps for the football with precision. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Notre Dame legacy is dangerous from the boundary or the slot position and runs the entire route tree meticulously. Jones is also lethal after the catch as he is a natural when running with the football in his hands. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20767020/6920676498559ebf51337284">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20767020/6920676498559ebf51337284</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1670943"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a14a8ca8ff61"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The physically imposing Matthews is an essential part of St. Thomas Aquinas's running and passing games. The elite offensive lineman runs well to get out in front for running plays and screens, and can eliminate multiple defenders in one play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He plays with a high level of nastiness that is not taught and often resorts to brute force before his opponent has a chance. Matthews has strong hands that stun opponents and also uses his legs to drive defenders backward. He is an elite talent who projects as a multi-year starter on the college and pro levels. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19972142/68ee42fd3b0f0c558508a161">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19972142/68ee42fd3b0f0c558508a161</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1682682"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a14a8ca8ffb4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith is somewhat of a late bloomer, but he has shown last season that he has all of the tools to be successful at the next level. He plays with a high motor and uses his hands well to shed blockers on his way to the ball carrier. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has the speed and quickness to run by offensive linemen, but also uses his strength to create leverage to move potential blockers. Smith also does a good job of setting the edge, preventing big running plays. The Ohio State commit projects as a multi-year starter in college and the pros. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20133523/6940c68a540685f13c78790c">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20133523/6940c68a540685f13c78790c</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["404029"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a14a8ca90002"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gamble is a physical defensive back who consistently but instinctively positions himself well to make plays. He understands angles at an elite level and often makes plays on the ball without overpursuing or gambling in a way that could hurt his team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gamble could also excel at the nickel position on the college level, as he is an excellent tackler with great balance. His combination of explosiveness and smarts makes him the ideal field general that can give a quarterback fits. The Notre Dame commit projects as a multi-year starter at the Power Four level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19530451/68be3a068b63e3d50be1de62">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19530451/68be3a068b63e3d50be1de62</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["895496"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a14a8ca9004e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Miami Hurricanes legacy is an excellent cover corner who already knows how to disguise coverage to make big plays. He is a talented defensive back who can excel in man or zone coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carey has elite leaping ability and is a threat to intercept any 50/50 ball that comes his way. His ball skills are among the best in Florida, and his timing in deflecting the football is superb. Carey projects a multi-year starter on the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19530452/690030c58a7d0e0ac0439e49">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19530452/690030c58a7d0e0ac0439e49</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Top Players</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1518233' first='Austin' last='Coles'], WR, 6'4", 190</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22037955/6a05355ee848115b22e05352">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22037955/6a05355ee848115b22e05352</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='895745' first='Cody' last='Conness'], QB, 6'1" 195</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26286016/69498fd7e371a29ddc9e2079">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26286016/69498fd7e371a29ddc9e2079</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='895761' first='Finn' last='Crissy'], WR, 5'11" 170</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20196993/69f35dfd6a04cf3820d89744">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20196993/69f35dfd6a04cf3820d89744</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='426549' first='Jayden' last='Dean'], OL, 6'2", 275</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18274620/6944dcebfe3272e54109e373">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18274620/6944dcebfe3272e54109e373</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='895723' first='Chase' last='Goodrich'], DL, 6'1", 285</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16387545/694742d3d44564ced130cfa7">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16387545/694742d3d44564ced130cfa7</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Samari Howard, DB, 6'1", 160</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20309945/6920695d98559ebf51337331">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20309945/6920695d98559ebf51337331</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Virgil Lemons, RB, 5'10", 190</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20142753/68f788123d533836b9a8f300">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20142753/68f788123d533836b9a8f300</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ryan Mathis, RB, 5'9", 175</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18585348/696f9e809d529f1a8bd8e786">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18585348/696f9e809d529f1a8bd8e786</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1671219' first='Tyler' last='Reid'], RB, 5'8", 170</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20012149/691a6244750b30681085db4f">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20012149/691a6244750b30681085db4f</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='665996' first='Sean' last='Thompson'], WR, 6'3", 210</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19530845/695fe123fa1d6072c74c7baf">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19530845/695fe123fa1d6072c74c7baf</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(2028)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blake Calixte, QB, 6'2", 170</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23043531/694166c6540685f13c789009">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23043531/694166c6540685f13c789009</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='964999' first='Andre' last='Jones'], DB, 6'1", 190</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19727284/6931a2a6e762a8a401ac29a8">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19727284/6931a2a6e762a8a401ac29a8</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nate Merrell, QB, 6'4", 160</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18015085/68a36ded3257978685ae908f">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18015085/68a36ded3257978685ae908f</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(2029)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sho' Wright, WR, 6'1" 170</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/27018454/694d7196d44564ced131bf12">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/27018454/694d7196d44564ced131bf12</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->