2026 Preview: Lake City Panthers

In honor of the five-site Prep RedZone Media Days series this June and July, we're giving everyone a 50% offer code on all subscriptions throughout July 31. Get access to more than 100 team previews and everything else we have in store for readers as we gear up for the 2026 football season. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/subscribe">Simply head to our subscription page</a> and use the code "przscmediaday2026" at checkout to take advantage of the savings.   Typically, it's not good to have just four seniors on a high school football roster. Where is the leadership going to come from? Will you be at a competitive disadvantage?   If you listen to Lake City standout Ser'Roy Murray it becomes an easier path because the four are tight-knit and want to lead by example.   “We're trying to execute the game like we're supposed to and bring the intensity. We just want to ball out and lead by example,” Murray said at the recent PRZ Media Day at South Florence. “It's easier to show someone than tell them. It's hard to only have four seniors but we're coming together to work something out.”   The Lake City program has seen its share of difficulties recently. In 2023, head coach Ronnie Baker suffered severe injuries in a bus accident returning from a summer team event. Jamison Estep, who's been in Lake City since 2008, has taken over and has witnessed how resilient the kids have been.   And last season the Panthers finished with a 3-8 record even though they had 19 seniors on the roster.   “The buy-in has always been there,” Estep said. “I'm at the point now where I'm coaching the sons of former players now. The players never missed a beat and understood the program didn't stop and the expectations didn't change. The kids stayed on the course.”   The challenge this season is the fact the Panthers might start as many as 10 sophomores when the season begins. Players like Murray and [player_tooltip player_id='1824434' first='Jordan' last='Dobson'] are being counted on heavily and that suits them fine.   Two of those sophomores - [player_tooltip player_id='1824436' first='Jayce' last='Edwards'] and Tyler Fulton - are battling for the quarterback position. Dobson and [player_tooltip player_id='1824435' first='Derwin' last='Myers'] will start the season as the main running back.   [player_tooltip player_id='1820586' first='Kapp' last='Caulder'] is going to handle the center duties and he's going to be flanked by Easton Prosser and Jalen Brown on the left side with [player_tooltip player_id='1821866' first='Derrick' last='Croker'] and Mahki Nero handling the right side.   The group of TJ Hickson [player_tooltip player_id='2109005' first='Ashton' last='Murphy'] Terrance Williams and Josh Woodberry will be the main receivers with Hickson and Williams pulling double duty in the secondary.   Estep has installed a new scheme defensively. It's taken a while to come together but things are starting to click.   Murray and [player_tooltip player_id='1820592' first='Evan' last='McClam'] will be the cornerstones at defensive end with Ryan Keve and Devon Baines handling the interior in the 4-3 scheme. Jerrell McClary Niquan Flemming and Alex Rendo are slated to be the linebackers.   [player_tooltip player_id='1825312' first='Ziyre' last='McFadden'] and Michael Smith will join Hickson and Williams in the secondary.   “The defense is coming together quickly,” Hickson said. “We're putting in a new system, but everyone is putting in the work and taking the time to learn the new defense.   STARS SET TO SHINE   Jalen Brown OL/DL, 2028 – Brown has the size to step into a starring role after playing mainly on offense last season. He's 6-foot-2, 250 pounds and that size will be an advantage coming off the edge on defense. He's going to create havoc while defending the pass and will more than hold his own against the run. He's been given the task of protecting the left side of the line and his aggressive style of play will help him     Ser'Roy Murray DL, 2027 – According to Estep, there isn't a player on the roster that's taken any bigger steps this off season than Murray. He's a good-looking kid physically and will play all over the field. He had 15 tackles and two tackles for loss but a lot more will be expected of the senior this season. He physically looks the part and moves well in small places. Murray will be counted on to lead the defense from a vocal and performance standpoint.   Terrance Williams WR/DB, 2028 – Williams is going to be a handful as a slot receiver. He's shifty, has great straight-line speed and catches everything that comes near him. He's going to create mismatches and the key for him to be successful is to get him the ball in space and let him do his thing. Williams will double up and play in the secondary where he will be able to match up with a top receiver on step down and add support against the run.      [player_tooltip player_id='1820586' first='Kapp' last='Caulder'] OL, 2027 - Caulder is experienced and seasoned and that's always good when you have two sophomores battling for the QB position. Having Caulder making the calls on the line of scrimmage is going to be a calming thing for whoever wins the battle. Caulder is accurate with his snaps and that is another plus. He's strong enough to handle nose guards but he can move to the second level and be a serviceable blocker on linebackers or safeties.     FILM REVIEW   [player_tooltip player_id='1824434' first='Jordan' last='Dobson'] RB/DB, 2027 – Dobson is probably going to need to be the go-to guy on the offense until the quarterback position is settled or at least set into a good rhythm. He was the leading rusher last season with 548 yards and four touchdowns on 115 attempts. He's a slasher and can make defenders miss in the open field. Dobson should be the featured back and might see action in the secondary was well. He's been on the varsity for four years and that type of experience is going to help with such a young squad.    BIGGEST LOSSES   Shayon Shavers RB/LB – Shavers was a captain and force on both sides of the ball. He ran for 294 yards and four touchdowns. His biggest impact came on defense where he contributed 105 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles and six quarterback pressures.   Hunter Blanchard LB – Blanchard provided leadership and excellent tackling skills from his linebacker position. He finished with 42 tackles, nine tackles for loss, a sack and two pass breakups.   UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   TJ Hickson DB/WR, 2029 – Hickson saw extensive action as a freshman and had 28 tackles, a sack and two pass breakups. His role is going to expand greatly in 2026. Hickson will be in on most of the snaps on defense and play a huge role in the passing game. He's quick, gets in and out of breaks smoothly and has good hands. On defense, he's got good hips and moves well with bigger or smaller receivers.   [player_tooltip player_id='1820592' first='Evan' last='McClam'] LB/TE, 2028 – McClam contributed 21 tackles and three tackles for loss but will be counted on to have a much bigger season in 2026. He's 6-foot-1, 170 pounds and packs a wallop when he meets the ballcarrier. When he plays tight end, he adds another valuable blocker but has good enough hands to be a factor in the receiving game.    McFadden started all 11 games as a freshman so he will be one of the more experienced players on the team even though he's only going to be a sophomore. He had 39 tackles, four interceptions, five pass deflections and one tackle for loss.   McFadden played a limited role on offense and had two receptions for 25 yards, but he will be used more on that side of the ball this season. He's got great size and doesn't mind laying the big hit when given the chance.

In honor of the five-site Prep RedZone Media Days series this June and July, we're giving everyone a 50% offer code on all subscriptions throughout July 31. Get access to more than 100 team previews and everything else we have in store for readers as we gear up for the 2026 football season. Simply head to our subscription page and use the code "przscmediaday2026" at checkout to take advantage of the savings.