Winter Haven Blue Devils Still Locked In After Coaching Change

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's always going to be some uncertainty when a program goes through a coaching change, but after spending time around Winter Haven at media day, the message was pretty clear: <strong>the Blue Devils aren't letting the outside noise dictate their season.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New head coach <strong>Corey Boatman</strong> spoke about accepting the position and the importance of keeping the focus inside the building. The goal now is simple — get these players prepared, establish the standard, and let the work speak for itself once the season begins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I came away impressed with the amount of size, athleticism and young talent still on this roster. There are several players who could make significant jumps this fall, including some names that deserve more attention as we get closer to kickoff.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are a few Winter Haven prospects I'm excited to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tyberius O'Neil | RB | 2027 | Winter Haven | @OTyberius14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>O'Neil brings legit explosiveness to the backfield and has the ability to make defenders miss with his cuts and acceleration. He showed that burst last season and should have an even bigger opportunity this fall. Excited to see what he can do with another year of development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jordan Philips | ATH | Winter Haven</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Philips is a guy I'm really excited to see this season.</strong> He brings athleticism and versatility to the roster and has the tools to make an impact in multiple spots. There's plenty of upside here, and I'm interested to see how the new staff utilizes him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>JaDerrick Jones | DL | 2028 | @jaderrickjones1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones is a physical young defensive lineman who has continued working on his frame and overall game. He brings some toughness to the front and looks ready for a bigger role this season. I'm excited to see how much he can develop under the new staff.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1861817' first='Jakari' last='Faniel'] | RB | 2028 | @4presidenttt</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Faniel gives Winter Haven another young, physical option in the backfield. He ran hard as a young player last season and showed some versatility with the football. He's still developing, but I like the upside and am looking forward to seeing his role grow this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1681432' first='Lorenzo' last='Jones'] | DB | 2028 | @lusiosk10405</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones is a smaller defensive back who makes up for it with confidence, energy and instincts. He plays with a lot of competitiveness and isn't afraid to get involved. I like his potential as a young piece in this secondary and will be watching his development this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kamari Threatt | QB | 2027 | @KamariThreatt</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Threatt brings athleticism to the quarterback position and gives Winter Haven some mobility in the offense. He can make plays with his legs while also showing some ability as a passer. It'll be interesting to see how he settles into the starting role and leads this group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Michael Smith | WR | 2028 | @MJalltheWay4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith caught my attention at media day with his size and overall athletic profile. He has a good frame for the position and showed some encouraging traits as a pass catcher. Definitely a name I'll be keeping an eye on as the season gets going.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Christian Pringle | ATH | 2027 | @ungaurdablee</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pringle brings versatility to the roster and could see opportunities on both sides of the football. He has some natural athleticism and understands how to make plays in space. Excited to see where he fits into the Blue Devils' plans this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2105250' first='Khamari' last='Campbell'] | ATH | 2027 | @KhamariC2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Campbell is another young athlete with some intriguing upside. His instincts and ball skills stood out, particularly when the football is in the air. He could be an interesting piece for this defense as the season develops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jhaden Joseph | DL/OL | 2027 | @JhadenJoseph</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Joseph gives Winter Haven some much-needed size and physicality in the trenches. He can contribute on either side of the ball and brings a physical presence up front. Interested to see how he fits into the rotation this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->