There’s Work Ahead For 2A Gadsden County

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the next few months, we will look at what the state of Florida football programs have coming back for 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While we know the rosters will change with additions and subtractions, this gives college coaches and fans an opportunity to see some of the prospects who will have a chance to make an impact this coming year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We will start with our state finalists and then continue with the other teams across the Sunshine State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we stopped in the Big Bend with a look at the 2A state runner up Jaguars from Havana Gadsden County, who made their first trip to the state football championships this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head Coach <strong>Russell Ellington</strong> and his staff did an amazing job putting a senior-oriented program together. But with good news is the reality of rebuilding with the loss of 26 seniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heading into the off-season, there is a corps of players who will return to help the younger prospects mature while easing in the newcomers who did have the tremendous experience that this year's team did.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While there will be additions, here is a look at some of the returnees:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 CLASS SETS THE TONE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a class that will certainly dictate what direction this program moves in – with a number of key returnees.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jahmarri Clark, OL, 6-2, 290.</strong> A major factor up front – with athleticism and quickness, he picked up some vital experience this past season. Can play either center or guard and gets it done in the classroom (3.9 GPA) as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: </strong><a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/17983350/Jahmarri-Clark</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1581853' first='Daylen' last='Green'], Athlete, 6-2, 185.</strong> Big time football talent who has a chance to be very special for years to come. Was indeed a catalyst this past season. An amazing student (4.0 GPA) as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: </strong><a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/19823053/Daylen-Green</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jordan Hatten, DL, 5-11, 250.</strong> A physical force up front who was among the leading tacklers in 2024. Has a chance to be very special with a solid off-season. Like so many of his teammates, he also gets it done in the classroom (3.3 GPA) as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: </strong><a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/22405515/Jordan-Hatten</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jahdarien Stokes, DB, 5-9, 165.</strong> Easily one of the players who made it possible for this program to reach Miami this past season, he is a versatile secondary performer who can not only defend the pass, but also play the run equally as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/19385084/Jadahrien-Stokes</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ALSO KEEP AN EYE ON</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rising senior prospects <strong>Jason Estrada</strong> (P, 5-10, 200), <strong>Jaeyon Wimes</strong> (Athlete, 6-0, 175) and <strong>Jadarius Wooden</strong> (WR, 5-9, 160) will be some prospects to also keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027: UNDERCLASSMEN WILL LEAD THE WAY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the returning 2026 prospects will help lead the way, keep an eye on some of the rising juniors in the Class of 2027:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Myles Black, DL, 5-11, 250.</strong> There were several prospects that made this one of the top defensive units in 2A this past season, but this young man truly made a lasting impression from the first day of the season. Expect him to make a statement and get plenty of attention this off-season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/22412610/Myles-Black</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1672994' first='Landon' last='Dougherty'], QB, 6-5, 197.</strong> If there was one player who grabbed the spotlight on offense in the title game, this two-year starter was certainly one that showcased his many skills and strong arm. Has already received some Power 4 offers with two years left.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: </strong><a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/15897106/Landon-Dougherty</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some other 2027 players you will want to follow this off-season. Prospects such as <strong>Alberto Camacho</strong> (LB, 5-11, 190), <strong>Jacob Gilcrease</strong> (Athlete, 5-7, 155), <strong>Kelvontae Hampton</strong> (LB, 6-0, 180) and <strong>Mike Mitchell</strong> (DB, 6-0 150).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rising sophomore <strong>Jemarion Davis</strong> (Athlete, 6-2, 175) will also be someone to keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PHOTO COURTESY OF HAVANA GADSDEN COUNTY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACHES, PLAYERS: Do You Have A Subscription? Contact us for a savings code so you can see what everyone has been talking about! <a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com">Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->