BCP- July 30, 2018– These three superb players all possess one common trait- they’ve got “The Stuff” that recruiters drool over and the stat-sheets to back it up. Look no further as I enlighten you on these athletes’ coveted qualities that keep scouts chattering.
Derek Bryant, 2020 Pinellas Park RB- 5’8” 160-pound two-sport athlete and incoming junior Derek Bryant tore it up in the backfield last year for the Patriots- as a sophomore! Coinciding with 6’0” 190-pound running back Lawrance Toafili as the best one-two punch duo in the division. In 2017, Bryant amassed 763 rushing yards on 76 carries, averaging a first down, 8 total TD’s- 1 receiving, collected 250 yards on 19 receptions with a long-catch of 36, accumulating 1,097 All-purpose. His best performance presented itself in a 42-0 blowout win verse Osceola as he ran for 101 on just 3 carries, bringing 2 to the house! Derek has been a versatile back for P-Park’s offensive scheme; responsible for 50 of the team’s scoring points he’s a tremendous contributor easily capable of doubling his workload and production this upcoming season, with two of his most important HSFB years still to be written, I’m a firm believer of this kid as a sought-after prospect in the 2020 class.
Walter Wilbon III, 2019 Plant High RB- This next senior prospect has outstanding next-level size, standing at 5’11” and a whopping 210 pounds. He’s grinding to showcase his talents in a big way, looking to shatter national averages in his last rodeo in the Black and Gold coming off a motivational 12-2 and 6-0 district 2017 season, securing 20th in the State. He’ll throw, catch, run and defend for you as he displayed in his junior appearance, rushing for 577 yards on 71 touches, an 8.1 ARY, rushing 6 scores and returning 1 on an interception, gathering 4 sacks with 28 YFL, 22 solo and 21 assisted tackles, forcing a fumble and adding 9 TFL at the OLB and DB positions with a lump sum of 1,225 All-purpose yards. Needless to say this guy spreads his skill-set all over the field for the Panthers, proving his case more and more valuable every time he steps foot on the gridiron.
Corey “C.J.” Barnes Jr, 2020 Durant DB- Lurking in the backfield for the Cougars is upcoming 5’9” 160-pound junior Safety, Corey Barnes Jr. He’s silent but deadly, plugging and pouncing in defensive pockets with good hip movement and instincts. In his sophomore debut, CJ posted 61 tackles, 36 solo, 6.8 TPG, with 1 pic along with a forced fumble and fumble recovery. After a positive 2017 7-4 record, Corey and Durant are amped up looking ahead to the playoffs as they put all the pieces to the puzzle in place this 2018 season, and with Primetime’s number on his back, we should expect to see a show-stopping stat-line, so keep your focus honed in on this athlete!
Vaughan Sixbury, BCP Contributor