Lake Wales Highlanders
2006 4-6 HC Rod Shafer
2007 9-2 HC Rod Shafer District Runner-Up
2008 10-2 HC Rod Shafer District Runner-Up
2009 11-2 HC Rod Shafer District Runner-Up,Regional Champions
2010 9-2 HC Rod Shafer District Runner-Up
2011 9-2 HC Rod Shafer District Champions
2012 8-5 HC Rod Shafer District Runner-Up
I arrived at the perfect time. Drove up on the hill, jumped out the automobile and walked smack into The Board Drill. This is how it went…
Lake Wales is highly talented. Lots of prospects all over the field and a hungry crop of young pups. The Highlanders are led by their rising senior class which boast division 1 CB prospect Dedric Brinson and college prospect Cody Polston.
Class of 2014
Dedric Brinson, CB – At practice yesterday, he showed me why I like him so much. Displayed his range and coverage ability. At 6-3, he transitions really well and has good footwork. Leadership qualities also. Holds a verbal offer from Central Florida.
Railond Garrett, QB – This kid could get on a college campus, improve his mechanics and blossom into a really good college QB.
Cody Polston, DT – He is one big muscle. Good size for a defensive tackle (5-11/319 lbs) to get under the offensive lineman’s pads and create a new line of scrimmage in the backfield. Showed his upper and lower body strength. Polston will make some college defensive line coach very happy!
Davi’on Riley, TE – More aggressive than I anticipated. When I arrive at practice, the Highlanders were in defensive priority and Riley was playing OLB; physical tackler. Has plenty of recruiting interest.
Class of 2015 – All potential division 1 prospects
Marcus Walker, S – College coaches will love his aggressiveness when the ball is in the air. I saw him several times, explode out of his back pedal and into the air to attack the ball at its highest point. He already holds verbal offers from Florida, Central Florida and South Florida.
Darion Staten, CB/WR – From what I was told, he is the 100 meter champ in Polk County. I have not research that to claim it as fact. However, it is fact that the young Highlander can “GO!” Played CB while I observed practice and showed some physicality mixing it up with WRs in man to man press coverage.
Justin Henderson, RB – Did not get to see him run the ball yesterday, so no real observations. But, from film study, he is traditional down hill back. Resembles Emmitt Smith. Excellent speed, very strong and high knee drive in the hole. Takes on defenders and rarely takes hits but gives them. Has the ability to escape pursuing tacklers.
Luke Hiers, OG/C – A ton of interest from tons of big time programs. Lined up at defensive tackle yesterday. Good frame that will hold a lot more weight. Liked his foot movement and use of hands.
Leon Hawthorn, ILB – Pretty prospect. Looked to be about 6 foot tall and 220 pounds. Showed some spunk during The Board Drill.