When young athletes feel they have nothing else to prove, they lose their edge. Young athletes should always have personal goals in mind. They should always have a rival to compete against. They should always want to get better. Below are a few players that have something to prove this spring and heading into the fall. We have many more, but this is a start.
Noah Johnson, Armwood DQB/ATH 2015 5-11/175 – Last year, this first year starter led his team to a 14-0 season before Armwood met Miami Central in the state title game. We know what happened there. However, Johnson proved he could win big games. Proved he could throw and run the ball. But, did he prove he could be a good passer. That is the biggest question headed into the spring and Johnson has been working hard on that area of his game. Prior to the Miami Central game, Johnson was extremely efficient. Posted good numbers. However, he did not throw a wide variety of routes. When college coaches come sniffing around Armwood in May, Johnson is going to have to prove that his mechanics have improved, he has arm strength, touch and can throw any type of pass.
Garrison Bryant, Clearwater QB 2016 6-3/175 – Being the Pinellas County QB that not many know, there is plenty to prove. Here is the big secret…WIN! QBs have to be winners and last season, Bryant had none under his belt. Being a young player, Bryant needs to improve on his mechanics, athleticism and accuracy. But this spring, the 2016 QB will have to prove that he can win ball games and pull his team out of bad situations starting with his attitude and play!
Davontae Harrington, Dixie Hollins Slot 2015 5-8/160 – One of the more athletic, productive, crafty and unselfish players in Pinellas County. It can be argued that this Dixie Hollins receiver is one of the best receivers in our coverage are under 6 foot tall. Harrington will have to prove that his size should be overlooked because his ability can be very valuable to a college program. Can he get off the line versus the taller DBs? Can he create space versus the more athletic LBs? Is he fast enough to out run a college defense?