The midseason progress reports continue as we highlight some of the players that “might” be classified as under the radar at this point–but not for long if these guys to continue to post numbers like these young men have through the first four games of the season. Without further hesitation, let the progress continue!
Pasco’s Michael Penix Jr. (6-2/180) -Class of 2018
The Pirates are 3-1 on the season and their sophomore QB is doing his part for the offense. Penix Jr. was an MVP during the offseason at E7 Spring in Lakeland. Thus far, Penix Jr. has completed 21 of his 49 attempts for 497 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions. He’s rushed for just 14 yards on 19 carries this season, but has added four touchdowns on the ground for Pasco.
St. Petersburg’s Jacquel Waller (5-10/175) -Class of 2016
The Green Devils have a pair of running backs and Waller’s-been-wailin’ on opposing defenses this season. He currently sits as the #4 leading rusher in Class 7A with 495 yards on 70 carries with 8 touchdowns for the Green Devils.
St. Petersburg’s Darius Miller (5-8/165) -Class of 2016
Miller–like Waller–is tearing up opposing defenses for the Green Devils and is currently the #2 leading rusher in Class 7A just two yards behind Clermont-East Ridge’s Tirrek Hooten for the #1-spot. Miller’s rushed for 699 yards on 52 carries averaging 175 yards per game and has totaled six touchdowns. Miller’s also caught 4 passes for 61 yards and has 156 yards in the kick return game on special teams.
Winter Haven’s Tekendrick Roberson (5-10/170) -Class of 2016
The Blue Devils are on a mission and Roberson is doing his part in the backfield. The senior ATH has rushed for 434 yards on 62 carries–which is good for 10th in Class 7A.
Bloomingdale’s Isaiah McIntyre (6-1/198) -Class of 2016
The Bulls QB has completed 44 of his 83 attempts for 639 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions. McIntyre has also rushed for 191 yards on 60 carries and a touchdown.
Crystal River’s Keyshon Hopkins (6-2/160) -Class of 2016
The Pirates have already surpassed their win total from last season and have a huge district game with Nature Coast Tech this week and the wiry receiver will be looked upon to make some plays. Hopkins thus far in 2015 has caught six passes for 112 yards and has also tallied 17 tackles on defense for Crystal River.
East Lake’s Tupac Blanch (6-0/185) -Class of 2017
The Clearwater transfer is starting to fit in nicely in North Pinellas and has contributed for the Eagles this season through the first four games. The junior running back/defensive back has rushed for 149 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown and has added 13 tackles, two fumble recoveries, a caused fumble and a blocked field goal.
King’s Otis Williams (5-8/170) -Class of 2016
The senior running back has picked up 264 of his 386 total yards in the last week versus Lennard and Hillsborough. The Lions upset the Terriers last week in which Williams rushed for 114 yards on 22 carries. His 386 yards and three touchdowns come on 69 carries for the Lions.