Plant City High School had a disappointing 2012 football season. The Raiders finished the year 4-6 and did not make the playoffs; however, fans have a reason to eagerly anticipate the upcoming season. Plant City is loaded with division 1 football talent and the players our anxious to prove that last year’s losing record was just a fluke. Here is a list of Raiders football players to watch out for in 2013.

** OL/DL Montel McBride- Coach Greg Meyer (asst. football coach) calls the 6’4 300lb lineman “crazy powerful” and says that for a man of his size he has “exceptional mobility.” McBride was one of the stars of the Ignite Camp and currently has 5 offers.

**OLB/DL/TE Sedrick King- Meyer says the 6’4 King has, “athleticism to spare.” King blew up at the Ignite Camp and earned one of the defensive MVP awards. He is a physical specimen that currently holds 7 offers.

** QB/TE Landon Galloway- Meyer stated that the 6’2 180lb Galloway has been, “killing it in the weight room” and that he is, “unquestionably the leader of the offense.” Galloway caught 32 passes for Plant City last season; however, this year he will also get the chance to throw some. Galloway has no current offers but is being recruited by New Mexico, USF, UCF and Harvard. He will play WR or TE on the next level.

** S/RB Hassan Bailey- Meyer says that 5’11 180lb Bailey is, “insanely strong and physical” and that he, “flattens everyone in his path.” He is being recruited by college as a DB and should get his first offer soon (Ohio, Iowa State, Duke and USF are all showing serious interest).

** DE John Broome- The 6’2 230lb lineman is very fast of the ball, is instinctive and extremely physical. Meyer expects King and Broome to be the top defensive lineman tandem in the area. Broome is receiving interest from FAMU, NC A&T, Lehigh and Savanna State.

**DB Jyquis Thomas- The 6’1 185 lb defensive back has been blowing up lately and Ohio, Florida, and Michigan State have all expressed interest. Thomas is a very long and fast DB whose 40 time was recently clocked at 4.5. He should receive his first offers after Spring.

** OL Quincy Robinson- Coach Meyer says that Robinson is by far Plant City’s most improved player. At 6’5 235lbs Robinson has always had great size and length; however, Meyer says, “he has really stepped up his power and strength this offseason.” Currently Arizona, Auburn and Savannah State have all expressed interest.

**LB Dylan Johnson- Johnson will serve as captain of Plant City’s defense for the second year. Meyer says that the 5’11 210lb ILB is, “smart, physical and flat out makes plays every time he steps on the field.”

** Some underclassman to watch out for include WR TJ Chase (2016), RB Ervin Michael (2016), RB Sterling Day (2016), OL Evan Crowell (2015), OL Alibel Fragoso (2015), and OL/DL Dustyn Hart (2015).

– Anthony Peace