As we slowly make our way to the season, we’ll start to share some new names we have discovered over the last six months. Today we’ll drop players who bring the energy, keep that morale high, and can change the game on any given play. The Defensive Backs.
Jayden Williams, Bloomingdale 2021 CB 5-11/185-195: Notre Dame commit Phillip Riley is the popular name in the Bulls secondary and for good reason. But, if you haven’t been properly introduced to Florida Atlantic commit Jayden Williams…this is our pleasure. 42 tackles a year ago because he is physical in run support. He’ll lock up the opponent’s best receiver because of the ability to play press-man. Quick reactor with supreme confidence. Simply said, the kid is good.
Dwayne Harris Jr., Lake Wales 2021 CB 6-3/160-170: This one is simple. He’s a beast. Long, rangy, and aggressive. What’s not to like about this 6-3, loose hip defensive back? Need him sound in zone coverage? He’s dependable. Need him isolated on the opposing team’s top receiver? He’ll be up to the challenge. Take two minutes and appreciate the beauty of his 2019 highlights. you will not be disappointed.
Sambo Ung Jr., Riverview-Sarasota 2021 CB 5-10/160-170: 9 interceptions a season ago. He might be the most impactful defensive player on the team because of the way he can get the ball back to the offense. We love his ball skills. He’s light on his feet. If the ball is up in the air on his side of the field, the quarterback might get a tongue lashing when he gets back to the sideline because he’ll complete the pass to Sambo and not his receiver.
Johntavious Bonner, Clearwater Central Catholic 2021 DB 6-2/150-160: Long and athletic. Impressed by the quickness at his size. Really good cover corner. Changes direction effortlessly at his height. He is always trying to make a play. After taking the ball away from the opposing teams, he’s trying to score and put six points on the board himself.
Aiden Clark, Jesuit (Tampa) 2021 DB 5-11/TBD: So Jesuit lost a few good players in the secondary to graduation and transfer. Outsiders would think the Tigers defensive back room would take a hit. Might want to think again. With 2022 DB Junior Vandeross and Aiden Clark, the Jesuit secondary is in good shape. What we like about Clark: Tries for big plays. Good leaping ability. Short area quicks. 44 tackles and a team-leading 5 interceptions last year. So, what does 2020 hold?
Jyree Dodson, Dunedin 2021 DB 5-10/160-170: He was a spring BCP Campers and if he had not participated with us, we would not have known about him. But, now we do and we love him. Catches the ball well when playing on the offensive side of the ball. He has great feet…quick feet in transition. Excellent ball skills. 1 interception and 411 all-purpose yards in 2019. We anticipate him having a big senior campaign.
Kevary Jenkins, Clearwater Central Catholic 2021 DB/OLB 5-11/190-200: Still, the most entertaining film we have seen this offseason. The kid is a running projectile. Every snap he is trying to dislodge helmets from heads. Second on the team in tackles for loss (9), 47 total tackles last season. He is an accident waiting to happen. A heavy hitter who naturally has a sixth sense for the football.