We are in week four of the regular season, but when you count the preseason classics we’ve seen five weeks of football and the opportunity to highlight some of the prospects that splashed during the summer. That means it’s time to dish out some progress reports on some of the guys that we were watching with intent during the offseason. There’s plenty more players to get to in the coming days, but here are some names to get you started.
CB – Dante Glover, Blake (2016)
Glover’s got cover—skills that is. Dante was like a blanket this summer covering receivers and so far this season has 16 tackles, (2 of those for losses) and four pass deflections through the Yellow Jackets first three games. Blake opens district play with Brandon tomorrow.
RB – Otis Williams, King (2016)
Williams had a big night against Lennard last week rushing for 100+ yards in the Lions’ loss to the Longhorns. So far this season, he’s rushed for 472 yards on 47 carries and three touchdowns on the season. King hosts Hillsborough in a huge 6A-7 matchup this Friday.
QB – Tyler Wilkerson, Lakeland Christian (2016)
Wilkerson has been consistent throughout his time as a BCP camper during the offseason, but a transfer from Auburndale to LCS and working with the “QB whisperer” Wayne Peace has helped Tyler get off to a fast start for the Vikings. Wilkerson is completing 66-percent of his passes (29/44) with 516 yards, 7TD’s and just 2 INT’s. He’s also carried the ball eleven times for 37 yards.
QB/LB – Nick Hernandez, Pinellas Park (2016)
The senior is playing a little bit of QB for the Patriots this season in addition to his responsibilities as a linebacker for Head Coach Kenny Crawford. Hernandez has 18 tackles, a sack and a QB hurry on the defensive side along with completing 6-of-14 of his passes for 127 yards and a touchdown on offense for P-Park.
RB – Ben Sirmons, Lakeland Christian (2016)
Another fast start for an LCS Viking and for this Xecutives MVP in particular. Sirmons has racked 312 yards on 26 carries and five touchdowns for the undefeated Vikings.
QB – Garrison Bryant, Clearwater (2016)
He was the MVP of Ignite all the way back last January–and he’s on his way to being one of the MVP’s of his offense for the Tornadoes. Clearwater has started the season blowing out their two opponents–and Bryant’s 21-of-34, 308 yards and three touchdowns have helped his cause. Even bigger is ZERO interceptions in the first two games for him as well.
RB – John Clark, Largo (2016)
The E7 Spring MVP from the running backs position had a big night last week versus Tarpon Springs rushing for 117 yards in the Packers win. Clark has 346 yards on 47 carries and five touchdowns on the young season. The Packers open district play against Dixie Hollins this Friday.
LB – Decalon Brooks, Gaither (2017)
The Xecutives MVP from the LB spot has the pedigree–he recently received an offer from the University of Louisville–and he’s already talked 45 tackles (6TFL’s), 2 sacks good for -10 yards lost, and a pass deflection in the first three games for the Cowboys. He’ll look to keep that going in a huge district game at Wharton on Friday.
WR/CB – Tyrek Scriven, Crystal River (2018)
Just a sophomore–Scriven burst on the scene at the final camp event in Pasco County during the summer. He’s long and quick–and already caught 14 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown. He’s totaled 141 all-purpose yards as a member of the special teams for the Pirates as well. Scriven has 11 tackles and an interception from his CB spot on defense.
WR – Antoine Thompson, Plant City (2017)
There’s plenty of options for the Raiders on offense, but Thompson has showed that consistency pays off as he’s worked his way into a prominent role for PC this season. Thompson has caught 8 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown through the first three games for the Raiders. They’ll host Strawberry Crest in their 7A-9 opener on Friday.
RB – Markese Hargrove, Plant City (2016)
Hargrove represents one of those many options for the Raiders along with Thompson, and was a beast during the summer offseason and it’s paying dividends. So far through three games, Markese has rushed for 355 yards on 59 carries with three touchdowns and has caught 3 passes for 62 yards for Plant City.
LB – Patrick Lukert, Steinbrenner (2016)
Steinbrenner’s 3-0 thanks to viable replacement at the QB position plus a stingy defense led by Lukert–with his 31 tackles that leads the team along with 11 tackles for loss. He’s also recorded 6.5 sacks for a loss of -49 yards, caused two fumbles and recovered a fumble on the young season. The Warriors host Sarasota-Riverview in their 8A-6 opener.
LB – Tyler Mirabella, Steinbrenner (2016)
The man right beside Lukert is also performing to the same standards that we saw him and his teammate set during the summer. Mirabella’s second on the squad in tackles with 26 (8TFL’s) and recorded 2.5 sacks that have resulted in a loss of -12 yards and caused two fumbles.
DL – Javaris Sanders, Largo (2016)
The E7 Spring MVP from the defensive line has tallied 25 tackles for Largo on the season along with a sack, a pass deflection and four QB hurries.