THE BOX

Quick Look at the 2016 Ignite Offense

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The second day of previews for the 2016 BCP Ignite wraps up with a quick overview of the players registered on the offensive side of the ball. There’s plenty of intrigue surrounding this side of the ball since so many “new” names appear throughout the position groups, but don’t get it twisted–there’s a boatload of talent. The number of players registered representing each class also bears a bit of notice–especially at one of the key positions. Representing the Class of 2017–there are 52 players as compared with 53 on the defense. Hailing from the Class of 2018–there’s 37 guys on offense compared with 33 juniors-to-be on the other side and there’s 18 members of the Class of 2019 ready to rock-and-roll compared to 17 on the defensive side. 10407261_10152770073054024_4191258246655416497_n

Quarterbacks
Twenty-three players vying for Xecutives invites at the position–just nine of them are upperclassmen-in-waiting. Those nine from the Class of 2017 assure to be leaders out at Larry Sanders on Sunday, though. Literally miles of passing yardage from all nine of them, but nearly all of them have dual-threat capabilities amassing 158 touchdowns via the ground or the air in 2015. Guys like Mitchell’s Larry DallaBetta and TC’s Austin Sessums along with Weeki Wachee’s Alec Cromie and Victory Christian’s Dalton Jenner combined for 8,000+ yards passing and 100+ touchdowns this past season. Mix-in the Class of 2018’s representation with Pasco’s Michael Penix Jr. and Strawberry Crest’s Tate Whatley and you’ve got yourself some competition. The wind will factor this Sunday so arm strength and accuracy better be on-fleek for these guys mentioned or some of the other dudes chomping at their heels will take that crown! Fourteen players–seven from each class–represent the future in this combine hailing from the ’18 & ’19 classes.

Running Backs
Eleven dudes from the Class of ’17, thirteen from the Class of ’18 and six baby-ballers that are still finishing up their first year of high school represent this position group. It figures to be interesting because there’s three players from the 2017’s that combined for 4,300+ yards and 61 TD’s by themselves this season. Those would be Seffner Christian’s Karmi Mackey, Pinellas Park’s Dale Foster and of course Jesuit’s Malik Davis. The sophomores have some talent with Cambridge Christian’s Andrew Cunningham making his return to the offseason grind after a very productive season. Auburndale has three players from the freshman class that will be looking to carry (no pun intended) the load that will be left by Artavis Pierce and Jessie Britt. 1912133_10152770071809024_3800243570017285439_n

Wide Receivers
Eighteen of the twenty-eight total players in this group are from the Class of 2017–and within that group are some bona fide D-1 players along with some prospects that we have witnessed grinding since they were freshmen. There’s an eclectic mix of size and skill sets in this group. Tampa Bay Tech and UF commit Daquon Green looks to get his, but keep your eyes peeled on guys like East Lake’s Bryce Miller and Boca Ciega’s Sam Thompson. They’re not the only ones in that class by a long-shot, so expect the competition to be as fierce as it gets for those invites.

Tight Ends
Just eight guys across all three classes in this position group, but still expect some of these big boys to rise to the occasion regardless of their age and experience. The 17’s are led by IMG’s Tre McKitty and Durant’s Steven Witchoskey, but keep your eyes open for Weeki Wachee’s Trevor Hamilothoris. Class of 2018’s and Strawberry Crest TE Austin Eldridge is back to stake his claim as one of the brightest prospects at the spot as well.

Offensive Lineman
The big nasties are a mix of purely 17’s and 18’s and the list is full of guys that have bad intentions for their defensive line counterparts led by some guys we’ve seen a bunch of the last two years. Countryside’s Gordon Sandorf along with Mitchell’s Matt Hegwood are names that perform well at the events along with Clearwater’s Zach Hauschild–who is a name you’ll probably want to remember for the spring and next fall. Guys like Alonso’s Phillip Jackson and Lake Gibson’s Chandler Pearce may have some things to say this weekend as well.