Nature Coast
Up in Brooksville, 2023 LB/TE Brady Nowlan (Film) and 2024 RB Christian Cromer (Film) have already established themselves as two of the North Suncoast’s top prospects. Coach Johns and his staff have been developing some other intriguing talent that should fortify their position as the heavy favorite in their new district with Anclote, Central, Hudson, and Weeki Wachee (2S – Region 3 – District 11). The first question is, who replaces outgoing QB Ethan Fahey?
Meet 2025 QB Jackson Hoyt (6’2” 170 lbs). Hoyt committed to the Florida Gators’ baseball program in January and is already one of the most sought-after left-handed pitchers in the country. It sounds like he has some potential as a signal-caller also, so this is a name to remember. He has no film on Hudl yet, but here is some footage of him throwing some lasers from the mound. I can’t wait to see what he can do during spring football.
2024 OL/DL Trenton Hayes (6’3” 260 lbs) was named 2nd team all-state as a sophomore for good reason. He is one of those nasty, physical blockers you love to have but hate to face. He moves well which is utilized frequently with the Sharks’ offense. He fits well and finishes blocks. Cromer must love having this guy on his o-line. He projects well as a guard at the next level in my opinion.
2023 DL Gabriel Rios (6’3” 230 lbs) is another big man who has established himself as a legitimate prospect for the Sharks. Rios has been an animal in the weight room this off-season and it is paying off. At the end of March, he had his bench and power clean maxes up to 305 pounds and his squat max at 475 pounds. He can play nose or defensive end pretty well, and we will probably see him sliding around causing blocking assignment problems for opposing offenses.
2024 ATH Carlos Rodriguez (5’9” 140 lbs) starts at corner and also plays receiver. He is having a strong off-season as well, and the expectations for him are high heading into his junior year after receiving some post-season honors as a sophomore. He has done well in the weight room but has also been focused on improving his speed at track. Expect his role to grow this spring.