The 2024 high school football season showcased a remarkable crop of sophomore athletes who demonstrated their skill, resilience, and potential to dominate in the years ahead. Among them, five young stars—Dorien Irving-Jones, Kamari Smith, Jaikim Haggans, Nathan Merriman, and Kelin Hendrix—made their mark with impressive performances that helped define the season for their respective teams. Each brought a unique flair to the game, leaving fans and coaches eager for what’s next.
Dorien Irving-Jones, a running back for Venice High School, emerged as a key playmaker with an outstanding 1,398 rushing yards. Averaging 93.2 yards per game and 7.28 yards per carry, Irving-Jones consistently delivered explosive runs, including a season-long 77-yard touchdown. His 17 touchdowns and two fumbles over 15 games underscored his ability to be a reliable offensive weapon, helping Venice secure critical victories throughout the season.

Kamari Smith of Haines City excelled as both a running back and cornerback, proving himself a versatile and vital asset. Smith rushed for 926 yards across 11 games, averaging 84.2 yards per game and an impressive 7.41 yards per carry. He added 10 touchdowns and limited turnovers with just one fumble, showcasing his efficiency. On the defensive side, Smith’s coverage skills helped anchor Haines City’s secondary, solidifying his status as a true dual-threat athlete.
For Newsome High School, Jaikim Haggans made a name for himself as a powerful runner. The running back and fullback combination tallied 867 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 11 games. Haggans consistently averaged 78.8 yards per game and 7.22 yards per carry, earning him a reputation as a hard-nosed runner who thrived in tough situations. His contributions were crucial to Newsome’s offensive game plan, particularly in short-yardage scenarios.
Sunlake’s Nathan Merriman and Kathleen’s Kelin Hendrix rounded out the group with standout seasons. Merriman, a multi-talented athlete, accumulated 815 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 81.5 yards per game. His versatility was evident as he played in various positions, adapting seamlessly to his team’s needs. Meanwhile, quarterback Kelin Hendrix impressed for Kathleen with 721 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, including an 80-yard highlight run. Averaging 72.1 yards per game, Hendrix showcased his mobility and ability to extend plays, making him a dynamic offensive leader.
As the season concludes, these sophomore standouts have set the bar high for themselves and their peers. Their performances not only shaped their teams’ successes this year but also signaled the arrival of a promising new generation of football talent in the Greater Tampa Bay area and beyond.