Three of Plant City’s four prospects highlighted are just sophomores and two of Strawberry Crest’s prospects are mere freshman at this point, so needless to say folks are surrounding both programs have reasons to be ecstatic.

The Raiders have a core on offense that contains QB Corey King, WR Antoine Thompson and RB Markese Hargrove. The first two names mentioned are a part of the Class of 2017, with Hargrove expected to carry the senior leadership on his shoulders this Fall. King (6-2/180) showed his chemistry with Thompson (6-1/180) on a beautiful double-move by Thompson and King displayed pinpoint accuracy and a strong arm to complete the pass. When you watch Thompson on film and in person, it’s tough not to draw comparisons to Clemson-committ TJ Chase. Hargrove (5-9/170) shows a nice change of direction and a willingness that can’t be taught to hit the hole in traffic which means the Raiders can depend on him to get tough yardage when called upon. Rounding out the core is Steven Ogletree (6-0/225), who, like King and Thompson still has two years to improve on a foundation that has begun to produce some strong buzz about his skills around the area.

Strawberry Crest’s future is just as bright with some extremely talented young guys at the skill positions along with a running back that has really started to show some progression in the weight room and on the field. Quarterback Tate Whatley (6-1/180) as mentioned earlier has three more seasons to go, but he already shows precision in his throws and his ability to climb and exit the pocket if need be to make plays with his feet. He has developed a chemistry with fellow 9th-grader Chase Lawson (6-2/175) out on the outside that was in midseason form against the Raiders. Lawson is a shifty route-runner that knows how to sit in the space and can also fight for tough yards after the catch. Running back Bryce Blackmon (5-8/184) showed his stamina carrying the ball ten times in the first half against Plant City and was appearing to just hit his rhythm once the half came to a close.