Gridiron Football Grant Ducote Rosepine, La PG 8
Magazine
Davion Dixon Miami, Fl PG 9
Amyrion Mingo Alexandria, La PG 7
Kamario Taylor Macon, Ms PG 20
Xe’ree Alexander Burien, Wa PG 11
Tramon Douglas II Baton Rouge, La PG 15
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Contents 7 8 9 9 10 10 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 21 21 22 22 24
Amyrion Mingo Grant Ducote Jaiden Ausberry Davion Dixon Ta’Derius CollinS
Brian Jenkins
Xe’Ree Alexander Kameron Triplett
Treylan James Ashley Williams Matthew Klopfenstein
Taylor Daire Blake Purchase
Tramon Douglas II Andrae McMerchant
Ethan Diamond Keenan Jackson Eathan Thomason Julien Davis Kai Remigio Kamario Taylor Deshaun Batiste D’wayne Windfield
Johnathan Cline Caleb Herring Clay Wedin
Alexandria, La rosepine, la Baton ROUGE, LA MIAMI, FL Shreveport, La PEARL RIVER, LA Burien, Wa BATON ROUGE, LA BATON ROUGE, LA ZACHARY, LA Scottsdale, Az EUNICE, LA Greenwood, Co BATON ROUGE, LA LAKE PROVIDENCE, LA PACE, FL HOUSTON, TX FORT COLLINS, CO McDonugh, Ga santa ana, ca Macon, Ms NEW ORLEANS, LA LUTCHER, LA Cartersville, Ga Murfreesboro, Tn tampa, fl
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Pierce Walsh Lisle, Il School Spotlight: Union Grove, Ga School Spotlight: newton High, tx School Spotlight: Van Meter High, ia School Spotlight: Kenner Discovery, La School Spotlight: Valdosta High, Ga School Spotlight: Belaire High, La School Spotlight: McDonogh 35, La School Spotlight: Noxubee County, Ms School Spotlight: Seward High, Alaska
**To get featured in this publication, have your coach send us an email and your hudl film to andrew@gridironfootballusa.com All players submitted must have a minimum 2.8 GPA and a recomendation from head coach.
Staff Andy Bryson CEO Marcus Randall Talent Scout Jason Saucier Photographer Kristen Bryson Editor Interns Jada Davis Zoii Yearwood Jacob Stewart Bradien Erwin Daniel Duke Colin O’Shaghenessy Marileah Niddrie Bowl Game Board Eric Holden James Shiver Tyler Lewis Justin Charles CJ Madien Fred Washington Terrance Blankenship James Taylor PJ Sprunk Gary Cowart
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“ Don’t succumb to excuses. Go back to the job of making the corrections and forming the habits that will make your goal possible.” -Vince Lombardi “ Greatness is for all of us. If you truly believe, you can do anything. You can dream big. I’m talking about extravagant dreaming.” -Dabo Swinney
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All-American Bowl Game Class of 2023
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Athlete Alexandria High School Alexandria, La HT: 5’11” wt: 170 GPA: 4.0 Class of 2024 Gridiron Football Rating: 8.9 of 10
Amyrion Mingo
Grant Ducote Running Back Rosepine High School Rosepine, La 3.9 GPA 3x All-District 2x All-State 2x State Champion Baseball 4,000+ Rushing Yards in 3 Seasons Class of 2023 Gridiron Football Rating: 8.7 of 10
Gridiron Football top 300:
Jaiden Ausberry Linebacker
Class of 2023 University High Baton Rouge, La
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aiden Ausberry is a 5-star linebacker at University Lab High School in Baton Rouge, LA. He runs a 40 time of 4.4 and is an Under Armour All-American. He’s very family-oriented and driven when it comes to football. He’s the son of the Deputy Athletic Director of LSU, Verge Ausberry, and grandson of the first black Mayor of New Orleans. He boasts an impressive list of offers from Ohio State, Alabama, and Notre Dame to name few.
HT: 6’0” WT: 205 Gridiron Football Rating:
9.2 of 10
By: Zoii Yearwood
Davion Dixon Defensive Tackle
Class of 2025 Jesuit Prep High Miami, FL HT: 6’2” WT: 280 GPA: 3.4 Gridiron Football Rating:
6.7 of 10
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avion Dixon is a class of 2025 DT for Belen Jesuit Prep in Miami, FL. He is 6’2, weighs 280lbs, and sports a 3.4 GPA. Davion excels at moving people around. He has a big frame complimented by outstanding strength. He offers great protection at tackle and does a great job of mirroring and moving defenders. On defense, he can constantly be seen disrupting plays at defensive tackle and causing chaos in the pocket. Dixon is someone you want to keep an eye on as he played varsity as an eighth grader and only has time to improve. By: Carlos Llarena 9
Ta’Derius Collins Defensive End Class of 2023
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a’Derius Collins is Class of 2023 Athlete who can play Defensive End, Linebacker, and Wide Receiver at Northwood High School in Shreveport, LA. At 6’4” and 245 lbs, he has elite size for his positions and his speed is noticeable when watching the film. He can rush the passer, play in zone and man coverage, and stop the run. On defense, there is not much more you can ask from your linebacker, and his pass rushing moves and skills collapse the pocket. One thing that stood out was his reaction time, he responds and reacts very quickly to whatever the offense throws at him.
Northwood High Shreveport, La HT: 6’4” WT: 245 Gridiron Football Rating:
8.5 of 10
By: Braden Erwin
Brian Jenkins Running Back Class of 2023 Pearl River High Pearl River, La HT: 5’9” WT: 191 GPA: 3.0 Gridiron Football Rating:
8.7 of 10
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rian Jenkins is a class of 2023 running back for Pearl River High School in Pearl River, Louisiana. Brian is 5’9” and 191 lbs. Brian is an all around back who has the kind of strength and speed that translates to the next level. Last season, Brian was named second team all state and first team all district. Jenkins also gets his work done in the classroom holding a solid 3.0 GPA. By: Daniel Duke
Xe’Ree Alexander
By: Zoii Yearwood
Linebacker Class of 2023 Kennedy Catholic Burien, Wa Ht: 6’3” Wt: 200 Gridiron Football Rating:
7.6 of 10
By: Braden Erwin 9
Kameron Triplett Defensive Back Class of 2023 Central High Baton Rouge, La
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ameron Triplett is an energetic 6’1 198 pound class of 2023 defensive back for Central High School. He maintains a 3.5 GPA. He has a 4.5 40 time, a 36 vertical jump, and a 4.1 shuttle. His awards include Offensive/Defensive MVP Award, MVP AT Bayou Elite, and he was the youngest player at the VTO Sports camp at age 13.
HT: 6’1” WT: 198 GPA: 3.5 Gridiron Football Rating:
8.7 of 10
By: Zoii Yearwood
Treylan James Athlete Class of 2023 Madison Prep Baton Rouge, La HT: 6’2” WT: 175 GPA: 3.2 Gridiron Football Rating:
7.3 of 10
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reylan James is a WR/FS from Madison Prep High School in Baton Rouge, LA. Treylan possesses a 6’2, 175 pound frame that translates well to either side of the ball. Watching this guy in practice and games, he has great ball skills to go along with a strong set of hands. Anything thrown in his vicinity, he has the tools to be able to make a play on the ball, whether that’s on offense or defense. Treylan can run any route and is definitely a safety blanket for his team. He has shown that he can and will make plays in big moments. This guy has been turning heads all season and will continue putting the state on notice. Off the field, Treylan has a 3.2 GPA. It’s rare that a guy can be effective on both sides of the ball, so watch out for him in the class of 2023.
Ashley Williams Defensive End Class of 2023 Zachary High Zachary, La
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shley Williams Jr. is a class of 2023 defensive end and outside linebacker for Zachary High School in Zachary, LA. In his sophomore season, Ashley had 10 quarterback hits, 5 sacks, and 2 force fumbles. He was the D-line MVP at the NUC camp. He was named Top 5 defensive linemen at the Next Gen: The Show Camp at IMG. He has a 40 time of 4.6, a vertical jump of 31, a 5-10-5 4.18, and broad jump is 10. Ashley also has offers from Norfolk State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Auburn, Florida State. By: Zoii Yearwood
HT: 6’4” WT: 215
Gridiron Football Rating:
8.8 of 10
Matthew Klopfenstein
Tight End Class of 2023 Horizon High Scottsdale, Az HT: 6’5” WT: 225 GPA: 3.9 Gridiron Football Rating:
8.3 of 10
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atthew Klopfenstein is a Class of 2023 Tight End from Horizon High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. He has sure hands, and lined up at all wide receiver and tight end to show off his catching ability. He is 6’5” and 225lbs, so he presents matchup issues for defenses with his elite height and weight. He is also a 3.9 GPA student, showing he can get it one in the classroom as well. By: Braden Erwin 13
Taylor Daire Athlete Class of 2023 St Edmund Eunice, La
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aylor Daire is from the small town of Eunice, La. He is an Athlete at St Edmunds High School. Taylor is a true Diamond In The Rough (DITR). He has a GPA of 3.14 and just took ACT this past Saturday (June 11th). Taylor is 5’9” and weighs 160lbs. His head coach, James Shiver, said about Taylor, “He is a good kid, fast, never gives up, he always gives us a spark on special teams. He gave us 3 TDs on kickoff returns, 2 Punt returns for touchdowns last season. He can make a big play anytime. Speed, big play ability, good hands, and leadership is a great description of this kid. He is a kid you want in the locker room. He had a laser time at Belhaven’s camp of a 4.5 40 yard dash.”
HT: 5’9” WT: 160 Gridiron Football Rating:
7.6 of 10
Gridiron Football top 300:
Blake Purchase Linebacker Class of 2023 Cherry Creek Greenwood, Co HT: 6’4” WT: 210 Gridiron Football Rating:
9.2 of 10
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lake Purchase is a Class of 2023 Outside Linebacker for Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Even as a Sophomore, Blake has the ideal build to rush the quarterback and cause chaos in the backfield at 6’4” 210 lbs. Purchase has an elite combination of speed and strength that makes him nearly impossible to block. Something that separates Blake from his peers is his quick play recognition that allows him to make a play on the ball. He can be seen swatting balls down at the line of scrimmage, or even intercepting the ball off a screen pass. On a week by week basis, he is a nightmare for offensive coordinators to game plan for. Overall, Blake Purchase is a hardworking and talented pass rusher that would be an asset to any team that he plays on.
By: Colin O’Shaughnessy
Tramon Douglas II
Wide Receiver Baton Rouge, La Woodlawn High ht: wt: GPA: 3.1 Class of 2023 Gridiron Football Rating: 8.9 of 10
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Andrae McMerchant Offensive Line Class of 2023 General Trass
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ndrae is from Lake Providence, La and attends General Trass High School. Andrae is a class of 2023 prospect with a 3.0 GPA. He is scheduled to take the ACT. Andrae is 6’5” and weighs 270 LBS. Coach Wells, his head coach, told me, “We have had several schools express interest in him this off-season. Andrae is a pleasure to coach, he is a hard worker, has a great motor, and is a good student. He also has good hands for a big guy.” I saw this big guy play twice last season as well as come out to one of our camps this spring. He is a legitimate 6’5” guy that passes the eye test. I have already invited this young man to the 2022 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl game. This kid can move for a big man, he plays with good pad height, and uses his hands. I think this kid will dominate as a DI prospect.
Lake Providence, La
HT: 6’5” WT: 270 GPA: 3.0 Gridiron Football Rating:
8.8 of 10
Ethan Diamond Quarterback Class of 2024 Pace High Pace, Fl
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HT: 6’0” WT: 185 GPA: 3.8 Gridiron Football Rating:
6.8 of 10
than Diamond is a class of 2024 Quarterback from Pace High School in Pace, Fl. Ethan is a model student with a 3.8 grade point average. Ethan plays in a run heavy offence, but that does not stop him when his number is called to make a play. Ethan has great arm strength and puts a nice touch on the ball. He does need to work on his footwork. Ethan will be attending several camps this offseason to work on his mechanics. I feel that with his age and work ethic, Ethan is a true Diamond In The Rough. 17
By: Andy Bryson
Keenan Jackson Athete Class of 2023 Aldine MacArthur Houston, Tx
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eenan Jackson is a class of 2023 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back for Aldine MacArthur High School in Houston, Texas. At 6’2” 170 lbs., Keenan has the ideal build to play on both sides of the ball. The dual position athlete can make plays with the ball in his hands, or in the defensive back position stopping the opponents rushing game and making quarterbacks regret throwing it his way. Keenan’s quick play recognition helps him consistently make plays. The athlete’s tremendous intelligence on the field transfers to the class as he has a 3.8 GPA. Still early in his high school career, you can expect Keenan Jackson to have a bright future.
HT: 6’2” WT: 170 GPA: 3.8 Gridiron Football Rating:
8.5 of 10
By: Colin O’Shaughnessy Gridiron Football top 300:
Eathan Thomason Offensive Line Class of 2023 Rocky Mountain fort collins, Co
HT: 6’8” WT: 302 GPA: 3.96 Gridiron Football Rating:
9.0 of 10
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than Thomason is a Class of 2023 Offensive Tackle for Rocky Mountain High School in Fort Collins, Colorado. At 6’8” 302 lbs, Ethan has a build that allows him to pummel the guy across from him play after play but, also to make the transition to the next level with ease. Thomason can be seen often taking defensive lineman all the way out of the frame of his Hudl highlights. He may be known for making an impact on offense, but you also have to worry about him on special teams as he blocked a few PAT’s last season. You can tell Ethan takes the term “student-athlete” very seriously as he currently has a 3.96 GPA. With his combination of size and strength, Ethan Thomason will be a player to look out for in his junior season.
By: Colin O’Shaughnessy
Julien Davis Linebacker Class of 2023 Union Grove McDonugh, Ga
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lass of 2023 middle linebacker, Julien Davis, attends Union Grove High in McDonough, GA and stands at 6’1 weighing 215 pounds. He is very dedicated and hard working on and off the field. Julien is an explosive player and someone who knows how to continuously put pressure on his opponents. He benches 200 and squats an impressive 455 pounds. His skill and talent speak for itself as he stays all over the field and doesn’t loose sight or let go of the person he’s covering. He is someone who wants to learn and is a coachable and dynamic player. Julien has an offer from Tennessee.
HT: 6’1” WT: 215 Gridiron Football Rating:
8.1 of 10
By: Zoii Yearwood
Kai Remigio athlete Class of 2023 mater dei santa ana, ca
HT: 5’10” WT: 175 GPA: 4.6 Gridiron Football Rating:
8.0 of 10
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ai Remigio is a class of 2023 running back and safety out of Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California. He is 5’10” and weighs 175 pounds. He is a versatile 2 way athlete who has excellent cover skills and a good anticipation on the defensive side of the ball. Kai is explosive in the backfield and has good balance. He finds second gear when he needs to. Remigio has a 4.6 GPA and is also involved in Track, ASB, and Model United Nations.
By: Jada Ward 19
Kamario Taylor
Quarterback By: Josh sibley
Noxubee County
Macon, MS HT: 6’4” wt: 180 GPA: 3.4 Class of 2025 Gridiron Football Rating: 8.3 of 10 By: Josh sibley
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Deshaun Batiste defensive end Class of 2023 john f. kennedy new orleans, la
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eshaun Batiste is a class of 2023 defensive end from John F Kennedy High School in New Orleans, LA. Deshaun stands at 6’3, 220 and is an absolute beast coming off the edge. He showcased the ability to blow by offensive lineman and cause havoc behind the line of scrimmage for QBS and RBs. Deshaun also showed that he can absolutely pummel offensive lineman with his strength, frequently winning matchups and getting pressure on the quarterback. To go with his on the field capabilities, Deshaun has a 4.2 GPA. He is an all around great young man that we should watch for in the class of 2023.
HT: 6’3” WT: 220 GPA: 4.2 Gridiron Football Rating:
7.7 of 10
By: Daryl Evans
D’wayne Windfield quarterback Class of 2023 Lutcher Lutcher, la
HT: 6’2” WT: 209 GPA: 3.5 Gridiron Football Rating:
8.8 of 10
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’wayne Windfield is class of 2023 dual-threat quarterback for Lutcher High in Lutcher, LA. He is 6’2 and weighs 209 pounds. D’wayne has offers from Louisville, UCF, and Virginia. He has made the First Team All-District twice. In his sophomore season, he had 1,350 yards, he had 153 carries, 17 rushing touchdowns, and 6 passing touchdowns. In a single game, his rushing record was 12 carries for 332 yards. On top of his achievements, he maintains a 3.5 GPA. By: Zoii Yearwood
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Johnathan Cline Defensive End Class of 2023 Cartersville High Cartersville, Ga
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ohnathan Cline is a class of 2023 defensive tackle for Cartersville High in Cartersville, GA. He is 6’4 and weighs 285 pounds. He runs a 5 flat 40 yard dash, benches 400, squats 450, and power cleans 275. Johnathan is an impressive player who plays aggressively. Johnathan also maintains a 3.57 GPA in school.
HT: 6’4” WT: 285 GPA: 3.57 Gridiron Football Rating:
8.1 of 10
By: Zoii Yearwood
Gridiron Football top 300:
Caleb Herring Linebacker Class of 2023 Riverdale High Murfreesboro, Tn
HT: 6’6” WT: 210 GPA: 3.8 Gridiron Football Rating:
9.0 of 10
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aleb Herring is a class of 2023 outside linebacker for Riverdale High in Murfreesboro, TN. He is 6’6, 210 pounds and maintains a 3.8 GPA. Caleb is the number 1 ranked player in Tennessee and is a 247 Sports 4-star player. He has a great list of offers from many schools including Tennessee, Michigan, Michigan State, and South Carolina. His 40 time is an impressive 4.53. Caleb is a focused player who utilizes his height and speed to stay in the backfield and remain unguarded. Caleb has only been playing since 2018, but he has already accomplished so much. By: Zoii Yearwood
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School Spotlight Get your school in the Gridiron Football Magazine and Newsletter for free.
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Gridiron Football top 300:
Clay Wedin offensive line Class of 2023 carrollwood day tampa, fl
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lay Wedin is a Class of 2023 Offensive Lineman from Carrollwood Day High School in Tampa, Florida. Clay is 6’6” and 295lbs, possessing all the physical traits to be a dominant offensive lineman at the next level. He bullies defensive ends and outside linebackers, creating massive holes in the running game. He also gets it done in the classroom with a 3.8 GPA.
HT: 6’6” WT: 295 GPA: 3.8 Gridiron Football Rating:
9.1 of 10
By: Braden Erwin
Pierce Walsh Tight End Class of 2023 Benet Academy Lisle, Il
HT: 6’4” WT: 210 Gridiron Football Rating:
7.6 of 10
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ierce Walsh is a Class of 2023 Wide Receiver/Tight End from Benet Academy in Lisle, Illinois. Pierce has sure hands and goes up to win 50-50 balls with his 6’4” frame. He’s a clean route runner and can bully opposing corners. He is used as a tight end, wide receiver, and defensive end, and shows off his size at all three positions.
By: Braden Erwin
School Spotlight:
Union Grove High School, Ga
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nion Grove High School is located in McDonough, GA about 30 minutes south of the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, GA. Last season, the Wolverines went 6-5 with 4-3 in district. Union Grove made it to the first round of the Georgia State Playoffs last season. We look forward to their upcoming season with some of their returning players. Head Coach, Casey Smith, has turned the program into a playoff team in only 2 seasons at UG.
Khalil Stringer is another upcoming senior outside linebacker. He is 6’1 and weighs 205. He is a speedy and powerful linebacker. He can also play running back. Khalil is strong blocker and is an explosive player. He is a quick learner and has a great understanding of the game.
KJ Clarington is 6’1, 175 pound corner and free safety. He has great coverage whether he is dropping back to deflect or intercept a pass or putting pressure on a reQuinton Griffin is an upcoming Senior Free Safety. He ceiver. Some of his achievements include being named is 5’8” and weighs 165. He says, “I am a very smart self All-Region his sophomore and Junior season. He squats motivated person and always looking for ways to get 410 and his power clean is 265 pounds. His quote from better.” His Junior year, he split time as a QB as well as his Hudl is, “has good length and a good football IQ”. a FS. We like his athleticism and speed. He has great ability for his size and can make plays. It will be exciting to see how far Coach Smith and Wolverines go this upcoming season with their veteran Julien Davis is an upcoming senior and is a middle line- players as well as the incoming players. backer and can also play running back. He stands at 6’2 and weighs 220 pounds. He is incredibly strong and fast and possesses a great size. He currently has offers from UConn, Tennessee, Georgia State, and the University of By: Zoii Yearwood South Florida. 25
School Spotlight: newton High, tx
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ewton high school is in the small town of Newton, Tx. Located on HWY 190 about 15 mins from Louisiana. This small town has had numerous guys play college football and two have made the NFL. Newton is a traditional power house football program in Texas playing 3A-2 Region III District 12. Since the 2004 season, the Eagles have been to the state playoffs every year, gone Undefeated twice and has been state runner up 5 times. Stats since 2014: 12-4 (2014) State Runner up, 8-5 (2015) 3rd Round Playoffs, 13-1 (2016) State Runner Up, 15-0 (2017) State Champion, 15-0 (2018) State Champion, 11-2 (2019) 3rd Round Playoff, 7-3 (2020) 2nd Round Playoff, and 10-2 (2021) 3rd Round Playoff. Some of the standouts form the 2021 season and will be on the roster in 2022 are: OT Noah Nava, OT Ethan Lott, RB Tyler Porter, MLB Leighton Foster, FS Raylin Adams, and CB Maliek Woods. Ethan Lott is a class of 2023 offensive lineman. Ethan is 6’5” and weighs 265 lbs. Ethan his a physical lineman that uses his hands to make pancakes. He has a big frame and he uses it. Tyler Porter is a class of 2023 Athlete. Tyler is 5’9” and is a huge playmaker both on offense and defense. Tyler 26
has quick speed and good hands. He can play in the backfield, or move him out to the slot, or he can make plays on the defensive side. Leighton Foster is a class of 2023 Linebacker. He is 6’2” and weighs 195 lbs. Foster is a consistent linebacker and plays smart football. He is good a gap protection in the run game.
School Spotlight: Van Meter High, ia
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n this issue of School Spotlight, I interviewed head coach Eric Trudo of Van Meter High School in Van Meter, Iowa. Coach Trudo has been coaching at Van Meter for the past 25 years and head coach for the past 18. Before that, coach Rick Roberts, currently the schools Athletic Director and current Offensive Coordinator, started a winning tradition for the school. Before coach Roberts started in 1993/94, the school would squeak out three maybe four wins per season.
kids that want to succeed. Second, I have great coaches. Most of the coaches have been here the entire time I have been here, with a few minor changes. I cannot say enough about my coaches. They put in the work and develop our kids to be the best they can be. We do not have a lot of DI guys here, only three or so of my former players went off to play DI ball, while the rest go to either NAIA or DIII. Our kids here are multi-sport athletes, playing 3-5 sports. We know we do not have those three or four star players, so we focus on developing all The Van Meter Bulldogs has developed into a power 30 of our guys. We only have two or three guys that play house program in Class 1A. They have not missed the both ways, so we are just gonna wear you out and beat playoffs since 2007. Since 2007, they have won two State you down both physically and mentally. Our kids both Titles, been runner up three times, and two quarter fi- work hard and play hard.” nals appearances. Coach Trudo said, “It starts with the kids. Our kids are bought in to what we are doing here. Continue Reading We don’t have the biggest kids, the fastest kids, or the most talented kids. What we have here are hard working 28
School Spotlight: Kenner Discovery, La
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enner Discovery Health Sciences Academy is located in Kenner, Louisiana. The Owls is a relative new program, just playing their first varsity season in 2019. Since the 2019 season, the owls have gone 15-12 without a loosing season as well as making the LHSAA playoffs twice. The Owls are ed by coach P.J. Sprunk, a graduate and former Louisiana College linebacker. One of the things I like about coach Sprunk, is that he never stops promoting his kids. For a young program, the Owls have had 6 players receive collegiate offers to play at the next level over the past three seasons. “This is a Special place special program and a special group of Hard working kids. A mere four years ago our school didn’t even own a football. Our kids and our amazing coaching staff I can’t say enough about, just continue to find away and not an excuse. Since then we had three consecutive winning seasons in the last two with playoff appearances And last year being a Co District champion. Signing 6 kids to play on the next level with our first D1 signee last year” said coach Sprunk.
“My staff goes above and beyond for these kids are some of the best coaches around. (On the 2022 season) We have a slogan and this year slogan is simple “ITS TIME! “ It’s time for us to take the next step as a program and make a deep playoff Run.” Continue Reading
School Spotlight: Valdosta High School, Ga
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aldosta High School is located in South Georgia, a short drive to the Florida state line. Valdosta High is known for its rich history of football, having generations of players sporting the black and gold. Football in Valdosta is a very important tradition dating back a little more than 100 years. According to Wikipedia, “Valdosta has the most program wins in the U.S. for high school football at 929 wins along with 24 state championships.” Stores and other businesses close to go support the team on game days. Last season, the Valdosta Wildcats went 4-6 overall. In 2021, Shelton Felton, the interim head coach, was named as the permanent head coach of the Wildcats. In their previous season, they went 4-6. Their upcoming season is filled with good rivalry games including Warner Robins, Colquitt County, and their cross town rival Lowndes. Demauree “Smoke” Bennett is a class of 2024 guard and tackle. He is 6’1 and weighs 267 pounds. He’s quick off 30
By: Zoii Yearwood
of the line of scrimmage and can easily adjust against his defenders. Demauree is a quick and strong blocker. He also uses his speed when he’s blocking for runners coming upfield. He’s an aggressive player and skilled blocker when making room for his runners or keeping defenders out of the back field. Continue reading
School Spotlight: Belaire High School, La
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elaire High School is a magnet high school in Baton Rouge, off of U.S. Highway 190. Prior to the past 3 seasons, this team did not have any real success. It has all turned around with the hiring of Head Coach Byron Wade, who has helped this team win more games over the past three years than they had the decade before. Last season, Coach Wade took the team to the district championship game, and a home 5A playoff game. For more about last season’s success, go check out the article series Beyond Belaire and the Coaches Corner videos at the bottom of every Beyond Belaire article.
WR/DB Cameron Johnson (#33), a first team All-District FLEX player, is the number one player to watch out of Belaire. Learning the ropes from three collegiate athletes lead to a great season for Johnson, and it’s exciting to predict what he can do with a larger role on the offensive side of the ball. LB Jayden Butler (#25), a first team All-District Linebacker, will lead the Belaire Bengals defense this year as a senior.
ATH Lacoreyan Compton (#3) can do everything on While the Bengals look to build on their success, they the field. He played QB and DB last season, and will be face a daunting task after losing 16 seniors, including used all over the field in Wade’s offense and defense. state interception leader Denichlass Jeter, whom recently committed to Grambling State. Fortunately, they have Continue reading some guys worth checking out who look to take a brunt of that load.
By: Jacob Stewart
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School Spotlight: McDonogh 35, La
n this issue of School Spotlight, I had a chance to catch up with one of my longtime friends, coach Frank Daggs. I met him back in 2012 when I was at LSU, he was the running back coach for McDonogh 35 back then. Now he serves as the head coach for McDonogh 35 in New Orleans, La. Coach Daggs told me that he is excited about this coming season. He said that they are playing their first season since 2018 with a full team. Coach said that they will finally have a full offense and a full defense. He said he has some great kids. “They play hard but play smart.”
QB Santana Price is a class of 2024 prospect. Coach Daggs says, “I expect him to make good decisions and be a player for us. Last season was the first time he played High School ball. There was a little adjustment starting out last season, but as the season progressed he got much better.” Santana is a speedy athlete that can make huge plays on the gridiron. RB Roosevelt Mollett is a class of 2023 prospect. Coach Daggs says, “He smallest guy on the field, but he runs very hard as running back.” Roosevelt has great speed and agility. He is patient and lets the play develop before making his cut.
Last season the Eagles went 5-4 with a first round loss in the LHSAA playoffs to St. Martinville. After speaking to the head ball coach, he told me that he has a lot of WR Charles Barbarin IV is a class or 2023 prospect. Coach Daggs says, “He is an athlete, good kid, good returners that gained valuable experience in 2021. GPA, works hard, plays hard, a real Diamond In The Rough.” Charles uses his hands to make the catch and he has good speed. Continue reading 32
School Spotlight: Noxubee County, Ms
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oxubee County High School is found the small town of Macon, Mississippi. Noxubee is a pollinial power house football team. Since 2007, the Tigers have won 5 state titles in 4A football, and been state runner-up 3 times. This squad has had two undefeated season in 2008 and 2012. In 2008, the Tigers went 14-0 and was ranked number 28 football team in the nation. Again in 2012, this team was undefeated going 16-0 and was the number 1 football team in the state. The Tigers also won state titles in 2014, 2015, and 2017 under former head coach Tyrone Shorter. The current Head Coach Teddy Young is the current leader of this team who has lead this team to back-to-back state runner-up in 2019-2020. This program has produced numerous NFL and College Football prospects. Nate Wayne, former Denver Bronco Super Bowl Champion and Green Bay Packer is a graduate of Noxubee County High before attending
Ole Miss. Current NFL superstar Defensive End Jeffery Simmons, plays for the Tennessee Titans played for the Tiger before attending Mississippi State and becoming the #19 overall pick in the 2019 Draft. Who will be the next big time prospect from Macon? I spoke to QB coach Deangelo Ballard about the current prospects and he said that this is a very talented program and proud to be apart of the success. Deangelo played for Noxubee in the 2012 State Championship. Continue Reading
School Spotlight: Seward High, Alaska
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oday’s school spotlight is off the beaten path. I called coach Tyler Mallory from Seward High School in Alaska because, like other states, Alaska has some real talent. They are highly overlooked because of the distance up there, but there are some real diamonds in the rough there. I spoke to coach Mallory for a solid 30 minutes and learned so much about Alaska football. -Coach Andy Seward High School is located in Seward, Alaska. Seward is a small town with a population of around 2,773 people. Seward is a port city in southern Alaska, set on an inlet on the Kenai Peninsula. It’s a gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, where glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield into coastal fjords.
plays in the Small School division. We have about 150 high school kids in the school and we have some home school kids that play for us as well. We have about 35 kids on the football team which is the most this school has ever had on the team. We play schools around the same size as us. Schools with 450 kids is supposed to be the cut off for the Small School division. So our closest bus ride is about three and a half hours with two of our division opponents are in Fairbanks which is about a 10-12 hour bus ride. This is a much different experience to what I grew u in or schools in the lower 48 have.”
Coach Mallory has been at Sward for six years now and head coach for two and said, “we have never taken nothing but a school bus since I have been here. We have been fundraising pretty hard so we can take a charCoach Tyler Mallory leads the Seward Seahawks as their ter bus on some of these long bus rides we do. We have head coach. He played at Diamond High School in Alaska. had some growing pains here. I am the third head coach “I had to work my way through the ranks there,” said coach Mallory, “Diamond is a really big school up here with nearly here now in the past six years. The most we have ever 2000 students. There are three divisions of schools in Alaska; had on the team since I have been here is 18 kids. Continue Reading Big Schools, Medium Schools, and Small Schools. Seward
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