Gridiron
Football Magazine
Parker Williams Fulshear, Tx PG 26
Dezaray Delmore Jr. Baton Rouge, La PG 27
Jordan Matthews Baton Rouge, La PG 24
Qamar Grant Mableton, Ga PG 29
Contents
Staff
PG
4. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31.
Gridiron Football Epic Year In Review Joseph Emilien Jennings, La Andrew Redditt New Orleans, La Ryan Brown Baton Rouge, La Kylen Billiot Houma, La Joshua Johnson Baton Rouge, La Bryant Merriwether Rosepine, La Jaden Gibson Monroe, La Jon-Michael Breaux Lafayette, La Shermar Carter Plaquemine, La Ronnie Crosby III DeRidder, La Kenton Brossett Shreveport, La Gabe Sellers Pineville, La Jackson Bradley Oak Grove, La Montrel Hatton Carthage, Tx Markeis Batiste Baton Rouge, La Devyn Jones Baton Rouge, La Tristan Goodly Jordan Matthews Nicholas Beckwith Parker Williams Dezary Delmore Jr Wesley Fair Qamar Grant School Spotlight School Spotlight
Westlake, La Baton Rouge, La Lafayette, La Fulshear, Tx Baton Rouge, La Wichita, Ks Mabloton, Ga St Edmund General Trass
Kobe Brown Lynkon Romero D’Antwone Hopkins Abram Johnson Jacob Johnson Ryley Myers Tramon Douglas II Adam Parker Michael Woods Jahiem Johnson Keddrick Connelly Corinthien Walters Douglas Thornton Semaj Pierre Tony Lewis Aiden Mertinez Ethan Fields
Vacherie, La Erath, La Farmerville, La Baton Rouge, La Baton Rouge, La Baton Rouge, La Baton Rouge, La Natchitoches, La Rosepine, La Hammond, La New Orleans, La Shreveport, La Baton Rouge, La Baton Rouge, La Baton Rouge, La Miami, Fl Geismar, La
Andy Bryson CEO Marcus Randall Talent Scout Jason Saucier Photographer Kristen Bryson Editor Josh Sibley LSU Beat Writer Interns Jada Davis Zoii Yearwood Jacob Stewart Bradien Erwin Daniel Duke Colin O’Shaghenessy Marileah Niddrie Bowl Game Board
Jonesboro-Hodge Baker
Eric Holden James Shiver Tyler Lewis Justin Charles CJ Madien Fred Washington Terrance Blankenship James Taylor PJ Sprunk Gary Cowart
Discover Our Epic Year in Review “Changing Lives, Improving Communities”
W
hat makes a successful year? Most companies measure success by dollars made, while Gridiron Football does as well, we also measure our success in how many kids graduate and go to college. Part of the vision that started this company was the desire to use the medium of football to change lives of young men. When young men play football, are a part of a program, and believe they can play at the next level; they are more likely to go to class, finish homework, and stay out of trouble. This last is important in Louisiana as we historically have ranked number one in the country in incarcerations. When we first started, one of our goals was to help the incarceration rate in Louisiana drop. Since 2018, when we held our first bowl game at Louisiana Christian University (LCU) in Pineville, La, the incarceration rate has fallen drastically. Coach Andy and coach Randall believe that the work we do here has made a small contribution in this drop. Gridiron Football helps so many young men every year from all over the country and Louisiana. Not all players we help play in college, however they still graduate high school and still have a chance in life. While we get excited with every player helped, we understand that you may not see the numeric value associated with helping these young men. So, let us take a look into the numbers over the years: in 2018, Gridiron Football held their first Bowl Game at LCU and had 86 players. That year 85 of the 86 kids received offers to play at the next level. The total amount of scholarship money earned by players as a result of their offers from universities after the Bowl Game was over $6 million. The magazine covered over 800 players from all over the state that year and around 75% of those players received offers to play at the next level. The 2019 Bowl Game was held at LCU and had 104 players from every corner of Louisiana. That year we had 94 guys receive offers to play at the next level with a total amount of scholarship money earned from colleges in excess of $8 million. In the 2019, Gridiron Football grew our staff and efforts to cover more kids around the state, as well as East Texas. We had over 1,000 kids in the magazine and around 80% of those kids received offers. 2020 was a difficult year for everyone, but we still succeeded in helping kids. We did not hold the Bowl Game, but we did hold a Senior 7v7 showcase in Eunice, La where 45 guys showed up and 100% of them received offers. We also expanded the magazine nationwide and covered over 1,700 players with around 85% receiving offers. In 2021, Gridiron Football changed the All-Star Bowl Game to an All-American game and offered kids from Texas, Mississippi, Florida, and Virginia, to name a few, an opportunity to play. We had 111 players and approximately 96 have received offers so far. We are still working with a few players to try and find them offers before the August 1 deadline. We featured over 1,600 players nationwide and roughly 70% received offers. The total scholarship amount earned
through colleges by players we featured was roughly 100 million. 2021 featured a new obstacle, following the COVID crisis in 2020, the NCAA allowed college athletes an opportunity to extend their eligibility one year which has created a surplus of college athletes and fewer high school athletes the ability to sign. 2021 also saw a large number of student athletes enter the transfer portal which has also made it more difficult for high school athletes to sign.
The following chart will give you an idea of how many college student athletes there are with the average amount of athletic scholarship money vs academic scholarship money each prospect can earn. Division Level
D1 – FBS D1 – FCS D2
D3 NAIA JUCO CCCAA
Number of Teams
Total Athletes in Division
Average Team Size
Scholarships Limit Per Team
129 125 170 248 85 68 68
15,167
118 104 111 104 107 76 79
85 63 36 N/A
$ 18,013
$ 36,070
$ 18,013
$ 20,706
$ 6,588
$ 17,142
N/A
$ 7,400
24
$ 7,870
$ 13,705
85
$ 3,259
$ 5,020
N/A
$ 482
$ 7,400
13,028 18,889 25,709 9,102 5,160 5,354
Ave Athletic Average Total Scholarship Scholarship Value Per Year Value Per Year
Average per Athlete 2020 (https://scholarshipstats.com/average-per-athlete , https://educationdata.org/scholarship-statistics)
But don’t just take our word on it regarding our impact. On Thursday May 26th, coach James Shiver (HC at St Edmund High) called and informed us that his school held their annual senior banquet and that the senior class earned a little over $600,000 in scholarships and one person who played in the 2021 All-American Bowl game earned nearly 30% of that sum with $125,000 in total scholarship money. This is just one example of what high school coaches have told us over the last few years about the difference we are making in the lives of their students. Not only do we get feedback from high school coaches, we also get lots of information from parents of the players we work with. For example Nakia Michele, mother of Kyle Jones, said, “KJ’s recruiter actually watched the All Star Game on live and commented on his 50 yard touchdown during his recruitment process! Just thought you guys should know! Thanks for the opportunity!” We have received overwhelming positive comments about both our overall company (magazine/media coverage) as well as our Bowl Game. “Thanks again for inviting my son Hayden to your All-Star game. He had a great time and the exposure will help him tremendously with playing at the next level. You are making a great investment in the next generation of young men and I thank you for all the hard work that goes into a weekend like this!” Mo Seneca. Christian Corkran, current student athlete at Arkansas Tech, said, “Thanks @gridironfootbal for an awesome 3 days at the All-Star Bowl!! Awesome win by the Blue Team!!” Trenton Johnson from Salmon High School in Slidell, La said, “Thank you for this opportunity and everything else Mr. Andy. I hope next year All-Star Bowl game goes even smoother and better and following years. You are doing great things and I don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! Thank you!!”
We look forward to continuing to change communities one young person at a time in the years to come. We see a lot of value helping young men get to the next level and reach their potential. After reading this article we hope you see the value as well. We are so very proud of each and every graduation announcement that comes through our office, and we can’t wait to see how many players we are able to help in the next year. We feel that we are a living testament of “Changing Lives, Improving Communities.”
Rising Star: Joseph Emilien Running Back
R
ising Star prospect Joseph Emilien is a class of 2024 prospect at Jennings High School in Jennings, La. He moved from Ryane to Jennings this year so he attends Jennings High School now. He will play running back and defensive back for the Bulldogs this next year. Joseph has a 3.1 GPA after two years of high school. His mom, Hope Doucet, told me, “He has played since he was 8 years old and everyone has recognized his talent since at a young age. He is an athlete and it comes naturally to him. He can play any position there is on the field. They (his coaches) are playing him at safety, corner, running back, and punt returner.”
Hometown: Jennings, La
School: Jennings High School GPA: 3.1
Class of 2024
DITR: Kobe Brown
WIDE RECEIVER Hometown: Vacherie, la
School: ST JAMES High GPA: 4.0
6
Class of 2024
K
obe Brown is a class of 2024 WR for St. James High School in Louisiana. Kobe stands at 5’10 and weighs 155 pounds. He also has a 40 time of 4.56. He is young but has a ton of potential to be a high impact player at the collegiate level. He has soft hands and can also beat you with his speed. Last year, he made the all-district team as a freshman as well as helping his team win the state championship. He is a dual sport athlete who made the all-district team in basketball as well. He also gets the work done in the classroom as he maintains a 4.0 GPA. By: Zachary Josephson
DITR: Andrew Redditt
Cornerback
A
ndrew Redditt is a class of 2023 cornerback out of John F. Kennedy High school located in New Orleans, LA. Standing at 5’9 and 169 pounds he makes his mark on the field with his big plays. His ability to scan the field and put pressure on others is his strength. While making his mark on the field, he also makes his mark in the classroom holding a 3.5 GPA as well as being on the honor roll. Andrew is excited to see what the future holds for him in football!
Hometown: New Orleans, La
School: John F Kennedy High GPA: 3.5
Class of 2023
By: Marileah Niddrie
DITR: Lynkon Romero
quarterback Hometown: Erath, La
School: Erath High GPA: 4.0
Class of 2024
L
ynkon Romero is class of 2024 quarterback for Erath High School. He maintains a 4.0 GPA and made a 22 on his ACT. He stands at 6’3 and weighs 190 pounds. He benches 175, squats 315 pounds, power cleans 215 pounds, and his 40 yard time was 4.8. His last season stats include 2,291 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, 416 rushing yards, and 4 rushing touchdowns. Some of Lynkon’s achievements include 1st Team All-District, 1st Team All-Parish, and All State Honorable Mention. Lynkon has good coordination and can also run the ball. By: Zoii Yearwood
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DITR: Ryan Brown
Wide Receiver Hometown: Baton Rouge, La
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School: Woodlawn High
yan Brown is a class of 2025 wide receiver, safety, and running back out of Woodlawn High School located in Baton Rouge, LA. He stands at 5’6 and weighs 115 pounds. After completing his freshman year he is excited to grow in the sport of football as well as in the classroom while he maintains a 3.1 GPA. Ryan is a driven athlete who wants to reach the next level and show the world who he is and what he is made of. Coach Andy said, “Ryan is one of, if not the fastest guy in the state of Louisiana in hiss age group that I have seen so far. I love watching this kid play football. He has all the tools to develop into one of the top receivers in the country as he continues to grow.”
GPA: 3.1
Class of 2025
By: Marileah Niddrie
DITR: D’antwone Hopkins
ATHlete
Hometown: Farmerville, La
School: Union Parish High GPA: 3.0
Class of 2023 8
D
’antwone Hopkins is a class of 2023 safety and wide receiver for Union Parrish High School. He benches 195, squats 380, power cleans 185, and runs 4.5 40. He maintains a 3.0 GPA. He is a speedy and aggressive safety and uses his strength to his advantage. He has experience as both a safety and wide receiver giving him an understanding of both sides of the ball.
By: Zoii Yearwood
DITR: Kylan Billiot
Wide Receiver Hometown: Houma, La
School: Terrebone High
K
ylan Billiot is a class of 2024 wide receiver for Terrebonne High School in Houma, LA. He stands at 6’3 and weighs 180 pounds. Kylan uses his length over his opponents to reach for the ball. He benches 190, squats 100, and power cleans 225 pounds and runs a 4.5 40-yard dash. He also made All-District for football. He maintains a 2.9 GPA. Kylan is a driven athlete who wants to reach the next level and provide for his family.
GPA: 2.9
Class of 2024
By: Zoii Yearwood
DITR: Abram Johnston
Quarterback Hometown: Baton Rouge, La School: Parkview High GPA: Unk
Class of 2024
A
bram Johnston is a Class of 2024 Quarterback from Parkview Baptist High School in Baton Rouge, LA, and he is playing 7v7 football with Redhawks 7v7. He is 6’0” and 190 lbs, and a Gridiron Football 3 Star Prospect. He is accurate both in the pocket and rolling out on bootlegs. He makes good reads and shows good arm talent downfield.
By: Braden Erwin 9
DITR: Joshua Johnson
Defensive Tackle
Hometown: Baton Rouge, La School: Catholic High
J
oshua Johnson is a class of 2023 defensive tackle for Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, LA. He is 6’1 and weighs 305 pounds. He was a part of the 2020 and 2021 state championship team and was 2nd Team All-District this year and last year. This season he had 50 tackles and 5 sacks. He squats 500, benches 340 and power cleans 315. He currently has one offer from Louisiana College. Joshua possesses incredible strength on the front line. He maneuvers well and uses his strength to his advantage on the field.
GPA: UNK
Class of 2023
By: Zoii Yearwood
DITR: Jacob Johnson
offensive Line Hometown: Baton Rouge, La School: Catholic High GPA: 3.0
10
Class of 2023
J
acob Johnson is a class of 2023 guard for Catholic High School. He maintains a 3.0 GPA and has a list of achievements including 2nd Team All-District offensive guard. He also helped the CHS Bears win back-to-back LHSAA D1 State championships during his 2020 and 2021 years. Jacob is also a discus thrower and is in the top 3 for the Louisiana region 2. Jacob benches 335, squats 500, and deadlifts 535 pounds. During his last season he had 55 pancakes. He is a very strong player using that to his advantage when blocking for his teammates. By: Zoii Yearwood
DITR: Bryant Merriwether Jr
Wide Reciver Hometown: Rodepine, La
B
ryant Merriwether is a class of 2023 corner and safety for Rosepine High School in Rosepine, LA. He is 6’0 and weighs 194 pounds. He maintains a good GPA of 3.1. Bryant has played at wide receiver, but has moved to playing corner and safety. He says, “Sophomore year I played receiver. This was my first year as a defensive back and I see a bright future at this position”. Having played on offense and defense, Bryant has a great understanding of both sides of the ball using that to his advantage. Some of his achievements include 1st Team All-District his sophomore year, All-State honorable mention, 2nd Team All-District for DB, All Vernon Parish, and outstanding receiver. Bryant says his biggest support system is his mom and his family. He also says his experience affects him on and off the field and growing into a young man. He wants to be a great influence on his brothers and pushes them to better than him. By: Zoii Yearwood
School: Rosepine High GPA: 3.1
Class of 2023
DITR: Ryley Myers
Wide receiver Hometown: Baton Rouge, La School: parkview High GPA: unk
Class of 2023
R
yley Myers is a Class of 2023 Wide Receiver from Parkview Baptist High School in Baton Rouge, LA, and he is playing 7v7 football with Redhawks 7v7. He is 6’3” and 185 lbs, and a Gridiron Football 3 Star Prospect. Ryley is a yards after the catch threat, flashing ridiculous speed to break away from defenders. He’s a proven deep threat, with an array of moves to get defenders to bite, either before or after the catch point.
By: Braden Erwin 11
DITR: Jaden Gibson
Wide Receiver Hometown: monroe, La
School: neville High GPA: 3.1
J
aden is a class of 2023 wide receiver for Neville High School in Monroe, LA. He is 6’4 and weighs 170 pounds. He benches 155 and squats 225 pounds. Jaden maintains a 3.1 GPA. Jaden uses his height and reach to his advantage whether he is blocking a defender or catching the ball. He currently has offers from Jackson State and Dartmouth. By: Zoii Yearwood
Class of 2023
DITR: Tramon Douglas II
Wide Receiver Hometown: Baton Rouge, La School: woodlawn High GPA: 3.1
Class of 2023 12
T
ramon Douglas II is a 5’11, 170-pound wide receiver out of Woodlawn High school located in Baton Rouge, LA. This class 2023 prospect makes his mark with his speed and agility on the field. Coming off the 2021 football season, he was part of the All-District champions with Woodlawn Football. With a GPA of 3.3, Tramon is always wanting to learn as much as he can whether it be on the field or in the classroom. He is excited to keep pushing himself, learning about the game of football and is ready to make his mark in the world of football. By: Marileah Niddrie
DITR:
Jon-Michael Breaux
line backer Hometown: lafayette, La
School: lafayette High
J
on-Michael Breaux is a 3 star class of 2023 linebacker for Lafayette High in Lafayette, LA. He is 6’2 and weighs 233 pounds. He runs a 4.56 40, benches 335, squats 575, deadlifts 520, and power cleans 270 pounds. Last season he had an impressive 21 sacks. He is a strong and aggressive player who can also be explosive. He is not only great at reading the offensive, but also at attacking the ball. Some of his achievements include 1st Team All-District and All-State Honorable Mention.
GPA: unk
Class of 2023
By: Zoii Yearwood
DITR: Adam Parker
quarterback Hometown: Natchitoches, La School: st mary’s High GPA: 4.0
Class of 2023
A
dam Parker is a class of 2023 quarterback at St. Mary’s High School. He is 5’10 and weighs 180 pounds. Some of his achievements include All district QB, All Cenla QB, and being named the #1 Returning QB for Central LA by Cenla Preps. Adam has a drive to be successful and be great at whatever he does. He has a great arm and a great eye to place the ball where it needs to be on the field. Adam is also a quarterback who isn’t afraid to run the ball. He maintains a 4.0 GPA and has an ACT score of 30. He has one offer from Southern Arkansas. Some of his stats from last season include 1,849 yards and 25 touchdowns. By: Zoii Yearwood
13
DITR: Shermar Carter
athlete
Hometown: plaquemine, la
S
hermar Carter is a class of 2023 safety and slotback for Plaquemine High School in Plaquemine, LA. He is 5’11 and weighs 160 pounds. His 40 time is 4.43 and his max bench 245 and his max squat is 325 pounds. At his mid season point, Shermar had 10 touchdowns on offense. On defense he has 2 picks, 4+ pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles, and 12+ tackles. Shermar is an aggressive and strategic player who knows how to attack the ball and his opponents. He also on the honor roll and maintains a 3.5 GPA.
School: plaquemine High GPA: 3.5
Class of 2023
By: Zoii Yearwood
DITR: Michael Woods
linebacker Hometown: rosepine, la School:
rosepine High
GPA: 3.8
Class of 2024 14
M
ichael Woods is a class of 2024 linebacker for Rosepine High School in Rosepine, LA. He is 6’2 and weighs 190 pounds. In his last season he had 139 tackles, 11 sacks, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, and 16 quarterback pressures. He maintains a great GPA of 3.8. Some of his achievements include District 5-2A Defensive MVP, All Vernon Parish MVP, All-State Honorable Mention, Louisiana Sports Line First-Team LB, American Press All-SW team, and All Cenla First Team LB. Michael is a speedy linebacker continuously breaking through the line and make plays in the back field. He benches 280, squats 335, and runs a 4.5 40-yard dash. By: Zoii Yearwood
DITR: Ronnie Crosby III
Running Back Hometown: deridder, la
R
onnie Crosby III aka “Hollywood” is a class of 2023 running back for DeRidder High School in DeRidder, LA. He’s 5’8 and weighs 185 pounds. Ronnie is as strong runner using his speed to gain as many yards as he can. Ronnie has a way of using his strength and speed to bypass his defenders and get upfield. His 40 yard dash is a 4.45, his shuttle is 4.18, and he has a 11.2 100 time. Ronnie benches 270, power cleans 270, and squats 365. Furthermore, his vertical is 33’’. Last season he rushed for 2,000 yards and hopes to beat that this season. Some of his athletic awards include 2021 Team MVP, 2021 1st Team All District RB, 1st Team All district Returner, 2021 Beauregard Parish Offensive MVP, 2021 LSWA Class 4A All State Return Specialist, and 2021 All-SW Louisiana Football team Running Back. He also possesses academic awards including Honor Roll, National Honors Society, and the Athletic Academic Award and maintains a 3.6 GPA.
School:
deridder High
GPA: 3.6
Class of 2023 By: Zoii Yearwood
DITR: Jahiem Johnson
WIDE RECEIVER Hometown: HAMMOND, la
School: HAMMOND High GPA: 3.8
Class of 2023
J
ahiem Johnson is a class of 2023 wide receiver/defensive back for Hammond High Magnet School in Hammond, Louisiana. He is 6’1” and 170 lbs. Jahiem is a hard hitting defensive back who has the kind of speed and awareness that translates to the next level. With 8 touchdowns already on the season, Johnson excels on both sides of the field for Hammond High. Jahiem is a leader on the gridiron and a leader in the classroom with a 3.8 GPA. By: Daniel Duke
15
DITR: Kenton Brossett
wide receiver Hometown: shreveport, la
School: huntington High
K
enton Brossett is a Class of 2023 Wide Receiver from Huntington High School in Shreveport, LA, and he is playing 7v7 football with The U Elite. He is 6’3” and 200 lbs, and a Gridiron Football 3 Star Prospect. He is big play wide receiver, who can go up and get 50/50 balls. He is very good at finding holes in the zone and beating his man in man coverage. He uses his body well, and will be able to translate that to the next level.
GPA: unk
Class of 2023
By: Braden Erwin
DITR: Keddrick Connelly
quarterback Hometown: new orleans, la
School: warren easton High GPA: 3.5
Class of 2023 16
K
eddrick is a class of 23 quarterback at Warren Easton in New Orleans, LA. He stands at 6’2 and weighs 206 pounds. He has a great arm with the ability to pass in short or long distance situations. He also has the ability to run the ball. He maintains a 3.5 GPA in school. Some of his achievements include winning the state championship, 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-District, as well as being the number one quarterback in his district. By: Zoii Yearwood
DITR: Gabe Sellers
quarterback Hometown: pineville, la
School: pineville High
G
abe Sellers is a 6-foot, 185-pound QB out of Tioga High School in Tioga, LA. He is a class 2023 prospect with so much drive and ambition. His ability to throw deep as well as his agility and quickness when he runs makes him a hard player to tackle. Gabe is able to make plays even when it looks like there are none to be made. Not only does he excel on the field he continually excels in the classroom with a GPA of 3.4. While he continues to learn more about the game of football he is focused on what the future has to hold. By: Marileah Niddrie
GPA: 3.4
Class of 2023
DITR: Corinthian Walters
athlete
Hometown: shreveport, la
School: southwood High GPA: 3.1
Class of 2023
C
orinthian Walters is a 5’11, 195-pound SS, CB, WR, and RB out of Southwood High School in Shreveport, LA. When it comes to making plays this class of 2023 prospect does not shy away from the competition. His ability to be flexible in the game is what makes him a key player. He is a versatile player which makes him a key player in the game. He is very proud of making the all-team district for his junior season as well as a GPA of 3.1 in the classroom. Corinthian is a player you want to look for without a doubt on the field. By: Marileah Niddrie
17
DITR: Jackson Bradley
quarterback Hometown: oak grove, la
School: oak grove High
O
ak Grove freshman QB Jackson Bradley had an impressive year under center for the Tigers. The 6’3 200lb QB was recently awarded the “Camper of the Day” during a 7-on-7 tryout by the Randall Passing Academy. He helped his team post a 6-2 district record, while averaging over 35 points a game in the span of those eight games. Bradley posted some incredible numbers during his freshman campaign. For a team that is known for running the ball, the young gunslinger had over 1100 yards passing and 17 touchdowns. He also had 650 yards on the ground and added another five scores. By: Josh sibley
GPA: unk
Class of 2025
Rising Star: Douglas Thornton
running back Hometown: baton rouge, la
School: southern lab High GPA: unk
Class of 2024 18
L
ouisiana has constantly produced some of the top talent in the nation year in and year out. Southern Lab’s Class of 2024 Running Back Douglas Thornton is another name to add to that list. The incredibly agile back rushed for nearly 1500 yards on 128 carries. Couple that with his 16 touchdowns, the young back averaged 11.5 yards per carry AND A TOUCHDOWN EVERY EIGHT CARRIES. Eye-popping numbers! Watching him play, you’d never believe Thornton was listed at 5’5 and 157lbs. Not only can he make defenders miss, but in a tight squeeze, can lower the boom on linebackers and safeties coming full speed with bad intentions. By: Josh sibley
Gridiron Football Top 300: Montrel Hatten
Wide Receiver Hometown: carthage, tx
M
School: carthage High
ontrel Hatten is a Class of 2023 Wide Receiver for Carthage High School in Carthage, Texas. At 6’2” lbs, Montrel has the perfect build to burn corners off the line of scrimmage and still be a hassle for defenses to take down. Hatten can be seen often breaking numerous tackles in the open field to find the endzone. Something that separates Montrel from his peers is his insane ability to come down with almost any ball. In his film, Montrel is consistently laying out to make a diving catch or going up high to moss his defender. Montrel brings the same intensity on the field to the classroom as he currently has a 3.3 GPA. With his ability to make the big play and break tackles, Montrel Hatten is a player to look out for in his junior season. By: Colin O’Shaughnessy
GPA: 3.3
Class of 2023
Rising Star: Semaj Pierre
wide receiver Hometown: baton rouge, la
School: madison prep High GPA: 4.25
Class of 2025
S
emaj Pierre is a 5’7, 145-pound wide receiver out of Madison Prep in Baton Rouge, LA. The class of 2025 wideout exceled in just his first year of high school football from the slot, serving as one of the top freshman playmakers in the state. This guy is an absolute problem in open field, being able to make defenders miss with ankle breaking moves are one of his best strengths. Even at his current size, he showed the ability to be a reliable weapon in the middle of the field, making tough catches and racking up yards after the catch. To go along with his early success on the field, Semaj has a 4.25 GPA. By the time he is a senior, don’t be surprised to see him as being possibly one of the top receivers in the state and country. By: Daryl Evans
19
DITR: Markeis Batiste
defensive end Hometown: baton rouge, la
M
arkeis Batiste is a 6’2, 210-pound class of 2023 DE/LB out of Madison Prep High School in Baton Rouge, LA. Markeis was able to provide tremendous value this season for the Chargers defense setting the edge and dropping RBS and QBS in the backfield. He is an excellent tackler and has a nose from the ball. Another aspect of his tape that stood out were plays he made on special teams. This show’s that he can impact the field not just on defense, but other important areas as well. Markeis boasts a 3.5 GPA and is poised for another great season his senior year. By: Daryl Evans
School: madison prep High GPA: 3.5
Class of 2023
DITR: Tony Lewis
running back Hometown: baton rouge, la
School: madison prep High GPA: unk
Class of 2024
T
ony Lewis is a class of 2024 RB out of Madison Prep in Baton Rouge, LA. Tony stands at 5’9, 175 and is a tough runner with the football. He helped do a lot of the heavy lifting for the Chargers rushing attack this season, grinding out yards and moving the chains. His performance on the field helped him earn a second team all-district selection. He’s set to make a leap in his junior season and help propel the Charger offense. By: Daryl Evans
20
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www.GridironFootballUSA.com 21
DITR: Devyn Jones
defensive line Hometown: baton rouge, la School: woodlawn High
D
evyn Jones is a 6’0 270lb class of 2023 defensive lineman at Woodlawn High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Devyn possess elite strength to move blockers and plays very strong against the run, he is also a good pass rusher and has the ability to use different moves to get to the quarterback. Jones is also a beast in the weight room boasting a 405-lb bench press and a 485-lb squat. Devyn is not only a great athlete he is also a great student, boasting a 3.7 GPA. Devyn is a great leader for the Panthers and serves as a leader on the defensive line and for the defense.
GPA: 3.7
Class of 2023
By: Jacob Stewart
DITR: Aiden Martinez
offensive line Hometown: miami, fl
School: jesuit prep High GPA: 3.65
Class of 2023 22
A
iden Martinez is a 6’3, 280 pound class of 2023 offensive lineman from Belen Jesuit Prep in Miami, Florida. Aiden’s versatility along the offensive line immediately stood out about this guy. It’s not often that guys make a strong impact from every position up front. The junior offensive lineman brings a physicality that overwhelms opposing defenders constantly. He displayed the ability to hold his own in passing and run blocking for the Wolverine offense. Aiden is a multisport athlete and adds a 3.65 GPA. Expect big things from this guy in his senior year. By: Daryl Evans
DITR: Tristan Goodly
wide receiver Hometown: westlake, la
School: westlake High
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ristan is a wide receiver for Westlake High in Westlake, Louisiana. He is a class of 2023 player and stands at 6’1 weighing 160 pounds. He is also a dual athlete playing football and running track. His many achievements include All-District in Track, winning state and regionals in track, and he won outstanding male athlete for the district. He benches 185 and squats 275. Tristan maintains a 3.2 GPA. Tristian uses his speed and reach to make a play and maximize his number of yards.
GPA: 3.2
Class of 2023
By: Zoii Yearwood
DITR: Ethan Fields
Offensive line Hometown: geismar, la
School: dutchtown High GPA: 3.94
Class of 2023
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than Fields is a Class of 2023 Offensive Tackle at Dutchtown High School in Geismar, Louisiana. Ethan stands 6’4, 315lbs and is a physical run blocker who also excels in pass pro. Ethan has the size and athleticism to play both guard and tackle at the next level. He also excels in the classroom boasting a 3.94 GPA. By: Jacob Stewart
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Gridiron Football Top 300: Jordan Matthews
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ho is 5-star Jordan Matthews? Size, strength, speed, and skills are what define Jordan on the football field. While off the field, he is a student of the game. Jordan has all the tools to be the next elite corner out of Baton Rouge. Jordan was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Growing up in a household full of athletes, Jordan was drawn to the world of sports at an early age. As one of three siblings, he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his talented family members. His father played football for Louisiana State University as well as Southern back in the 90s. Jordan’s older brother, Joshua, is currently playing as a starting receiver for McNeese State and his younger sister, Lauryn, is 9th grade varsity volleyball starter at University High.
By: Marileah Niddrie
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Cornerback Hometown: baton Rouge, la School:
woodlawn High
GPA: 4.4
Class of 2023
DITR: Nicholas Beckwith Wide Receiver Hometown: Lafayette, La
School: St. Thomas More High GPA: 3.6
Class of 2023
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icholas Beckwith is a class of 2023 safety and wide receiver for St. Thomas More High school. Standing at 6’3 and 190 pounds he can squat 205, clean 225, shuttle 4.21 and runs a 40 in 4.6 seconds. While dominating on the field through the state championship and all-district Beckwith maintains a 3.6 GPA in the classroom. His ability to read the field and his competitors are what make him stand out!
By: Marileah Niddrie
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DITR: Parker Williams
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arker Williams is a class of 2023 ATH out of Fulshear High School in Fulshear, TX. Parker is a big play waiting to happen. The 5’10, 165 pound speedster primarily plays QB and registered over 1700 passing yards and 900 rushing yards on the season. He is most affective on designed QB runs and creating plays when the pocket breaks down. Parker adds a nice touch on his deep ball and has great vision on the field. His 4.44 speed allows him to create plays equally affectively from the slot as well. Parker adds a 4.0 GPA off the field and is someone we should watch out for in the class of 2023.
Athlete
Hometown: Fulshear, TX
School: Fulshear High GPA: 4.0
Class of 2023 By: Daryl Evans
Gridiron Football Top 300: Dezaray “DJ” Delmore Jr. safety
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ezaray “DJ” Delmore Jr. is a 5’11 175-pound class of 2023 defensive back at Woodlawn High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana who excels at the safety position. He benches 245 and squats 355 to go along with a 4.6 40-yard dash. Dezaray known to his teammates and coaches as “DJ” has a nose for the football and is seemingly always around the ball, he is also a fierce leader and a very hard worker.
Hometown: baton rouge, la School: woodlawn High GPA: 3.4
Class of 2023
By: Jacob Stewart
DITR: Wesley Fair
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esley Fair is a class of 2023 safety and quarterback for Wichita Collegiate School in Wichita, KS. He has a 3.95 GPA and was named 1st Team All League for his previous season. He is 6’2 and weighs 185 pounds. As a safety, Wesley has the ability to read the offense and uses that to his advantage whether he is making a tackle or intercepting the ball. As a quarterback, he is fast and can run the ball making him a double threat. He can make impressive tackles and uses his vision to break through the line and run downfield. He has offers from LA Tech, Iowa State, Kansas, Colorado State, South Dakota, Harvard, and Kansas State. Wesley is committed to Kansas State.
athlete Hometown: wichita, ks School:
wichita collegiate High
GPA: 3.95
Class of 2023 By: Zoii Yearwood
DITR: Qamar Grant
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amar Grant is a class of 2023 quarterback for Pebblebrook High School in Mableton, Georgia. Grant is 6’4” and 240 lbs. Qamar is a pocket passing quarterback who has the kind of accuracy and size that translates to the next level. Grant spends his offseason with the Cam Newton 7 on 7 team constantly working to perfect his craft. Grant is also a leader in the classroom holding a 3.3 GPA.
By: Daniel Duke
quarterback Hometown: Mableton, ga
School: pebblebrook High GPA: 3.3
Class of 2023
School Spotlight: St Edmund High
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t. Edmund High School is located in Eunice, Louisiana. The Blue Jays are coached by James Shiver, a former Arena Football player and University of Louisiana grad. In 2021, the Blue Jays went 6-4 in the regular season while loosing in the first round of the playoffs to District rival Sacred Heart. I look for St Edmund to return to the playoffs in the tough Class IV. The Blue Jays are lead on the field by the following players: Taylor Daire, Sam Prudhomme, and Matthew McGee.
Sat, 9/10 2:00pm Fri, 9/16 7:00pm Fri, 9/23 7:00pm Taylor Daire is a class of 2023 Swiss Army Knife. He plays Running Fri, 9/30 7:00pm Back, Slot Receiver, and defensive back. I am looking for Taylor to Fri, 10/7 7:30pm have a big season. This offseason he has been training for his senior Fri, 10/14 7:00pm season both in the gym as well as playing 7 on 7 with RPA. Taylor is 5’8” and weighs 168 lbs. I like that he has quick feet, and is shifty. Fri, 10/21 7:00pm I look for him to play college ball as a slot receiver. I do predict that Fri, 10/28 7:00pm Taylor will surpass the 1,000 rushing yard mark for the Blue Jays. Fri, 11/4 7:00pm He has the tools to have a break out season in 2022.
John Paul II Plano, TX Westminster Christian Academy LaGrange Oakdale North Central Sacred Heart Catholic of Pointe Coupee Westminster Academy Opelousas Catholic
School Spotlight: Jonesboro-Hodge
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onesboro-Hodge High School is located deep in the pinny woods of north Louisiana. The towns of Jonesboro and Hodge are small logging towns with a papermill. Jonesboro-Hodge is a class 3A powerhouse program ran by one of the top high school coaches in the state, Terrance Blankenship. Coach Blank, has such compassion for this game, as well as to the success of his players. During the 2021 season, coach Blank led his team to an 11-3 record with this final loss in the LHSAA state semi-finals to the eventual state champions Amite Warriors. Even through the Tigers lost several Senior players to graduation, I look for a repeat with a deep run in the class 3A playoffs in 2022. Coach Blank has several star players returning and a plethora of young talent in the wings.
School Spotlight: General Trass
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estled in the northeast corner of Louisiana, General Trass High School calls home to Lake Providence, La. Lake Providence borders the Mississippi River and is only a five minute drive from Arkansas. As you drive as you drive up highway 65 to Lake Providence, you will first pass through the town of Transylvania, which makes for a fun trip in October, but you cannot help but notice that this part of the state is cotton country. Miles and miles of cotton. I enjoy making this trip to this part of the state at least once a year. Coach Wells, has made the General Trass Panthers a worth while program that makes this log car dive well worth the trip. He has taken the program to back-to-back state playoffs. During the 2020 season, the Panthers made it to the quarterfinals, the furthest the Panthers had been in the playoffs since before segregation. After the 2021 season, he had multiple players signed to play at the colligate level. Even though he lost a lot of players t
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School Spotlight: Baker High
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aker High School is located on the northside of the state capital in Baker, Louisiana. Baker High has delt with numerous issues that has led to the decline in school attendance. Baker, at one time, was a 5A program, today they are classified as one of the newest 2A programs with around 450 students enrolled. The percentage of Baker High School students on free and reduced lunch assistance (78.2%) is significantly higher than the state average of 54.5%.
Fri, 9/2 7:00 pm Fri, 9/9 7:00 pm Fri, 9/16 7:00 pm Fri, 9/23 7:00 pm Fri, 9/30 7:00 pm Fri, 10/7 7:00 pm Fri, 10/14 7:00 pm Fri, 10/21 7:00 pm Fri, 10/28 7:00 pm Fri, 11/4 7:00 pm
McKinley Home • Non-District Mentorship Away •District White Castle Away • Non-Dist East Iberville Home • Non-Dist Collegiate Home Northeast Away • Non-Dist East Feliciana Home • Non-Dist Capitol Home • District Dunham Home • District Episcopal Away • District
In 2016, Baker was impacted by the 100 year flood that hit the area. The High School was flooded and closed that year. Since then, the middle school has been host to the High School students as well. This year made the first year that the graduating seniors had never left the middle school. Since the 2016 flood, the school has struggled getting back on their feet. The football program has similarly struggled and had four head coaches since 2016. Despite this struggle, Baker has always had very talented football players, and this program seems to be turning the corner and it is very exciting to see.
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