The 2018 ESPN Junior 300 was released, touting some of the best High School Junior Football Players in the country. And to no surprise, North East Florida was well represented on the list. The ranking lists players on a stars system and provides names of some of the most highly recruited athletes in High School Football. To make it to the mother ship is a big accomplishment, and we congratulate all athletes that made their list. Here are the local products that made the ESPN 300.
- Gatewood is one of the areas most gifted and talented athletes. He shares starting Quarterback responsibilities at Bartram and specializes in several packages. But don’t be mistaken, Gatewood is the man, and he’ll show out in 2018 as the unchallenged starter.
✌🏽 #WDE pic.twitter.com/tcDw0UfkvQ
— Joey Gatewood (@Joey1gatewood) June 21, 2016
- This long and athletic junior is the reason why Trinity doesn’t rebuild, they reload. Johnson is arguably the best athlete on the field no matter who the opposition is. that’s why he is listed as their top 2018 DB in the country.
All these people just want a piece of my fame 💉🏈💎 pic.twitter.com/dfFykg89th
— tyreke johnson (@Im_showtime_) May 21, 2016
- The big man from the beach tops ESPN’s list at #103. They have him listed as a 200 pound TE but he’ll tell you he’s really a 210 pound wide receiver. He’s a pass catcher with a big frame, who can use it well as a blocker also. His services are certainly being requested at the next level.
I’ve put in a @247Sports #CrystalBall for TE legacy Will Mallory to #Michigan (VIP): https://t.co/EzeqfX0v9I pic.twitter.com/trlRuNItTU
— Steve Lorenz (@TremendousUM) May 26, 2016
- Bolden called Bartram Trail home in the 904, but now he returns to his original home Tampa. While he was in Duval, Bolden showed incredible instincts for the ball. His ability to change direction caught the eyes of the Seminoles, where he committed earlier this summer. We wish him the best down in the 813.
I happy that I back home
— Isaiah Bolden (@isaiahbolden23) July 27, 2016
FIRST AND FOREMOST THANK YOU ALL COACHES FOR YOUR TIME I WANT TO SAY I HAVE COMMITTED TO FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY🍢🍢 pic.twitter.com/gdqwEqsnTI
— Isaiah Bolden (@isaiahbolden23) June 14, 2016
- Gilyard is a major competitor, so don’t think he is satisfied with coming in at #147 in the county. Trust me, He’s not! A punishing Linebacker who transferred from Ed White where his father was just as competitive playing Quarterback in the late 90’s. The G in Gilyard stands for” Get Ready” 2018 will be memorable.
Picture me rolling! pic.twitter.com/L0Ky1vRDsz
— Eriq Gilyard (@eriqgilyard3) September 5, 2015
- Yup you guessed it, another Trinity guy. He is still growing into his frame, but can absolutely lay the wood on defenders. Even as a sophomore you saw his ability to cover and play in the box. You might see a move to corner by 2018 who knows… One things for sure, he can play linebacker, safety, or corner.
😲😈🏈🐍… pic.twitter.com/WihZA1yWHX
— Chamarri Conner (@ChamarriConner) April 27, 2016
- So what does OL Curtis Dunlap, and OL Jordan Johnson have in common? That’s right, they both come from Duval’s Westside as Offensive linemen for the Ed White Commanders. Imagine the 6’5, 350lb Dunalp next to the 6’3 275lb Johnson on the line? Man oh man! Dunalp transferred to IMG in Bradenton, Florida where he is now considered arguably the best at his position in the state.
- Rounding out the ESPN 300 for North East Florida is another TE Zach Sheffer. No doubt there will be an intense battle this year to prove who the best TE is in our area, we have some good ones. Sheffer will advocate himself by his tenacious play on the field. He can maul you in the run game and still catch passes with very soft hands.
Thank you @ESPNRNFball @HamiltonESPN for ranking me #202 on the ESPN Top 300! pic.twitter.com/tZu0dTlCtP
— Zach Sheffer (@zachsheffer) July 28, 2016
For the entire list of the ESPN300 athletes and their college offers click HERE
2018 is setting up to be another great year for Jacksonville and North East Florida. Whether an athlete stays in the area or moves on to another city, what always remains is the reality of knowing they excelled amongst the best that high school football has to offer. Right here in the river city.
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