Spring practice 2021 his here, and every team in Northeast Florida is excited to get back on the field with something to prove. From the development of young players to the addition of new players, to potential needs heading into the fall, Duval Sports will crisscross the area culminating with spring football game coverage in May.
Ed White Commanders
You may have slept on Ed White last year, but while you were sleeping the Commanders were creeping up on teams putting together an impressive 6-5 record. In fact, White was just seven points away from tying the eventual Class 5A runners-up Rickards (21-14) in their second round playoff game. This spring Head Coach Lawrence Johnson (Coach LJ) has focused on keeping his team consistent. With consistent play on the field, some of the lopsided and unexpected losses from last year most certainly turn into victories. And all of a sudden a 6-5 record, turns into an 8-2 record. Yet with victory comes expectations, and there is a lot of that in spring practice for Ed White.
Key Players to Watch:
Isiah Teal QB #10 , 6’3 215lb c/o 2023 – Returning starter, very smart player, has a good arm, and Coaches believe he will surprise a lot of people this year. There is a lot of expectations on his shoulders going into his junior year.
Malik Brown ATH #7 6’2 190lb c/o 2022 Will get the majority of snaps in the defensive backfield, will also line up at RB, and WR. Has made plays all over the field this Spring.
Davaughn Patterson ATH #5 6’0 195lb c/o 2023, Big time playmaker, will be featured on both sides of the ball. Will play safety and get some carries in the backfield. Coaches tout him as a smart, hardworking player, who’s always around the ball.
Xavier Baldwin WR #19 5’8 155lb c/o 2023, Quick explosive player, who can make plays when he gets the ball in space. He’s a threat to score anytime he gets the ball. Coaches have high expectations for his junior campaign.
Jaquan Stepherson DL #95 5’11 250lb c/o 2022 Quick, disruptive, interior defensive linemen, and a returning starter. Coaches say he has a knack for making plays in the backfield.
Roddell Owens OL #55 5’10 240lb c/o 2022 Very athletic offensive lineman. Runs as well as any in the area. Coach says he does a good job of pulling and leading the backs out in space.
Gabriel Garmon WR– 6’3 175lb c/o 2023, He’s a big target, good route runner, has good hands, and always finds a way to come down with the catch.
The Coaches like the players above and there was promising talent displayed even this early in spring practice. Size, and toughness are riddled all over this team. A good showing in their spring game can go a long way with their confidence heading into the Fall.
Ed White takes on Yulee at Yulee in Spring Football, May 21st 2021, 7:00pm
