The plays in the Columbia versus Bartram Trail spring football game were so big, that they knocked the lights out, no literally. The stadium lights at Bartram would go out in the second half of the spring game. But before the lights could dim, several athletes stood out in Bartram’s 29-20 victory over Lake City Columbia. Lets shine a spotlight on them and more.
Eric Weatherly, RB 2022 ( Bartram)- The spring game was May 28th, the Duke offer came June 2nd. The coaching staff obviously had seen enough after the game. Weatherly got light action for what he’s accustomed to doing.
The most electrifying player in Northeast Florida is a running back, kick returner, and even added a new wrinkle into his arsenal this spring, quarterback. He immediately moved the chains and ignited the Bears offense when he was inserted at QB on the second drive. Weatherly committed to Duke June 4th.
AJ Megas, RB (Bartram) 2022 – There’s another AJ wearing #3 and it’s not 2021 Memphis signee Ajay Jones. There’s no replacing Jones who set several school records, but Megas showed why he will make big impacts in games this year. He raced around the left end for the game’s first score to put Bartram up 7-0.
Megas also scored on a sweep around the left end in the second quarter but that was called back due to a penalty. He had some big runs in the game, finishing with blows to defenders and delivered some nice blocks as well.
Jerome Fulton SS 2022 (Columbia)- Fulton has a knack for being around the ball and it showed in the first quarter as he made a diving interception in the end zone to stop Bartram’s attempt at a second score. He fly’s around and makes plays.
Trenton Delaere QB 2022 ( Bartram) – There are big shoes to fill at the quarterback position in Bartram and Delaere knows it’s not going to be easy. On the first series, nervousness got the best of him and he fumble the snap resulting in a turnover. But once he realized that he’s not filling anyone else’s shoes, but making his own foot prints he moved the ball very effectively for the Bears.
A beautiful pass to his tight end Jack Cremen was a signature play. He also had some nice scrambles in the game for first downs. He did throw two ill-timed interceptions. Overall, I think he answered a lot of questions for the coaches with his play.
Jace Hoskey WR 2022 (Columbia) – He’s impressed in spring practice and coaches and players saw in the game what he’s been showing in practice. He’s a big play threat.
Kade Jackson QB 2022 (Columbia) – Action Jackson is what I’m going to call him. He showed impressive escape ability in the pocket and hit two big touchdown passes in the game that made you double-take. Yet with any exciting quarterback comes mistakes and he had a couple of interceptions that he’ll need to clean up.
Bryce Johnson– LB 2022 (Bartram) – Johnson victimized Columbia when he picked off Jackson in the first quarter. I loved his tenacity, after Columbia’s Marcus Peterson horse collared him on a tackle he got up and ran back to the Bartram huddle putting the ball in Peterson’s chest saying ” Here you go #2″. Peterson didn’t care for it and both players were penalized. But it shows the competitiveness it take to play the game at the next level.
Jaden Robinson SS 2023 (Columbia)- At 6’2 ,210 he’s an impressive athlete as only a rising junior. He’s one of the hottest recruits in the area with several power 5 offers including Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Penn State and others.
Arion Stith DT 2023 (Bartram) – Another freakish athlete with incredible size as arising junior. He’s hard to block, a disrupter on defense and is definitely a player all college coaches should have on the radar.
Amare Ferrell – DB 2023 (Columbia)- Probably the most athletic player in an already impressive back 7 for the Tigers. Ferrell showed why he’s one of the hottest defensive backs in the nation when he had a drive altering interception in the spring game. He’ll make lots of them this year in the fall for sure.
Segree Graham DE 2022 (Bartram) – One of the most athletic big men around. The 6’3, 240 defensive end caught a 32-yard TD on 3rd and 13 in the spring game.
Sharif Denson DB 2023 – The quick and fluid top prospect at corner was fully healthy for his first spring game. There’s no question about his talent as a football player. He uses great technique even as a rising junior. Matched up several times against Marcus Peterson and battled the older and bigger receiver aggressively. Big year for Denson loading.
Marcus Peterson WR 2022 – Unquestionably the best receiver in the class of 2022 in Northeast Florida, Marcus Peterson is a man amongst boys on some plays. He shrugs of tacklers, makes contested catches across the middle, and can torch defensive backs for long touchdowns. He did all of that and more in the spring game. He turned out the lights when he scored on a 75 yard touchdown reception. He scored a two point conversion on a great catch. He made a touchdown saving tackle on special teams as well. He will have a lights out season in the fall.
Other players to watch:
Elo Modozie WR 2022 6’4, 200lbs (Bartram) Big frame receiver
Zeke Cromwell LB 2023
Micah Pollard 2022 OLB/DE 6’3 210 (Bartram) Several power 5 offers
Hayden White 2022 OT, 6’7 , 270lbs, Already has D1 offers including Georgia Tech and USF. He will blow up after camp season and will be a big sought after recruited tackle by the fall.
