Ridgeview High School welcomes Merlin Smith as it’s new head coach this year. Smith finally put his name in the hat for a high school head coaching job, after 16 years at Oakleaf Junior High School where he won 3 Clay County middle school championships in Football, 2 middle school State Track and Field Championships, and 6 Clay County middle school championships in Track & Field. Smith’s motto is, “the view looks good from here” signifying Ridgeview’s positive outlook for the future.
Early in Spring football, Smith comprised a staff of coaches who have high school head coach experience, coaches who previously worked with him at Oakleaf Junior High, and coaches who have coached against him at area schools. The end-result is an eager and energetic group ready to ignite athletes who have been plagued with disappointment in recent years.
Players during spring practice started off doing combine testing to showcase to coaches their current athleticism and strength, but also to show themselves the progress they will make by seasons end. This is something that led to the development of several players to come through Oakleaf Junior High under Smith. Including Keshawn King (Virginia Tech), and Walter Simmons III (Eastern Carolina/ Bethune Cookman). Smith looks to continue that success bringing that format to the players at Ridgeview.
Key Players To Watch:
Alexavier Fennell – DB with good size and length at 6’1, 175lbs. Definitely looks the part with solid muscular frame. Made honorable mention All-Clay County Football Team in 2023.
Rashad Bligen– Played for coach Smith previously and is touted as an Athlete (ATH) with “tremendous potential”
Gavin Huey– Looks in good shape early in spring practice. The 6’0, 200 LB is already leading by example as one of the top combine testers.
Lucious Harris- 5’10, 190lbs Linebacker with chiseled frame , also will play some running back. One of the most all-around gifted and athletic players on the team.
Laila Finley- Possesses unique physical size and height for a female athlete transitioning from flag football to tackle football. The 5’11 size along with her noticeable determination, makes her one to bet on this spring.
Michale “Big Mike” Moglia- At 6’8, 390lbs this OT said ” I aint hard to find”. Just a freshman and needs work, but is definitely worth the look and early collegiate investment as he possesses a tremendously high ceiling due to his God given size.
Michale “Big Mike” Moglia is a 6’8, 390lb Freshman OL/DL at Ridgeview HS @RidgeviewFb @RHSPAthletics
— Andre' Ellis (@andreellis55) May 2, 2024
No Offers!
He said "I ain't hard to find"!
Head coach Merlin Smith @kingstrackclub @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/ciyONIsSFp
Spring outlook:
Ridgeview finished 1-9 last year under a previous regime, so there is nowhere to go but up for this promising program. Saw players with good length, and size on the offensive line that college coaches should take a look at in spring. A key need for the team is at quarterback. It’s a position that has plagued the Panthers for years, and is one of the reason the team has not generated much offense. If a quarterback transfers over the summer, or if Ridgeview develops one in house, Coach Smith and staff will have a key building block to work with come fall.
