Duval Sports takes our annual look back at the top performers on the high school gridiron from the 2024-2025 high school football season. Highlighting their accomplishments and previewing their upcoming seasons in high school or first year in college. This prestigious list highlights the player’s stats at each position, and factors in strength of schedule, and overall impact on the game.
There are only 120 players that made the Prime Time Players list. The list consists of a First Team (offense and defense) Top 40!
Second Team (offense and defense) Next 40, and Third Team Offense and Defense (40 players). There is no Honorable Mention.
Check out who made the list as some of the best players in Northeast Florida is recognized!
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Second Team Offense
Quarterback
QB -Edward Jordan IV- Beachside
Edward Jordan IV, junior quarterback at Beachside High, exploded in 2024 with 2,866 passing yards and 27 TDs, plus 254 rushing yards and 7 TDs, totaling 3,120 yards and 34 touchdowns. He led Beachside to its first-ever state playoff appearance
QB -Jack McKissock- Oakleaf
Jack McKissock, senior quarterback at Oakleaf High School, tore up the 2024 season with precision and power. He completed 66% of his passes for 2,942 yards and 28 touchdowns, with only four interceptions, while adding 221 rushing yards and three TD
QB -Ethan Drumm- Bolles (Click to view player profile)
Ethan Drumm, senior quarterback at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, delivered a standout 2024 season. He completed 115 of 216 passes for 1,859 yards and 22 touchdowns, leading the Bulldogs to a 9–3 record and a deep playoff run . Drumm ranked first in District 4-2A for passing touchdowns and was among the top 10 in Florida’s 2A division . His performance earned him a commitment to Wofford College, where he enrolled in spring 2025.
QB -Mason Williams- Providence
Mason Williams, senior quarterback at Providence School in Jacksonville, totaled 2,285 passing yards and 27 touchdowns in 2024, averaging 190 yards per game and throwing just 3 interceptions—ranking top 2 in Florida Class 1A and leading District 1—guiding the Stallions to the state playoffs
Running back
RB- Christopher Foy II- Oakleaf
Chris “Deuce” Foy II, senior running back at Oakleaf High School, rushed for 1,301 yards on 138 carries (9.4 yds/carry) and scored 12 touchdowns in 2024, averaging 108.4 yards per game—ranking top‑1 in District 2 and top‑6 in Class 6A
RB – Caleb Mattison- Bishop Kenny
Caleb Mattison, sophomore running back at Bishop Kenny, erupted in 2024 with 1,316 yards on 243 carries (5.4 yds/carry) and 16 touchdowns across 13 games, averaging 101 yards per game, ranking top 2 in District 4 and top 51 statewide
RB – Drew Simmons- Union County
Drew Simmons, a standout sophomore at Union County High in Lake Butler (near Jacksonville), rushed for an impressive 1,444 yards and 17 touchdowns in the 2024 season—averaging 9.0 yards per carry—as he helped lead the Tigers to a 10–2 record and earned.
RB -Brian Case- Ponte Vedra
Brian Case, senior running back at Ponte Vedra High, finished 2024 with 1,563 rushing yards (6.2 yds/carry) and 20 touchdowns across 12 games. He ranked top 2 in Class 5A and top 27 in Florida for rushing yards, leading District 3 in multiple statistical categories
RB-Demhir Jackson- Fleming Island
Demhir Jackson, senior running back at Fleming Island High School, powered the Golden Eagles in 2024 with 1,303 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on 148 carries (8.8 yds/carry), averaging 118.5 yards per game—ranking top 7 in 5A District 3 and 53rd statewide in Florida
Wide Receiver
WR- Noah Johnson– Providence
Noah Johnson, senior wide receiver at Providence School in Jacksonville, amassed an exceptional 1,047 receiving yards on 41 catches (25.5 yards per catch) with 11 touchdowns across 11 games in 2024—averaging 95 receiving yards per game. His performance ranked him top 30 statewide in Florida, top 3 in 1A District 3, and solidified his place as the Stallions’ go‑to big-play threat.
WR- DeAndre Caldwell- Bartram Trail
DeAndre Caldwell, senior wide receiver at Bartram Trail High School, exploded in 2024 with 52 catches for 1,020 yards (19.6 yds/catch) and 8 touchdowns, averaging 102 yards per game, ranking among the top receivers in Florida’s 6A division.
WR -JP Donovan- Bishop Kenny
JP Donovan, senior wide receiver and safety at Bishop Kenny, recorded 51 catches for 802 yards and 14 receiving TDs, plus 15 total touchdowns in 2024. He also amassed 1,212 all-purpose yards and contributed in special teams—with kick and punt return scores—helping the Crusaders win their district and reach the regional finals
WR- Kelvin Brown- Baldwin
Kelvin Brown, a standout wide receiver at Baldwin High School in Jacksonville, delivered an impressive performance during the 2024 football season with 825yds receiving and 12 touchdowns. Brown has transferred to Raines, making the Vikings offense once again, one of the most dangerous units in the state. He recently committed to Boston College.
ATH- Carlos Witherup- Oakleaf (Click to view player profile)
Carlos “Los” Witherup, senior wide receiver at Oakleaf, delivered a standout performance during the 2024 football season with 844 yards receiving and 9 touchdowns. He was particularly spectacular in the playoffs, helping his team upset both Mandarin, and Nease on the road scoring touchdowns in both contests.
ATH Jenoa Alfrod- University Christian
University Christian’s unquestioned leader on offense was Jenoa Alford. He caught 62 balls for 945 yards and 7 touchdowns. Those numbers included an 88 yard touchdown reception, showing Alford’s ability to make game changing plays in big games. He’s helped UC reach the playoffs year in and year out with his outstanding play even with injuries at the quarterback position. He committed to UMASS.
ATH -Mike Conner III- Oakleaf (Click to view Player Profile)
Mike Conner, a sophomore wide receiver at Oakleaf High School in Jacksonville, delivered a standout performance during the 2024 football season. He recorded 933 receiving yards, averaging 18.7 yards per catch, and scored 7 total touchdowns, ranking top 1 in District 2 and top 7 in Class 6A for receiving yards. His exceptional play earned him a spot on Duval Sports’ Prime Time Players Second Team list for the second consecutive season.
Offensive Line
OL- Jacob Ferguson- Bradford
Jacob Ferguson, senior offensive tackle at Bradford High School (Starke, FL) earned a Division I offer and signed with Old Dominion on December 4, 2024. Standing 6’4″ and 285 lb, he anchored the offensive line throughout the 2024 season with consistent dominance. The Tornadoes averaged 204 rushing yards per game behind him.
OL- Reggie Houston- Oakleaf
Reggie Houston, a 6’2, 265lb senior lineman (T/G/DT) at Oakleaf High School, anchored a dominant offensive front during the 2024 season. He’s a nasty lineman who puts defenders in the dirt! Just the way we like them. He totaled 96 pancake blocks over 13 games, peaking with 10 pancakes in key playoff victories against Mandarin and Nease.—leading to a berth in the 6A state semifinals—before signing to play interior line at Wofford on December 4, 2024.
OL- Ryan Ingram- Bolles (Click to view player profile)
Ryan Ingram, a 6’2″, 285‑lb senior offensive lineman at Bolles High School, anchored the Bulldogs’ powerful front in 2024 averaging 167 rushing yards per game. A three-year varsity starter, he helped Bolles reach the Class 2A state finals with dominant run blocking and pass protection, earning recognition as a stone‑wall guard among Northeast Florida’s top returnees.
OL-Austin Candler- Mandarin
Austin Candler, a 6’4″, 300‑lb senior offensive tackle at Mandarin, earned All‑District honors in 2024. He anchored a strong line during Mandarin’s 7‑4 season. He also pllayed defense recording 36 tackles, 2 sacks. His 4 pancake blocks against the best composition in the state demonstrated both power and consistency up front. He signed with Alabama State.
OL- Syon Hawkins- Raines
Syon Hawkins, or ” Big Nasty” as they call him is a 6’4, 295lbs senior guard at Raines High School, shined throughout the Vikings’ undefeated 2024 playoff run. He tallied 2 pancake blocks over 13 games, earning Player of the Game honors in October and anchored the offensive line all the way on their Class 3A state championship runner-up. Even when 5 Star teammate Solomon Thomas went down with an injury, Hawkins kept the line moving. He signed with Tuskegee.
Tight End
TE – Corbyn Fordham- Bolles
Corbyn Fordham, a standout tight end at Bolles High School in Jacksonville, delivered a dominant performance during the 2024 football season. Standing 6’4″ and weighing 215 pounds, Fordham showcased his versatility on the field as a key blocker and still went for 234 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns. Fordham’s commitment to Ohio State underscores his status as one of the top tight end prospects in the nation.
Kicker
K- Parker Sirdevan- Fleming Island
Parker Sirdevan, a standout kicker and punter at Fleming Island High School in Jacksonville, delivered an exceptional performance during the 2024 football season. He averaged 57.5 yards per kickoff with 39 touchbacks and 33.5 yards per punt, placing 13 punts inside the 20-yard line
Second Team Defense
DB- Julian Holt- Ed White
Julian Holt, senior strong safety at Ed White High School, capped off 2024 with 79 tackles (including 6 for loss), 4 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and even 5 rushing touchdowns—anchoring a defense that went 8–4 and reached the 4A playoffs.
DB -Elisha Luckett III- Nease
Elisha Luckett III, a senior cornerback and return specialist, recorded an impressive 45 total tackles and 5 interceptions during the 2024 season, including a pick-six and numerous pass breakups. He ranked top 2 in District 4S and was among the top defenders in Florida, anchoring Nease’s secondary in their playoff run.
DB- Tamahj Mitchell- Mandarin
Tamajh Mitchell, a rising senior corner back racked up 46 total tackles, 5 passes defensed , and 2 interceptions during the 2024 season. He shined on special teams too, with a punt return for a touchdown. His consistent defensive play helped the Mustangs earn a playoff berth and caught the attention of college programs, with offers from Penn State, Duke, and Florida Atlantic among others.
DB- Richard Pooler- Riverside
6 foot 3 Richard Pooler, senior cornerback/free safety at Riverside High, recorded 67 total tackles, 5 interceptions, and 7 pass breakups over 11 games in 2024—averaging 4.5 tackles per game. His standout season ranked top 1 in District 4A interceptions, top 9 in Division 4A, and 64th statewide in Florida, highlighted by a 30-yard pick-six and multiple clutch plays.
S- Eddie Hinton- Raines
Eddie Hinton, junior free safety and punter at Raines, showcased an outstanding 2024 season. He led the team with 5 interceptions—ranking first on the Vikings—and helped anchor a relentless Raines defense during their undefeated regular season and run to the Class 3A state semifinals.
S– Darrell Jenkins- St. Augustine
Darrell Jenkins, a senior defensive back at St. Augustine High School, delivered a standout 2024 season. On defense, he tallied 49 total tackles, including 16 solo stops, along with 6 pass breakups and 7 interceptions—ranking him top 3 in Class 4A for interceptions and top 11 in Florida overall
DL -Amare Thomas- Oakleaf
Amare’ Thomas, a senior defensive lineman at Oakleaf High School, dominated the 2024 season with 120 total tackles (79 solo), averaging 9.2 tackles per game, and a staggering 14.5 sacks—ranking top 6 in Class 6A, top 32 in Florida, and top 201 nationally. His standout impact earned him Class 6A All-State Defensive Team honors and made him a pillar of Oakleaf’s playoff-defining defense
DE- Kyon Wilcox- St. Augustine
K’yon Wilcox, senior edge linebacker at St. Augustine High School, had a breakout 2024 campaign. He totaled 83 tackles (38 solo), 14.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception, averaging 6.4 tackles per game. His dominance ranked him top 3 in Class 4A, top 31 in Florida, and top 201 nationally in sacks
DE -Phillip Jackson- Baker County
Phillip Jackson, senior defensive end/tackle at Baker County High School (Glen St. Mary), dominated in 2024 with 51 total tackles (39 solo), 15 sacks, and 1 forced fumble over nine varsity games—averaging 5.7 tackles and 1.7 sacks per game. His relentless pass‑rush ranked him top 4 in Class 3A, top 19 in Florida
OLB- Kameron Mills – Mandarin
Kameron Mills, a junior at Mandarin High School, starred as a versatile athlete in the 2024 football season. He recorded 11.5 sacks, along with 61 total tackles, and added 106 receiving yards on limited touches. His dominance ranked him top 12 in Florida’s Class 6A (sacks), top 66 statewide, in that category.
LB -Kemari Spriggs- Mandarin
Kemari Spriggs, a senior linebacker (MLB/OLB) at Mandarin High School, totaled 105 tackles in 2024—averaging 9.5 per game—with 43 solo stops, and 2 interceptions. He ranked top 25 in Class 6A for tackles and top 3 in District 2, anchoring the Mustangs’ elite defense during their playoff run.
LB- Joe Miracle- Nease
Joe Miracle III, senior linebacker at Nease High School, anchored the Panthers’ defense in 2024. He totaled 105 tackles, including 61 solo stops, 7 sacks, 3 interceptions, 12 QB hurries, and 2 fumble recoveries, ranking him first in 6A District 3, top 26 in Class 6A statewide.
LB- Seth Chestnut- Baker County
Seth Chestnut, senior linebacker at Baker County, powered the Wildcats’ defense in 2024. Recorded 133 tackles (81 solo), 6 sacks, and an interception. His season ranked him first in District 2S, fourth in Division 2S, and 28th statewide in Florida. His standout play earned him Duval Sports’ Prime Time Players Second Team honors for the second consecutive year and led to a commitment to Florida Atlantic University.
LB Dajon Brown- Columbia
Dajon Brown, senior linebacker at Columbia High School (Lake City, FL, near Jacksonville), was a defensive force in 2024. He amassed 81 total tackles (32 solo), 3 interceptions, and forced a fumble over 10 varsity games—averaging 8.1 tackles per game, ranking top 1 in District 3A and top 30 in Class 4A statewide
LB -Jacob Curry- Nease
Jacob Curry, junior linebacker at Nease (Ponte Vedra), recorded 101 tackles, including 59 solo, with 8 sacks and 2 forced fumbles during the 2024 season—averaging 9.2 tackles per game. His dominance ranked first in 6A District 3, fourth in Class 6A statewide
ATH- Jordin Price- Oakleaf
Jordin “JP” Price, a 5′10″, 160 lb junior athlete starred throughout the 2024 season. He recorded 415 receiving yards, 6 total touchdowns, and ranked No. 1 in District 6A–2 with his dynamic scoring and versatile play. His 2 interceptions and 25 pass deflections was best on the team.
ATH Amare Ross- University Christian
Amare “Bubba” Mack, junior DB/WR at University Christian in Jacksonville, had a breakout 2024 season. He hauled in 39 catches for 772 yards (19.8 ypc) and 8 touchdowns, while adding 62 return yards and 3 total rush yards—averaging 59.6 all‑purpose yards per game, and earning a verbal commitment to Georgia State in June 2025
Third Team Offense
QB- Jaden Weatherly- Bartram Trail
Jaden Weatherly, junior quarterback at Bartram Trail, passed for 1,211 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024—averaging 134.6 yards per game. His ability to hurt defenses though the air and on the ground made him a dangerous weapon for the Bears, and he will be even more dangerous at Bolles this senior season.
QB -Kyle Boylston- Ed White
Kyle Boylston, a sophomore quarterback at Ed White High School in Jacksonville, passed for 2,046 yards and 13 touchdowns, while rushing for 215 yards and 3 rushing scores in 2024. He led the Commanders’ offense, ranking among the top returning quarterbacks in Northeast Florida and earning acclaim as a premier Class 7A signal-caller.
QB- Sean Ashenfelder- Creekside
Sean Ashenfelder, junior quarterback at Creekside High, totaled 1,772 passing yards and also rushed for 354 yards with six touchdowns in 2024. Averaging 53.7 rushing and 13 total TDs, he ranked top 1 in 7A District 1 and top 78 statewide, earning recognition as a dual-threat leader for the Knights. He signed with Rutgers.
RB -Tony Neal- Bolles
Tyrone Neal, senior running back at Bolles High School in Jacksonville, rushed for 818 yards on 152 carries (5.4 yds/carry) with 11 touchdowns, averaging 68.2 yards per game in 2024. He ranked top 20 in Class 2A, led District 4, and was a key offensive weapon for the Bulldogs.
RB- Harrison Garrido- Creekside (Click to view player profile)
Harrison Garrido, senior running back at Creekside High, exploded in 2024—leading the team with 139.6 rushing yards per game and 16 total touchdowns, powering the Knights to a district title. His big-play ability and consistency make him one of Northeast Florida’s top backs. He amassed 1,256 yards on the season.
RB- Kenyon Gardner- Paxon
Kenyon Gardner, senior running back at Paxon School for Advanced Studies, dominated in 2024. He amassed 1,528 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 149 carries (10.3 yds/carry), plus 325 receiving yards and one TD—including a jaw-dropping 288‑yard, 3‑TD game vs. Bishop Snyder
RB- KJ Perry- Nease
KJ Perry, senior running back at Nease High School in Jacksonville, powered the Panthers in 2024 with 872 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, and 17 total TDs, ranking top 3 in District 3 and top 11 in Class 6A. He scored four touchdowns in the season finale, helping Nease complete a perfect 9–0 regular season
WR- Myles Kendrick- Riverside
Myles Kendrick, senior wide receiver at Riverside High School, hauled in 45 catches for 552 yards (12.3 yds/catch), with 3 receiving touchdowns in 2024. Even with Riverside’s inconsistency at quarterback Kendrick still ranked top 2 in District 4A.
WR- Ziyon Butler Raines
Ziyon Butler, senior wide receiver at Raines High School, played a pivotal role in their 2024 state championship run. He caught multiple clutch passes in playoff games—25 receiving yards vs. Atlantic Coast, 100 yards vs. Bay, and a key 27-yard touchdown vs. Creekside—earning several “Player of the Game” honors during the Vikings’ 13–1 season. Finished with 595 yards receiving and 9 touchdowns.
WR -Landon Francis- Ed White
Landon Francis, a senior WR/CB at Ed White High, was an offensive force in 2024 with 41 receptions for 700 yards (17.1 yds/catch) and 5 receiving touchdowns, while adding 86 rushing yards and four rushing scores. He led the team with 63.6 receiving yards per game and 9 total touchdowns, anchoring a district championship run
WR- Josiah Payton- Providence (Click to view player profile)
Josiah Payton, a 2026 WR/DB at Providence totaled 12 TDs, including a 99-yard KO return, and a punt return Extremely versatile, and aggressive! Payton is the perfect D-1 player for the college level! Finished the year 904 total yards (19 rec/14 car) with 3 ints and 46 tackles on defense. Committed to Elon. Look out of him, he’s got one more year.
WR -Kaleb Lampkins- Raines
Kaleb Lampkins, a senior wide receiver at Raines High, starred in 2024 with 35 catches for 527 yards (15.1 yds/catch) and 9 touchdowns across 13 games. He averaged 40.5 receiving yards per game, ranking top 3 on his team, and earned five “Player of the Game” honors while helping lead the Vikings to a 13‑1 season and deep playoff run.
WR -Gavin Jenkins- Union County
Gavin Jenkins, senior at Union County High near Jacksonville, starred as a two-way athlete in 2024. On offense, he hauled in 31 catches for 577yards and 7 touchdowns, while on defense he recorded 29 tackles, nine pass breakups, and one interception, including two pick-sixes in the playoffs. He signed with USF on November 11, 2024
WR- Terrell Brant
Terrell Brant, senior WR/DB at Zarephath Academy in Jacksonville, dominated during the 2024 season. He hauled in 82 receptions for 2,086 yards (25.4 yds/catch) and scored 26 touchdowns over 15 games, averaging 139 yards per game. His explosive performance ranked top 2 nationally and in Florida for receiving yards.
ATH- Elijah Caldwell- Hardy- Impact
Eliyjah Caldwell-Hardy, a standout junior at Impact Christian Academy in Jacksonville, delivered a dynamic 2024 football season. He accumulated 511 rushing yards, 9 rushing touchdowns, and contributed 432 total return yards, ranking top 1 in Division 1A and top 11 in District 3 for multiple statistical categories. His versatility as a running back, wide receiver, and safety earned him Duval Sports Prime Time Player recognition and a commitment to Michigan State University in June 2025
ATH– Ta’ Darius Washington- Raines
Ta’darius Washington is a rising senior at Raines High School. He plays running back (RB) and free safety (FS) and also competes in track and field. Amassed 939 rushing yards with an average of 7.5 yards per carry on 126 carries. He scored 17 rushing touchdowns and 19 total touchdowns.
Offensive line
OL- Anson Bivens- Clay (Click to view player profile)
He’s one of the nastiest offensive linemen seen on tape, and he’s just a freshman. Anson Bivens entered the starting lineup at guard for Clay as a freshman, and immedietly made an impact. Bivens buries defenders to the end of the whistle, routinely driving players into the dirt. He’s picked up offers from USF and App State.
OL- Chase Johnson- Columbia
Johnson is known for his strength and physicality, described as “mean, fast and physical in the trenches”.He was a key part of Columbia’s offensive line which averaged 5.0 yards per carry..Johnson has committed to play college football at Tuskegee University.
OL-TK Muex- Fletcher
Takaylen “TK” Muex is a massive offensive lineman standing at 6’4″, 340-pounds. He displayed athleticism and a “nasty streak” on both sides of the ball during his time at Fletcher and was looked at as one of the offensive lineman with the highest potential in the area. Battled through injuries to still make list. In December 2024, he committed and signed with the Florida International University (FIU).
OL-Steven Franklin- Fleming Island
Steven Franklin is a prominent figure on the football field standing 6’5, 300 LBS. Known for his athletic prowess, he was recognized as a state weightlifting champion, and a wrestler. He also was a member of the basketball team, demonstrating versatility across different sports. He signed with Benedict College.
OL- Tarvarion Keenon- St. Augustine
Tarvarion Keenon, also known as Trey D stands at 6’2″, 310 lbs but played even bigger on the field. He opened holes for one of the leading rushers in the state, and protected one of the top quarterbacks in the state. He was a key factor in the high powered St. Augustine offense.
Third Team Defense
DB- Kaylib Singleton- Oakleaf
Kaylib Singleton, senior cornerback at Oakleaf High, delivered a breakout 2024 season. He tallied 54 tackles, 17 pass breakups, and 1 interception across 11 games—nearly 5 tackles per contest—while earning a commitment to Syracuse University on November 25, 2024
DB Shareef Jackson- Mandarin
Shareef Jackson, senior DB at Mandarin High School, starred in 2024 with 50 total tackles, 2 interceptions, and 1 QB hurry over 11 games, ranking among the top defensive backs in Duval County. His dynamic playmaking on turnover opportunities and consistent coverage in the secondary marked him as a standout two-way threat.
DB Braylon James- St. Augustine
Braylon James, senior defensive back at St. Augustine High, led the Yellow Jackets in 2024 with 94 tackles, 1 interceptions, and 3 QB hurries, averaging 7.2 tackles per game. He paced District 3 and ranked top 30 in Class 4A statewide, anchoring a strong secondary on their deep playoff run.
S Anthony Henry- Riverside
Anthony Henry, senior free safety at Riverside High School in Jacksonville, tallied 73 total tackles, 5 interceptions, and 2 passes defensed during the 2024 season. He ranked top 2 in 4A District 4 for interceptions and 65th in Florida, anchoring a revitalized Generals’ secondary
S- Jayshaun Wanton- Raines
Jayshaun “Jayshon” Wanton, senior free safety at Raines High School, starred in the Vikings’ historic 2024 season. He notched 72 tackles (36 solo), 12 pass breakups, two interceptions, one caused fumble, and three blocked punts—ranking 5.5 tackles per game, earning multiple Player of the Game honors and the hit of the year, as Raines raced to a 13–1 record and state championship appearance.
DE Jarius Rodgers- Fleming Island
Jarius Rodgers, a towering 6′5″ junior defensive end at Fleming Island High, was a force in 2024. He tallied 51 tackles (29 solo), 9 sacks, 22 QB hurries, and 5 pass breakups across 12 games—anchoring the Golden Eagles’ defense and earning attention as a top‑30 national EDGE recruit.
DE- Asher Ghioto- Bolles
Asher Ghioto, a standout freshman defensive lineman at Bolles High in Jacksonville, posted 66 tackles, 7 sacks, and 15 QB hurries across 12 games in 2024. His dominant play earned him recognition on the MaxPreps Freshman All‑America Team,and as an UA Next All American- rare achievement for a newcomer. Watch out for the 6’5, 275lb monster for the next three years!
DL Aaron Stacy- Clay
Aaron Stacy, senior defensive end/tackle at Clay High School near Jacksonville, tallied 83 total tackles (23 solo) and an impressive 10 sacks in 2024—averaging 8.3 tackles per game. He ranked top 2 in 4A District 3 and 107th in Florida for sacks, anchoring Clay’s defense despite a challenging season
DL King Massey- Raines
King Massey, a 6’4″, 230‑lb senior defensive end at Raines, was a force in 2024. He recorded 66 tackles, 7 sacks, forced 5 fumbles, recovered 5 fumbles, and snagged 1 interception, powering the Vikings’ march to the Class 3A state championship game. He earned multiple Player‑of‑the‑Game honors en route to their 13–1 season
DL Bernard Carter- Middleburg
Bernard “BJ” Carter, senior defensive tackle at Middleburg High, dominated in 2024 with 46 tackles, 7 sacks, 9 QB hurries, and a forced fumble over 10 games—averaging 4.6 tackles per game. He earned multiple Player‑of‑the‑Game awards and secured a commitment to Iowa State on June 17, 2024
DE Darnell Malpress- Atlantic Coast
Darnell Malpress, senior EDGE linebacker at Atlantic Coast High School in Jacksonville, logged a strong 2024 campaign. He posted 16 total tackles, including 15 solo stops, added 4 sacks and forced 2 turnovers in just seven varsity games, ranking top 1 in District 1 for sacks and total tackles per game in Class 7A fanstake.com+13maxpreps.com+13maxpreps.com+13. His performance helped anchor the Stingrays’ defense and earned him a mid‑season commitment to Middle Tennessee State University
LB- Javon Johnson- White
Javon Johnson, senior linebacker at Ed White High School in Jacksonville, amassed 102 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles over 12 games in 2024. His performance ranked top 2 in Class 7A District 2 and earned him First‑Team All-District honors for anchoring the Commanders’ defense. He committed to St. Thomas University.
LB -Josh Macklin, White
The leader in the middle of the district championship defense was Josh Macklin who led the team in tackles with 97. He also contributed 9.0 tackles for loss, 1 sack and 1 interceptions on his way to a commitment to St. Thomas University
LB Micah Merritt- Raines
Micah Merritt, a senior linebacker at Raines High School in Jacksonville, delivered a standout performance during the 2024 football season. He recorded 82 total tackles, including 10 tackles for loss, and achieved 5 sacks over 13 games. Merritt also contributed significantly to the team’s defensive efforts with 2 fumble recoveries and 10 pass deflections.
LB- Troy Holloway- Bolles
Troy Holloway, a senior linebacker at Bolles High School, led the 2024 defense with 105 tackles (71 solo), 2 caused fumbles, and 1 interception—averaging 8.8 tackles per game. His stellar play ranked him first in District 4 and 139th statewide, anchoring Bolles’ 10‑2 season
LB – Talan Babin- Ponte Vedra
Talan Babin, junior inside linebacker at Ponte Vedra High School, registered 79 total tackles (top 6 in 5A District 3 and top 50 statewide), including 4 sacks, during the 2024 season. His consistent tackling (6.6 per game) and situational impact anchored a competitive Sharks defense
ATH –Fareed Coleman- Oakleaf
Fareed Coleman, a junior athlete at Oakleaf High School, stepped up in 2024 when teammates were sidelined. He rushed for 497 yards (10.1 yds/carry) with 3 touchdowns, averaging 38.2 rushing yards per game. Coleman also shined on defense with approximately 90 tackles and 5 tackles for loss, earning praise as a versatile two-way standout who played a pivotal role in Oakleaf’s upset over Nease in the playoffs.
ATH Aydin Poe- Fernandina Beach (Click to view Player Profile)
In his sophomore season Poe posted these stats (12 Games): 62 Tackles (46 Solo, 4 TFL, 1 Sack) 2 FF (4 recovered) 2 INT 5 PBU 4 TDs (+1 Pass TD) 19 Rec 284 Recieving Yds 90 Rush Yds 448 All Purpose Yds. A huge playmaker one both sides of the ball for Fernandina Beach, with two more years to go!
ATH- Von Lane Jr- Columbia
Vondarius “Von” Lane Jr., a rising junior cornerback at Columbia High School (Lake City, near Jacksonville), turned in a standout 2024 season. He led Columbia with 51 tackles and ranked first in team interceptions with 3 as a sophomore (Class 4A)
