- Raines- It’s hard to believe that the Class 3A state runners-up might have just gotten better this year. Well believe it because they did. Not only is the player of the year quarterback Timothy Cole II returning with top wideout Ziyon Butler (Georgia State commit), but Boston College commit Kelvin Brown Jr comes over from Baldwin as another playmaker at wide receiver. The running game is still powered by Tadarius Washington.
On defense, Ethan Sherman (Middle Tennessee State commit) and Shareef Jackson came over from Mandarin to man the secondary. They join the likes of defensive tackle Ge’Terius Brown (Charleston Southern commit), defensive end Cameron Washington (Charleston Southern commit) and linebacker Tony Williams (Illinois commit) on a unit that was already one of the best in the state last year.
2. Bolles- The Bulldogs blanketed Monarch 34–15 during the Broward County Football Showcase Thursday night. We got a glimpse into the 2025 edition of the Bulldogs as Ohio State commit 6’4, 225 pound Corbyn Fordham and 6’5, 240 pound 5-star defensive end Asher Ghioto started at Tight End of offense. Next to them are Miami commit guard JJ Sparks, and tackle Ryan Ingram. they pave the way for sophomore running back Xander Edwards, and protect quarterback Jaden Weatherly.
Weatherly accounted for three scores in his debut coming over from Bartram. He hooked up with 4-star wide receiver Naeem Burroughs who arguably is the best wide receiver of his class in the state. Ohio state commit Simeon Caldwell captains a defense that has tremendous size and will be hard to push around.
3. Oakleaf– They return one of the top passers in the area in Jack McKissock. James Madison commit Trace Burney came over from Fleming Island to join an already talented receiving core of Jordin Price (UAB commit), the always dangerous Mike Conner II and running back Fareed Coleman. Tulsa commit Joel Bazinet highlights an area that gives the Knights an edge every year and that’s special teams.
4. St. Augustine- One of the best wide receivers of his class transferred from Tocoi Creek over to St. Augustine, and now Julio Santiago teams up with 4-star Miami commit Somourian Wingo to from a terrific tandem at wideout. Quarterback Brenton James is big at 6’5 and can put passes on a rope. Yet with all the flashy new toys, the old faithful one is running back Trendell Anderson, who was one of the area leaders in touchdowns last year.
5. Mandarin– No player in Northeast Florida garnered more attention this off-season than Mandarin sophomore 5-star receiver Brysen Wright. It was warranted, as the 15 year old displayed to the world his elite athleticism and freakish size (6’4, 200lbs) which made him the #1 receiver in the nation of his class by 247 sports. Throwing him the ball is another sophomore Knox Annis who is now 6 foot 2 and has worked hard to add precision passing to his superb athleticism. The offense maybe young, but the defense is experienced with Miami commit Brody Jennings, and Tamahj Mitchell patrolling the skies. Linebacker Cory Mathews transferred from Atlantic Coast and gives them a high motor pass rusher next to linebacker Isreal Ratliff.
6. Nease– It was an undefeated season at 9-0. It was a green machine defense, and a money green offense which made it rain lots of points and plays in 2024. Yet 2025 is a forest green and Nease will have to cut down some obstacles in their way to repeat that success. First a new quarterback in sophomore Aiden Phifer. He’ll toss it to returning starters Vernon Stephens (Army commit) and Brayden Felder. Look out for running back Enrique Ordonez running behind John O’Dwyer (FSU offer). Defense is their strong suit with Northwestern commit Jacob Curry, linebacker Noah Hodge (100 tackles in 2024) and Georgia State commit linebacker Kru Casey. Damion Bridges and Jayden Haynes both have several offers in the Panther secondary
7. Trinity Christian– One of the youngest teams in the area the last two years is gaining experience, which spells trouble for opponents. Coach Verlon Dorminey and his staff have done an amazing job of getting their player prepared for every game. This year, the talented tandum of Terel Dallas (sophomore), and Hicks Zarah (junior) both have something to prove to everyone, that their names belong in the same sentences other highly recruited athletes in the area. The 6’4 Terrell Pinkney at edge, and linebackers Luke Baker, and Nathaniel Bennett (App State offer) know how to seek and destroy.
8. Columbia– The Lake City Columbia Tigers enter the 2025 season buoyed by experience and leadership returning to the field. Senior stalwarts anchor the defense with Vondarius Lane (CB/SS), and linebacker Kameron Mills who transferred from Mandarin and has really stood out. Tacori Allen (SS/CB) 27′, and 6’5 Kyten Davis (DE) are all back in the fold. Both hold several offers. Offensively, dual-threat junior quarterback Xavier Collins returns under center, and he has a talented receiver in Kyren Caldwell who recently picked up an offer from Florida and Mississippi State. With this core intact, the Tigers look poised for a breakthrough run in District 4A-3 and beyond.
9. Fletcher– This might be the most talented Senator roster on paper since head coach Ciatrick Fason took over. Quarterback Cruz James returns with lots of experience even though he is just a sophomore. Josh Jones is big and fast and will be a force this year. Speaking of force, the Fletcher offensive line anchored by guard Roy Farrow (Central State commit) and Alex Citrullo (Wagner commit). Elijah Keys (UCF commit) might be the most gifted athlete on the team with length, speed and experience in the secondary. The X- Factor is Diondre Smith ( Iowa commit) who can take it the distance anywhere.
10. Ed White– The Commanders conquered the Generals to finally win the district title last year. Now, can they conquer Trinity Christian finally in their first game. Three tries and three failed attempts. But this year an experienced quarterback in King Boylston who comes into his junior year, along with wide receiver Nick Roberson (Navy commit), provide big play potential for the offense. On defense, Bowling Green commit Julian Holt leads a hard hitting squad including Jacquari Parks (DB) has several D-1 offers Wake Forest, Tulane, FAU). Don’t forget 6’4 Mark Shiloh (Edge).
Honorable Mention: Bradford, Fleming Island, Beachside, Ponte Vedra, Baker County
