With lightning quick football instincts, Julio Santiago may be the most polished high school football player in Northeast Florida. His development comes from years of playing youth football, to competing in high school as a 4-year varsity starter. Excelling in multiple sports (including baseball), Santiago couples multiple athletic attributes on the field that gives him decisive advantages against opponents. He uses quickness to beat defenders off the line, speed to separate, and athleticism to make plays on the ball.
Santiago amassed 790 yards receiving and 7 TDs as a sophomore. He also ran a punt back for a touchdown. He has been used on occasion to pass the ball, and also used on defense for his team, to shut down opposing top receiving threats. In week 5, his first game of the 2024 season, Santiago was named Duval Sports Player Of The Week for his 2 TD, two 2-point conversions, 7 reception for 159 yards performance. He finished the year with 525 yards and 6 TDs in just six games.
Transferring from Tocoi Creek to St. Augustine, Santiago was given an opportunity to shine and he did. He led the Jackets in receiving yards (998) and was second in receiving TDs (9) playing in 12 of 13 games.
With offers from teams like Western Kentucky, and Eastern Michigan, Santiago instead opted to go the Jucco route, signing with Iowa Western CC. This has proven to benefit several athletes from NE Florida, and no one will benefit more than Reiver Football, who gets one of the most talented athletes to come out of the area ever. Keep an eye on this outstanding player’s journey.
