Polk's Top Athlete's

[E.T.]

Published Thursday, August 26, 2004

GRIDIRON GREATS

Polk's Top Players Enjoy Attention From Big-Time College Programs

By Roy Fuoco

The Ledger

roy.fuoco@theledger.com

It remains to be seen whether Evangel Christian can finally beat Fort Meade and play for a state title.

But one thing is for sure. The Chargers have enough top players to lead the effort.

Tiny Evangel has four players in The Ledger's list of the top 20 seniors in the county led by defensive back Chris Rogers, who has committed to Maryland, and running back Rod Coby, who is being recruited by Georgia. The two other Evangel players making the list are running back/linebacker Austin Davis and tight end/ linebacker Chris Clinton.

Davis is being recruited by Tennessee Tech and Clinton by Maryland and Georgia Tech.

The list is comprised of six linebackers, five running backs, five defensive linemen, three offensive linemen, three wide receivers, two quarterbacks, two defensive backs, one tight end and one athlete -- Auburndale's Dedrick Davis who could play as many as five positions, not including special teams.

If you're counting, it adds up to 28 as eight athletes other than Davis play two positions.

Rogers is one of the top three seniors in the county. He led the county with 10 interceptions last season.

None of the four players said that playing for a small Class A private school would hurt their chances of gaining a college scholarship.

"It's based on what you do on the field," Clinton said. "You're going to get recognized."

Rogers agreed.

"There's a lot of athletes at small schools," Rogers said. "It's not about (Class) A football. It's who can play."

E.J. Moore, another player who could have been in the top 20, gives Evangel a fifth player who is being highly recruited. It's that number of quality players that give the Chargers confidence this season.

"We've been working so hard," Coby said.

The top two seniors are Lakeland defensive tackle Kendrick Stewart and Lake Gibson quarterback Matt Grothe. The 6foot-2, 282-pound Stewart is one of the top athletes on the football field with the ability to do back flips.

"He's as good a lineman as we've had," Lakeland coach Bill Castle said. "He has agility, strength, explosion and he's smart."

Grothe is the top passing quarterback and also rushed for more than 900 yards.

Two other Lake Gibson players join Grothe on the list of top seniors. Senior wide receiver Roger Frazier is the top receiver and return man in the county, and defensive lineman Van Alexander is a versatile lineman.

Alexander played exclusively at end last year but will play both end and tackle this year.

Kathleen joins Evangel with four players on the list, led by standout defensive ends Albert McClellan and Darrell Lake. Trent Newton is one of the top linebackers in the county this season.

All three players are versatile athletes who also play basketball for the Red Devils.

The fourth player is running back Marcus Okobi, who ran for 1,343 yards last season.

"He's the best running back in the county," Castle said.

Fort Meade has three players on the list of top players, running backs Brian Whitehurst and David Barfield, both of whom also play linebacker, and wide receiver/defensive back Tony Huntley. Just missing out are quarterback/linebacker Anthony Johnson, fullback John Laspina and wide receiver/defensive back Roderick Clark, making the Miners as formidable as ever.

Most of the traditional powers are represented, although Haines City and Bartow didn't have seniors making the cut. Lineman David Matlock represents Lake Wales.

Rounding out the list is Mulberry wide receiver Antwan Harris, who is an explosive playmaker for the Panthers.

POLK'S TOP PROSPECTS

Here's an alphabetical list of the Top 20 high school football seniors in Polk County this season, according to Roy Fuoco, The Ledger's prep editor.

Van Alexander, Lake Gibson, DL (5-11, 235): Defensive line prospect will play both end and tackle for the Braves. Speed rusher was named to The Ledger's All-County first-team defense as a junior.

David Barfield, Fort Meade, RB/LB (5-7, 170): All-around talent rushed for more than 500 yards and nine touchdowns while recording more than 70 tackles on defense for the Miners. Was named to The Ledger's All-County second team as a linebacker in 2003.

Chris Clinton, Evangel, TE/LB (6-4, 240): Colleges are in love with Clinton's size and athleticism. Was All-County honorable mention tight end in 2003.

Rod Coby, Evangel, RB (5-10, 205): Georgia is looking at this smallschool tailback who rushed for 1,507 yards last season. Was named to The Ledger's second-team offense in 2003.

Austin Davis, Evangel, RB/LB (59, 200): Strong running back was part of a dual threat with Coby at Evangel. Rushed for 1,327 yards and 12 touchdowns in the regular season. AllCounty honorable mention in 2003.

Dedrick Davis, Auburndale, Ath. (5-11, 195): Versatile athlete will play quarterback, linebacker and special teams for the Bloodhounds. Averaged 8.5 yards a carry last season. All-County first teamer in 2003.

Roger Frazier, Lake Gibson (6-1, 160): The most-feared kick returner in the county, Frazier is a threat every time he touches the ball. All-County first-team wide receiver in 2003.

Matt Grothe, Lake Gibson, QB (6-1, 195): The Ledger's 2003 Player of the Year committed to South Florida over the summer. Dual-threat QB accounted for more than 3,000 yards last season.

Chris Griffin, Lakeland, QB (6-0, 170): Gained more than 1,500 all-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns as the signal caller for the Dreadnaughts. All-County honorable mention quarterback.

Ed Hardee, Auburndale, OL/LB (6-2, 220): Two-sport star is a leader on offense and defense for the Bloodhounds. Was named to the AllCounty second-team defense as a lineman in 2003.

Antwan Harris, Mulberry, WR (65, 185): Tall, lean receiver is getting several Division I-A offers after averging 25.1 yards a catch last season. All-county honorable mention.

Tony Huntley, Fort Meade, WR/ DB (5-8, 150): One of several talented skilled players returning for the Miners, Huntley averaged more than 15 yards per catch last season. AllCounty second-team as a defensive back.

Darrell Lake, Kathleen, DE (6-3, 250): One of the leaders of the top defense in the county last season. Named to the All-County first-team defense.

David Matlock, Lake Wales, OL/ DL (6-0, 270): Will be expected to carry both lines on a team with few returning starters. Strong blocker has started for the Highlanders since he was a freshman. An All-County honorable mention in 2003.

Albert McClellan, Kathleen, DE (6-2, 230): Combines with Lake to form one of the top defensive end combos in the state. Speedy rusher is still growing. Was named to the AllCounty first-team defense last season.

Trent Newton, Kathleen, LB (61, 195): Elite defender might be the hardest-hitting player in the county. One of four Red Devils named to the All-County first-team defense in 2003.

Marcus Okobi, Kathleen, RB (60, 195): Ran for more than 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns while splitting time with Chris London last season. Named to the All-County first-team offense as an athlete.

Chris Rogers, Evangel, DB (6-1, 240): This talented defensive back committed to Maryland after he grabbed a county-high 10 interceptions last season. Unique combination of speed and strength.

Kendrick Stewart, Lakeland, OL/DL (6-2, 282): The top programs in the nation will battle for the services of this lineman. Named to the Rivals.com preseason Top 100 list. All-County first-team defensive lineman.

Brian Whitehurst, Fort Meade, RB/LB (5-8, 175): Average 7.2 yards per carry last season and also caught 12 passes last season for the Miners. Named to the All-County second team as an athlete.

STATE'S TOP PROSPECTS

Here's a list of the Top 20 high school football seniors in the state of Florida this season, according to Roy Fuoco, The Ledger's prep editor.

1. Fred Rouse, Tallahassee Lincoln, WR (6-3, 199): The top receiving prospect in the nation according to most recruiting services. Runs a 4.4 in the 40 and caught nine touchdowns as a junior. FSU, Miami and Texas are among his leaders.

2. Kenneth Phillips, Miami Carol City, DB (6-2, 195): Widely regarded as the top defensive back prospect in the nation and one of the top five players in the nation. Grabbed seven interceptions as a junior. Florida, Miami and FSU are the early favorites.

3. Antone Smith, Pahokee, RB (5-8, 181): Recorded a 4.25 40 at the Miami NIKE camp in April to move to the head of the state's running back class. Named Florida sophomore of the year in 2002 after scoring 21 touchdowns.

4. Avery Atkins, Daytona Beach Mainland, DB (5-11, 182): Possible Florida commitment runs a 4.4 in the 40 and could be the centerpiece to the Gators' 2005 recruiting class. Grabbed three interceptions on defense and rushed for eight touchdowns on offense.

5. Ricky Jean-Francois, Miami Carol City, DE (6-3, 241): Amazing athlete who turns heads with his speed (4.88, 40) and athleticism. Can throw the shot put 60 feet and the discus 165 feet. Recorded 78 tackles and 10 sacks as a junior.

6. Matt Hardrick, Orlando Edgewater, OL (6-5, 338): Dominating blocker is also blessed with solid footwork (5.38, 40) and a mean streak. LSU is the early leader with FSU and Miami also being considered.

7. Eugene Hayes, Madison County, LB (6-2, 206): Recorded 130 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 19 sacks as a junior. Runs a 4.47 in the 40.

8. Maurice Wells, Jacksonville Sandalwood, RB (5-9, 177): Rivals.com lists Wells at the state's top running back prospect. The speedy (4.35, 40) tailback could be headed out of state (Ohio State, Georgia Tech are early leaders).

9. Demetrice Morley, Miami Killian, DB (6-0, 176): Top defensive back prospect shunned hometown Hurricanes to make a soft committment to Florida last month.

10. Bryan Evans, Jacksonville Ed White, Ath. (6-0, 175): Highly touted player was reportedly offered a scholarship by Miami as a sophomore but seems to be leaning toward LSU.

11. Spencer Adkins, Naples, LB (6-0, 228): What little Adkins lacks in pure speed (4.59, 40) he makes up for in his ability to go sideline-to-sideline.

12. O.J. Murdock, Tampa Middleton, WR (6-0, 178): Turned in a 4.39 time at the Miami NIKE camp and is currently leaning toward FSU and Miami. Will also run track in college.

13. Neefy Moffett, Melbourne Palm Bay, LB (6-1, 215): Another rising star after a strong performance at the Miami NIKE camp, Moffett will be choosing among LSU, FSU and Miami.

14. Harrison Beck, Clearwater Countryside, QB (6-1, 205): Decided to committ to Nebraska after attending the EA Sports Elite 11 Quarterback camp. Threw for more than 2,300 yards and 21 touchdowns as a junior.

15. Jeff Owens, Plantation, DT (6-2, 263): Recorded 90 tackles, 26 tackles for loss and 14 sacks as a junior. Runs a 4.84 in the 40. Will decide between FSU, Georgia, Miami and N.C. State.

16. Richard Gordon, Miami Norland, TE (6-4, 242): Will most likely play defensive end in college with his exceptional speed (4.63, 40). Has offers from the top schools in the state but Alabama is listed among his leaders.

17. Christopher Barney, Miami Northwestern, OL (6-6, 332): All-State tackle collected 64 pancake blocks as a junior for the 6A Bulls. Will choose between offers from Miami and Auburn.

18. Jon Demps, Pensacola Washington, LB (6-4, 223): Inside linebacking prospect recorded 148 tackles last season. Runs a 4.6 in the 40 despite a larger frame. FSU and LSU are listed as his leaders.

19. Demetri Stewart, Oakland Park Northeast, LB (6-3, 199): Tall, lean prospect recorded 65 tackles and 10 sacks as a junior. Will take visits to Miami, Florida and Auburn.

20. Eddie Haupt, Merritt Island, OL (6-4, 290): Four-star offensive guard has listed Florida as his early leader.

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