LOOKING AHEAD: Plantation American Heritage Is Loaded
In this article:
Moments after the celebration subsided last week in Tallahassee in the aftermath of Plantation American Heritage beating Rickards, 24-6, to win the 5A title, talk about the future began.
As head coach Pat Surtain watched several key seniors step up during this championship year, what the underclass prospects did to help down the stretch was indeed impressive – and truly without any fanfare at all.
The Patriots, who still will have to contend with Miami-Dade power Northwestern just to get out of the area each year, has an impressive group of prospects coming back.
On offense, sophomore running back Mark Fletcher leads the way. A solid runner, who has size, speed and vision to be a great one for years to come.
Fletcher dazzled in the state title game, and is not alone as a returning player for the 2021 season.
In addition, there are offensive juniors such as lineman Miguel Cedeno, and receivers Brody Clarke and Emory Clemons.
Class of 2023 standouts include linemen Kevin Bingham, and Joey Colosi; running backs Jeremy Dinkins III, Reggie Foster and Reggie Williams – and quarterback Blake Murphy, who was injured much of the year, but will be counted on heavily in 2021.
THAT DEFENSE IS STILL STRONG
If you thought this past year had quality prospects on the defensive side of the ball for the Patriots, wait until you see what this team starts with for the 2021 season.
Defensive end standout Defensively, Richard Thomas Richard Thomas 6'2" | 240 lbs | DL Plantation American Heritage | 2022 State FL that leads a very impressive and college prospect-loaded players.
The secondary will still be lights out – with Jacolby Spells and Earl Little Jr. Earl Little Jr. 6'0" | 170 lbs | DB Plantation American Heritage | 2022 State FL Both have been heavily recruited – and will the focus of attention next season.
In addition, one of the best defensive ends in the country, Marvin Jones Jr Marvin Jones Jr 6'4" | 225 lbs | DL Plantation American Heritage | 2022 State FL . is back along with tackle Belizaire Bassette II and one of the best athletes in south Florida in linebacker Jaeden Kinloch.
These are other prospects who are the nucleus of a defense that was one of the best in the state of Florida – and they are back and will once again be the glue.
Junior defensive end Stevenson Borgella and sophomore long snapper Aiden Arias are quality football players.
So are 2023 defensive backs – such as emerging star Daemon Fagan, Damari Brown, Shamar McNeil and Hunter Roberts, defensive end Jamarcus Smith, and linebackers Jared Lampkin and David Vadala, who has been among the leading tacklers for the Patriots his first two seasons.
So, as we will do throughout the off-season, we will take a look at the state contenders this year – and how they stack up for another run in 2021.
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Foridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.