While the pandemic took control of the 2020 high school football season – as Deerfield Beach High got to play just five times – it never stood in the way of what head coach Jevon Glenn and his staff preach.
Losing a heart-breaker to Miami Christopher Columbus for the second straight year, this time in the 8A Tri-County Championships, 27-24, stung a bit, but the Bucks quickly turned to the something that has gotten so many to this level.
What this program has become is a place to get noticed, play some championship football and attain scholarships. Two years ago, there were over 25 student/athletes, who not only got it done on the football field, but in the classroom as well.
To show you that it is only getting better, when this team starts spring in a few weeks, they will be doing it with student/athletes, who are not only being actively recruited, but have also maintained an amazing grade point average in the classroom.
There are 16 players on this team that have a 3.0 GPA or better – two of them are over 4.0. Add to that another six who are right near the 3.0 mark and you have a program that is indeed showcasing athletes who are college ready – and not just in the athletic arena.
FOOTBALL IS STILL ROLLING ALONG
Even with the loss to Columbus, the Bucks came out of 2020 with some prospects getting valuable experience. Wins over Blanche Ely (34-0) and McArthur (44-8) in the “regular” season, and Jupiter (41-0) and a tight game with Western (27-24) in the playoffs.
Among the offensive prospects for the rising senior (2022) class include Jamaree Dukes (RB, 6-0, 210 – 2.6 GPA), solid and talented Aaron Hicks (OG, 6-2, 315 – 2.8 GPA), emerging standout Joseph Kennerly (WR, 5-9, 175, 3.2 GPA), impressive Jaziun Patterson (RB, 5-11, 190, - 2.9 GPA), Wilbert Phillips (OT, 6-5, 300 – 2.8 GPA), Kamari Philpart (WR, 6-3, 180 – 2.6 GPA), Jamari Pierre (OT, 6-4, 260 – 2.8 GPA), Ajani Robinson (OC, 6-3, 300 – 2.7 GPA) and receiver Sharrod Ryals (5-9, 160 – 2.7 GPA).
Defensively, look for solid playmakers such as Gaveen Alexis (S, 5-10, 190 – 2.8 GPA), Jah’kyas Dokes (FS, 6-0, 180 – 2.9 GPA), Jordan Jeudy (DT, 6-2, 295 – 2.6 GPA), Daterius Lee (LB, 6-0, 215 – 2.7 GPA), Hezekiah Masses (CB, 6-0, 166 – 2.7 GPA), Kayden Pierre (OLB, 6-0, 210 – 4.5 GPA), impact performer Alton Tarber (DT, 6-3, 310 – 2.8 GPA), Johnny Tigner (OLB/DE, 6-1, 240 – 4.3 GPA), Cortezz Julmis (LB, 5-11, 190) and solid defensive end Deshawn Willoughby (6-1, 240 – 3.6 GPA)
THE FUTURE IS INDEED BRIGHT
Make no mistake, this train is nowhere near finished rolling – and the Class of 2023 (rising juniors) certainly back that up.
Prospects like All-American linebacker/running back Jayvant Brown (6-1, 220 – 3.6 GPA), Omari Campbell (CB, 5-10, 160 – 3.3 GPA), Xavier Clemons (WR, 5-11, 170 – 2.6 GPA), Harlem Howard (FS, 6-2, 170 – 3.1 GPA), Keshawn Jones (RB, 5-8, 170 – 3.1 GPA), Kejaun Mallory (OG, 6-4, 320 – 3.1 GPA), Christopher Neely (WR, 5-10, 175 – 2.9 GPA), fast-rising receiver Tastean Reddicks (5-11, 165 – 3.1 GPA) and Marcus Williams (WR, 6-1, 210 – 2.7 GPA).
The Class of 2024 (rising sophomores) will also be in great hands with up-and-coming prospects Joshua Lloyd (DE, 6-3, 225 – 3.2 GPA), Xavier Lucas (FS, 6-0, 165 – 4.6429 GPA), quality student/athlete Michael Merdinger (QB, 6-2, 180 – 4.3 GPA) and linebacker Keith Thompson (6-0, 215 – 3.1 GPA).
The Bucks are also ready for the incoming 2025 class – with Nicholas McCall (Athlete, 5-11, 170 – 3.2 GPA) and Derrick Smith (OG, 6-3, 290 – 3.1 GPA).
For the past 51 years, we have spent time going from games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events. We will remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein- SFHSports) and Twitter (@SFHSSports - @larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..