Some of the best and the brightest middle school football athletes were honored for the third annual Duval Sports Middle School Top 50 presented by Allstar Commercial Services. This year’s list featured three of the most electryfying players from three different counties including Murray’s Sean Harvey, Oakleaf’s Devin Outlaw, and Highland’s De’Shyh Beaufort. There are many incredible athletes on the list, so check out who made the most exclusive list in Northeast Florida below, the Duval Sports Top 50!
The list is complete with the athlete’s name, middle school, position, and high school.
Sharif Denson (Patriot Oaks) Tailback ( Bartram Trail H.S)
Often overlooked at times because of the lack of success at Patriot Oaks, it was quickly obvious the talent of Sharif Denson. Others took notice too as Denson picked up an offer from Florida Atlantic over the summer. Denson showed his speed and power over the course of the season breaking off big runs consistently while also making big plays on defense as well.
Arron Stith (Swiss Point) Offensive Lineman ( Bartram Trail H.S)
At 6-2, 251 pounds, Arron Stith is a young man who stands out on the field, but not just because of his size but because of his athleticism too. Whether it was playing for the Clay Bears, MOT and the last three years at Swiss Point; Stith was often the biggest kid on the field and the grave digger for the Raiders offensive line opening up all the holes.
Noah Lawless (Gamble Rogers) Quarterback/Linebacker ( Menendez H.S)
The backbone of the Stingray offense and defense, Lawless could easily be compared to the great former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. Lawless did it all for the Stingrays accounting for 29 total touchdowns (15 passing, 14 rushing), while also leading his team in tackles.
Cooper Fordham (Landrum) Defensive Back ( Bolles H.S)
When Landrum needed a spark on offense or defense, captain Cooper Fordham was there to deliver the big blow. Case in point clinging to a two point lead with less than a minute left in the title game, it was Fordham who came up with the game clinching interception to seal the Lions second county title.
Nathan Bunkosky (Landrum) Wide Receiver ( Ponte Vedra)
Throughout the season Nathan Bunkosky came up with catch after catch every game and became the go to guy on offense for Landrum. One could say, Bunkosky might have been a bit under the radar or a secret weapon and a key focal point for opposing defensive coordinators.
JaKwame Moore (Murray) Defensive Line ( St. Augustine)
Shamar Moore (Murray) Defense Line ( St. Augustine)
The bookend defensive lineman terrorized opposing offensive lines, skill players and quarterbacks as well and made offensive coordinators jobs twice as hard. Nearly every drive or every other play, you couldn’t help but hear on the PA system tackle by JaKwayme Moore or Shamar Moore. The backbone of the defense and the first line of defense as they say, blew up opposing teams game plans and forced teams to call audibles or change their game plans. Did I mention that Shamar Moore is coming back to Murray one final year, good luck opposing offensive coordinators.
Damon Thornton (Murray) QB/LB ( St. Joseph)
With his precise and accurate throwing, Damon Thorton picked apart opposing defenses every game with a bevy of weapons. Perhaps his most impressive part of his game was his ability to knock out opposing quarterbacks with jarring hits or making excessive tackles.
JJ Meachem (Murray) Defensive Back/Wide Receiver
( St. Augustine H.S)
While defensive coordinators went into every game preparing to stop one particular Murray player each week, JJ Meachem made them think twice about their game plan. Meachem lined up at tailback or receiver several times during the game showing his blazing speed, while also playing in the defensive backfield causing chaos as well.
Sean Harvey (Murray) Athlete
( St. Augustine H.S)
Every defensive coordinator in the county, went into the weekly game plan of trying to come up with a solid plan of how to stop Harvey; yet every week, Harvey consistently made them all look silly. It was shocking to see how many coaches kicked the ball to Harvey every game, as nearly every game he returned a special team kick for six. Harvey was a jack of all trades whether it was special teams, tailback, receiver or even on defense sometimes. S
Jefferson Davis Middle School
#53 De’Avary Weeks ( Lee H.S)
Opposing Coaches ran away from him or sent double teams to try and stop him. It didn’t work. De’Avary once missed the first half of a game but came in the second half and terrorized the opposing team instantly turning the game around.
Landmark Middle School
Zaiire Gatling ( Sandalwood H.S)
If you saw Landmark play, you knew that this aggressive speedster was special. He can take it the distance from anywhere on the field.
Southside Middle School
Nate Chandler ( Lee H.S)
On a team of playmakers he ay have been the ultimate. Mixing size and speed Nate led Southside to its best season since the playoff era.
Koron Hayward
A long yet shifty athlete, Koron made big plays for Southside in space. He made it look easy as Southside relied on him to create mismatches. He exploited those vulnerable defenses every time.
Emauri Hampton
Hampton was another super talented athlete on the super athletic southside middle team. He dazzled even his own teammates with spectacular runs against opponents.
Arlington Middle School
Kmorie Gilchrist ( Terry Parker)
They call him man child and you can guess why. He’s a beast on the field physical and ferocious. He powered his way for several touchdowns at runback for Arlington.
Shawn Ervin ( Jackson H.S)
His size is impressive but his play was even more impressive as he made game changing catches at WR and tackles at OLB
Sayvion Blount ( Sandalwood H.S)
It’s his second year on the list, one of only two players to accomplish this feat. He’s physically imposing and dominant on the field. He scored touchdowns at fullback and made stops at linebacker.
Dupont Middle School
Carmello Murphy ( Mandarin H.S)
Quite possibly the best runningback in the city, everyone knew who to try and stop when facing Dupont and not many could. His size and deceptive speed left opposing coaches and players impressed all season.
Ribault Middle School
Tyresse Smith QB ( Raines H.S)
Ribault’s ultimate playmaker scored touchdown after touchdown for them. At quarterback he showed his ability to take any play to the house. And that he did!
Lake Shore Middle School
#2 Cornelius Pender Jr ( Waycross Ga)
If he gets to the outside he’s gone. He can cut on a dime and makes his money in the endzone. Quarterback, running back he does it all and has no problem doing it all.
#1 #1 J’nethen Jackson ( Jackson H.S)
A mix of power and speed Jackson was defiantly full of action for Lake Shore leading them to the championship game scoring three touchdowns versus Fletcher in the playoffs.
#34 Dallas Brown Jr. ( Lee H.S)
15 tackles versus powerhouse Fletcher in the playoff game showcased this player’s ability to knock opponents down and out while leading the Lake Shore defense to the championship game.
Jeremiah Jones QB, WR, ( Ed White)
His coaches love his versatility. He was Mr everything for Lake Shore, as he played some quarterback and wide receiver.
Charles Jones-Burroughs ( Lee. H.S)
He wont run out of bounds, so just brace for contact when the physically chiseled Charles Jones Burroughs comes through! He’s a fearless player and it shows in his game.
Fletcher Middle School
Donald Lundy RB/S ( Fletcher H.S)
He played offense and defense but on defense he’s certainly a ball hawk. Lundy’s interception against Landmark and pick 6 against Arlington, virtually ended the games and lifted his team.
Ronald Bullard ( Fletcher H.S)
Probably the most athletic player on the Fletcher team, Ronald scored touchdowns and made game saving tackles on defense with his speed and explosiveness.
D.J Stuhr ( Fletcher H.S)
Mr reliable is how he can be described. D.J was relied upon to close out games in the run game. His 30 yard TD against Arlington did just that sending Fletcher to the playoffs.
Gilbert Middle School
Justin Bradley ( Westside)
One of the most dominating players in middle school, Justin displayed power and speed to be a standout at Gilbert. He scored multiple touchdowns in multiple games for the Panthers all year.
Tra’shawn Dunham ( Raines)
He added power to an already athletic frame and had a great season for the Panthers. He scored several touchdowns for his team and was a hard hitter on defense. With limited carries Dunham still shined showing unparralled athleticism.
Dae’Jon Shanks (Bradford) Quarterback /Defensive Back
(Bradford H.S)
With a bevy of weapons to chose from, Dae’Jon Shanks didn’t have to do that much on offense just help run and guide it. When defenses keyed on stopping the run, Shanks would pull the ball back and find one of his many receivers for a big play.
Day’viontae Thompson (Bradford) Wide Receiver/Defensive Back
( Bradford H.S)
Day’viontae Thompson was one of many weapons on offense including several in the backfield to exploit opposing defenses. Yet despite the sharing of the ball, Thompson always found his way into the end zone or making a consistent big play for the Tornadoes.
Jeremiah Shack (Oakleaf) Wide Receiver (Mandarin H.S)
While opposing defenses keyed on stopping one of his teammates every game, Jeremiah Shack made them pay for not paying enough attention to him. Shack towered every defensive back that got in his way and burned them with scorching catches and numerous touchdowns.
Devin Outlaw (Oakleaf Jr High) Tailback ( Oakleaf H.S)
You knew what defenses were going to do stack the box with 11 guys and try to stop Devin Outlaw each week, yet no one could do it. Outlaw ran for nearly 1500 yards and 30 touchdowns, including a 300 game against Lake Asbury in the county semifinals. Facing him was a nightmare for defensive coordinators and a lot of sleepless nights.
Sam Singleton (Lake Asbury) Athlete (Fleming Island)
No matter where Sam Singleton lined up, he was bound to make a big play, whether it was at tailback, special teams or in the secondary. Singleton averaged three touchdowns a game last season, including a three touchdown and two interception game earlier in the season.
Bryce Hampton (Lake Asbury) Quarterback/Defensive Back (Clay High)
Primarily a quarterback, Bryce Hampton showcased his talents on both sides of the ball though. Hampton directed the potent Lake Asbury offense and found his way into the end zone multiple times via the offense or while playing defensive back.
Jhace Edwards (Lake Asbury) Defensive lineman ( Fleming Island)
While the offense got all the attention with Singleton and Hampton, the defense wasn’t to shabby either led by the play of Edwards. Whenever the Tigers needed a big play in the trenches Edwards was there to stuff the hole and hit the tailback for a loss, disrupt the pass rush or bring down the quarterback.
University Christian Middle School
Orel Gray- ATH ( University Christian H.S)
An all around athlete, Orel excelled at DB and WR and RB. He was so good that after dominating middle school ball he also played varsity football as well. He’s one of only two players this year on the list to receive collegiate offers before stepping foot into high school.
Desirrio Riles- QB ( University Christian H.S)
A big arm quarterback who can make all the throws. DEsirrio was so impressive that he moved up to varsity as well as an 8th grader. Special accomplishment for a special player.
James Weldon Johnson Middle School
–Kenton Kirkland WR ( Raines)
With exceptional hands and the ability to change directions in mid-air, Kenton Kirkland stood out amongst his teammates and against opponents as a big playmaking receiver.S
Gilbert
Jaykob Jones – 7th grader
A dynamic playmaker for Gilbert, Jaykob showed flashes of brilliance making acrobatic interceptions and head turning plays . He’s poised to be on this list again as he’s just in the 7th grade.
Tomas Smith (Raines)
A fast, and quick ball carrier for the panthers who infused their team with confidence and swagger. He made countless plays for his team using his great vision to find creases in opposing defenses.
Highlands
De’Shyh Beaufort ATH (Raines H.S)
Arguably the most electrifying middle school football player in our area, hee almost single handedly won the Duval County Championship game for Highlands middle, scoring three touchdowns on offense and securing an interception on defense.
Zarek Turner DE ( Sandalwood)
He came on strong as the season progressed, matching his intensity with his intense frame. A true force off the edge at defensive end.
Marcus Solomon ATH ( First Coast H.S)
A spectacular playmaker who loves the ball in his hands. Against the two defending Duval County champions Ribault and Gilbert, Solomon scored the first touchdowns in both games, jumpstarting his team to a victory.
Lamarrion Ogletree DE ( First Coast)
One of the reasons Highlands dominated on defense was their ability to rusher the passer and stop the run. Lamarrion was truly a force to be reckoned with. His two sacks against Gilbert cemented their victory.
Jaylen Clark DE, (7th grade)
The other bookend to the highlands defensive line was anchored by Jaylen. He’s a hard working player who can make plays from anywhere on the line.
Timothy Alexander OL, ( First Coast)
In front of every big time playmaker is a big time playmaking offensive lineman. Timothy Alexander was instrumental in creating the holes for his speedsters to run through.
Marquiz Smiley CB, ( Lee. H.S)
This player brought smiles to everyone who watched him play, however his hard nosed approach to the game was no laughing matter. A shut down defensive back he
Roman Doles ( Raines H.S)
A player with extreme confidence and the athletic ability to match. When he was in the game He executed big plays through the air time after time for Highlands.
We’ll have more from the Duval Sports Top 50 event coming soon, including highlights from the ceramony, and highlights of players, pics and more.
