The Top 3 High School Football Players In Northeast Florida By Position

Northeast Florida has some of the best athletes in the nation. These football players prove themselves against the best of the best, standing out with their talent and skill. This list isn’t about offers or popularity. It’s about one on one production. The players in the area know who they are, now it’s time that you do. So it’s time to name our annual top 3 players at each position, focusing on the best in our area.

Quarterback

1 SR Walter Simmons III– Oakleaf

Simmons will put up big numbers this year. He’s got size, speed, and he’s always cool under pressure. It’s why he’s been the most productive quarterback on the list. He’s next in line to take the baton from Carson Beck and Jeff Sims

2 SR JaCory Jordan – Trinity

Jordan has a big arm, potentially the best in the area. He’ll feature it this year with his big play receivers. He could very well be mentioned with the top QBs in the country if he has a good year.

3. SR Santino Marucci – Bartram

The new kid on the block seems as good as advertised. Transferring from The Benjamin School in Palm Beach Florida, he’s the son of Jason Marucci former running back for the University of Miami Rumblings out of Bartram is that he’s the real deal.

Runningback

1 SR A.J Jay Jones III- Bartram

Jones is the most complete running-back in today’s game of football. He’s quick, powerful, agile and potentially the best receiver on the field. Around these parts he’s known as the “Rocket”. There’s a reason for that.

2. SR Myles Montgomery – Fletcher

Montgomery is the most consistent runningback in the area. He’s been great at every level and will continue to be one of the best at the next.

3. RB Dequan Stanley– St Augustine

Stanley might be the most athletic athlete in Northeast Florida. He’s able to play every position on the field and plays both ways. I consider him ideal as a running back due to his size and running style but he also play wide receiver and defensive back.

Wide Receiver

1 SR Marcus Burke– Trinity

All around the best wide receiver in the area, and that’s saying a lot. Smooth runner with deceptive speed and game breaking play making ability.

2. SR Patrick Bryant– Atlantic Coast

The toughest and most athletic receiver in the area is Patrick Bryant. His athleticism is on full display in every area of the field.

3. JR Kareem Burke- Raines

A name you may not know but should get to know is Kareem Burke. Lightning quick, perfectionist route runner for Raines. He’s a game-breaker, one that the players love to watch.

Tight End

1 SR Nick Elksnis- Episcopal

The big target at tight end who capitalizes even when double teamed. He just makes plays for his team as their first, second, and third option. A phenomenal football player.

2 SR Chris Johnson- Westside

Johnson is an athlete who can play any position on the field. I honestly believe he’s a top linebacker as well as tight end. He’s being recruited as a tight end and his athletic ability makes him one of the dangerous ones in the country.

3 SR Justin Cayenne – Bolles

Cayenne is another name you may not know but Bolles will feature the big man this year. 6’3, 225 pounds that can block and catch.

Offensive Line

1 SR Austin Barber OT – Trinity

Barber is one of the best linemen in the country and plays like it. He’ s a mauler when he gets his hands on you.

2 SR Michael Myslinski C – Bishop Kenny

Smart, strong and reliable is how I’d describe Myslinski. A leader on your offensive line who dominates his man and helps put with others.

3 SR Levontre Daniels OT- Bradford

This young man has a mean streak and plays aggressive. Never stopping until the whistle blows, Daniels plays angry on the line. A 6’4 315 behemoth!

Daniels makes the list

Linebacker

1 SR Branden Jennings – Sandalwood

The biggest linebacker in our area, the hardest hitting linebacker in our area, and a true leader on defense. Jennings is the son of former Florida State Linebacker Brad Jennings.

2 SR Dedrick Smith – Lee

One of the most athletic linebackers in our area, Smith can run down receivers and he can rush the quarterback.

3 SR CJ Ross – Trinity

Sideline to sideline linebacker, Ross is able to dissect the play before the ball is hiked. A sure tackler at his position.

Defensive Line

1 SR Luther McCoy DT- Creekside DT

This mammoth moves people out of the way and is really good with his hands. Once he gets that big frame moving its a wrap!

2 SR Phillip Lee DE – First Coast

An incredible athlete on defense able to disrupt every play and make a game changing play from the D-line.

3 JR Aaron Hester DE – Fletcher

This young man is going to tear it up this year. Making this list as a junior is almost unheard of but Hester’s size and genetics makes him a top athlete.