Spring practice 2021 his here, and every team in Northeast Florida is excited to get back on the field with something to prove. From the development of young players to the addition of new players, to potential needs heading into the fall, Duval Sports will crisscross the area culminating with spring football game coverage in May.
Mandarin Mustangs
The Mustangs are coming off a 3-6 season, playing one of the toughest schedules in the area. It was truly a regrouping type of year for the Mustangs after Tre Lawrence (Alcorn St) took over for the departed Carson Beck (Georgia) last year at quarterback. This year the Mustangs are extremely young, with many of their play makers being just rising juniors. They’ll have to fill important roles of the departed like Nic Mitchell (LB Mississippi State) on defense and Jaylen Smith (WR Bowling Green) on offense. Yet with one of the best coaches this area has seen in Coach Bobby Ramsay, Mandarin has the staff and the commitment to get the up and coming leaders ready for their roles this season.
Players To Watch:
Offense:
- 2023 T.J Lane RB 5’9 , 185lbs – Lane leads the youth movement in the backfield for Mandarin. He has a fire that if ignited can burn a hole through defenses.
The offensive line unit is big and powerful. They can get push and open up huge holes led by these leaders on the line. Without question, they are the strongest area of the team in spring .
- 6’6 , 300lbs, Christian Szczeniak LT
- 6’3, 280lbs, Matt Adams RT
- 6’3, 275, John Sauer RG
- 6’3, 205lbs Rising Junior, WR Jeremiah Shack – He’s the real deal, with speed, athleticism, and size! He dwarfs defensive backs, and I’ve seen his talent ever since his days at Oakleaf Junior High. Now it’s a matter of putting good high school film out to go along with his prototype size. This will place him in the conversations with the Marcus Burkes’ and Patrick Bryants’ of the area. He definitely has that potential.
Defense:
- Rising senior Tony Carter 6’0, 190lbs S, WLB – He’s extremely versatile, with the strength to play linebacker and the speed to play safety. Best suited for the hybrid safety position at the next level in my opinion.
- DT Daron Dukes Rising Sr 6’2 1/2 -6’3 – Coming over from Englewood, Dukes has the size to be special.
- 2023 LB Carmello Murphy 5’10, 215lbs – He’s started since his freshman year, so he has experience to go along with his aggressiveness and tenacity.
Diamonds in the ruff to watch:
- Joseph Lewis DB (6’0, 180) Rising SR
- Kieran Jackson WR (5’8, 140) Rising JR
- Koron Hayward WR (6’4, 190lbs) Rising JR
- Treyvon Jolly WR (5’9, 160lbs) Rising SR
Quarterback will be an interesting battle in spring practice for Mandarin with at least three players battling it out. The spring game might prove who will go into the fall as the definitive starter. Wide Receiver has many potential talented athletes to step up as well. The unit will see the most competitive battles in spring heading into the fall for the other positions behind Shack.
Mandarin definitely had one of the most competitive practices I’ve seen compared to others this spring. Said Wide Receiver Kieran Jackson who comes over from Oakleaf, ” Practice is very competitive, I like it because I feel like it challenges me to be better every day”.
Mandarin hosts Fleming Island on 5/20 at 6pm for their Spring game
