20 talented players to watch in 2009
Clearly, there hasn’t been an offseason quite like this for Cape Coral area high school football players.
To this point, six incoming seniors have given verbal commitments to NCAA Division I schools, with more expected to follow.
Though now spread out over five different schools in the same zone, the number of talented players should make for a fun season – and some thrilling highlights – on the gridiron this season.
With fall practice set to begin Monday, here is a sampling of 20 key players to watch from Cape High, Mariner, Ida Baker, Island Coast and North Fort Myers:
Tre Boston, North Fort Myers: The 6-foot-1 Boston expects to play defensive back at the college level. He committed to Cincinnati in July. With the Red Knights, the senior could line up at quarterback or wide receiver on offense. He finished with 43 receptions and five touchdowns in 2008.
Brian Bosworth, Island Coast: Despite being only a second-year varsity program, the Gators have size in the trenches. Bosworth, a junior, is one of the leaders on the offensive and defensive lines.
Spencer Boyd, Cape Coral: A senior, Boyd has been instrumental in helping the Seahawks reach the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time in school history. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns as a sophomore and has continued to improve as a defensive back. Boyd verbally committed to Notre Dame.
Joseph Byrd, Ida Baker: The senior running back/defensive back suffered a broken ankle prior to his junior season, which limited his playing time. He led the team in rushing as a sophomore and scored 11 touchdowns. Byrd is one of the fastest players in the area, finishing second in the state in 100 and 200 meter dashes during track season, and has garnered football offers from several D-I schools.
Nelson Candelario, Island Coast: Candelario, a sophomore, looks to build off an impressive freshman campaign. He displayed his versatility, lining up at quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back for the Gators.
Jeremy Davis, Cape Coral: A senior, Davis enters his first season with the Seahawks after previously attending Fort Myers. The Miami recruit brings speed and playmaking ability to both sides of the ball.
Johnny Garcia, Ida Baker: After a standout junior season at defensive end, the 6-4 Garcia transitioned to middle linebacker in the spring. He presents a safe target on the offensive side at tight end. Garcia recently committed to Wake Forest.
Larry Gary, Cape Coral: The Seahawks have had four seniors commit to D-I colleges since April, and Gary, a wide receiver/linebacker, has several offers on the table.
Arthur Green, North Fort Myers: The emerging junior racked up 55 tackles and two sacks in 2008.
Andrew Haynes, Ida Baker: Haynes, a four-year varsity player, has been active in the Bulldogs’ secondary, tallying 81 tackles and three interceptions as a junior. He figures to be more involved in the offensive backfield this season.
Prince Holloway, Cape Coral: The 5-9 junior receiver/defensive back has used his speed and ball skills to grab 11 touchdown receptions the past two seasons.
Corbin Jackimowicz, North Fort Myers: Red Knights coach Barry Goettemoeller said the Red Knights’ offensive line improved over the course of last season. This year’s group can lean on the massive Jackimowicz (6-6, 320 pounds).
Dan Koenig, Cape Coral: A senior, Koenig (6-6, 260) is one of the Seahawks’ team leaders, in addition to being a blue-chip offensive tackle. He verbally committed to Oklahoma State.
Marcus Lewis, North Fort Myers: Lewis (5-10, 175), a senior cornerback, brings quickness and intelligence to the Knights’ secondary.
Aaron Lynch, Island Coast: The 6-4 junior, recorded six sacks in the Gators’ victory over Moore Haven last season. He added four touchdown receptions from his tight end position.
Eric Mitchell, Mariner: The senior running back gets plenty of touches in the Tritons’ system. He gained more than 1,000 yards as a sophomore, and led the team with 10 rushing touchdowns in 2008.
Gabby Rojas, Mariner: The senior quarterback missed spring practice while recovering from reconstructive knee surgery. He’s a dual threat and brings two years of starting experience to the position.
Kyle Schmidt, North Fort Myers: The Red Knights are counting on Schmidt, a team captain and three-year starter, to bring leadership and production to the defensive line.
Cody Siebert, Mariner: Though the Tritons lack size on the line, Siebert, a senior, serves as a ring leader and tonesetter for the group.
Jaylen Watkins, Cape Coral: Watkins had offers from seemingly every major college program, before selecting the defending national champion Florida Gators. After excelling at multiple positions, the 6-1 Watkins becomes the Seahawks’ starting quarterback exclusively this season after splitting time last year.