The Florida high school football season is here, and the Herald-Tribune has highlighted the top freshman and sophomore players in Sarasota and Manatee counties for the 2024 season. Included is a sophomore who started every one of his team’s games as a freshman, and another sophomore already with three college offers.
Davion Bryant
Manatee
As a freshman player last season on the Hurricanes JV, the 6-foot-1, 230-pound defensive lineman will play on the Manatee varsity.
Austin Butler
Cardinal Mooney
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound sophomore defensive end could end up in the rotation of defensive linemen for head coach Jared Clark.
Manatee
An offensive lineman who played last season on the Hurricanes JV, the 5-foot-11, 300-pound Clark will see the field this season as a varsity player.
Kane Collazo
Riverview
The 6-foot-3, 290-pound sophomore offensive lineman either will start for head coach Josh Smithers or play a significant role off the bench.
Davin Davidson
Cardinal Mooney
The 6-foot-5, 195-pound sophomore quarterback, the nephew of former Sarasota High baseball, basketball, and football star Matt Drews, transferred from Sarasota to the Cougars following summer workouts.
Devin Erdei
Out-of-Door Academy
As a freshman last season, the 6-foot-1, 175-pounder started every game for the Thunder. Erdei finished with 45 tackles and one sack.
Tay-Shaun Evans
North Port
A transfer from Venice, the 5-foot-10, 163-pound sophomore wide receiver/defensive back will see a lot of action for the Bobcats.
Kaleb Exume
Parrish
The 6-foot-3, 295-pound sophomore defensive lineman, who last year was at Braden River, already has a collegiate offer from Appalachian State.
Gabe Halprin
Riverview
The 5-foot-9, 195-pound inside linebacker and running back will be counted upon by Rams head coach Josh Smithers.
Jok Harris
Manatee
The 6-foot-2, 180-pound defensive back will make the jump from the Hurricanes JV squad last season to the Hurricane varsity in 2024.
Caden Huffman
Lakewood Ranch
The 5-foot-7, 140-pound sophomore outside linebacker will see action and could end up a Mustang starter.
Trenton Huffman
Lakewood Ranch
The brother of teammate Caden Huffman, sophomore Trenton Huffman will compete for playing time as a Mustang slot/wide receiver.
Danny Jacinto
Sarasota Christian
As a freshman last season, the 5-foot-10, 136-pound linebacker/running back led the Blazers in tackles with 110, to go along with two interceptions and three fumble recoveries. Running the ball, Jacinto picked up 363 yards and six touchdowns.
Connell Jackson
Cardinal Mooney
Brother of Connail, Connell, the 5-foot-8, 115-pound defensive back played in one game last season as a freshman, recording two tackles.
Connail Jackson
Cardinal Mooney
In two games as a freshman last season, the 5-foot-10, 170-pound running back gained 114 yards on 15 carries with a touchdown. He will be in a rotation at running back this season with Marcus Galloway and Ashton Kelly.
Toryean James
Riverview
Last season as a freshman, the 5-foot-8, 160-pound receiver was the Rams’ punt returner for the last four games.
Dorian Jones
Venice
The only freshman to play last season for Venice. In nine games, the 5-foot-10, 185-pound running back gained 190 yards on 51 carries and four touchdowns. In the spring game versus Naples, Jones rushed for 146 yards and two scores. Has offers from FSU, USF, and Appalachian State.
Ka’marion Jones
Lakewood Ranch
The 5-foot-8, 140-pound sophomore defensive back will see the field and could end up starting for Lakewood Ranch head coach Scott Paravicini
Ashton Kelly
Cardinal Mooney
The sophomore running back will share time at running back with Marcus Galloway and Connail Jackson.
Jordyn Lowery
Manatee
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound linebacker played on the Hurricanes JV last season as a freshman.
Evan Larrick
Cardinal Mooney
The freshman wide receiver is expected to see the field this season for the Cougars.
Charlie Mahon
Cardinal Mooney
Another Cougar freshman, this one a defensive back, who is called a promising newcomer by head coach Jared Clark.
Tyree Manning
Booker
Freshman wide receiver will play varsity for Booker head coach Scottie Littles.
Peliasi Masila
Manatee
The physical 6-foot-2, 300-pound sophomore offensive line should start for Hurricane head coach Jacquez Green.
Freedom McDaniel
Braden River
A wrestler for the Pirates, the 5-foot-10, 225-pound fullback/defensive end could become a two-way player for first-year head coach Jason Grain.
Landon Montague
Herald-Tribune
