Editor’s note: This is the first in a eight-part series of stories examining positional groups in the Volusia-Flagler area.
At least at the top, this is the Volusia-Flagler area’s best position group.
Three local players appear on the USA Today Florida Network’s list of top 100 senior recruits, and two of them are defensive linemen. Appropriately, both make these rankings, too.
The following names continue a trend in the area.
Last year, Mainland’s LJ McCray slotted atop this list and represented one of Florida high school football’s top prospects. He landed at the University of Florida. The other two — Ramon McCollough Jr. and MJ Smokes — each pledged to Wofford, going 3-for-3 on Division I signings.
These three have already surpassed that, each committing to Power Four programs.
Watch Florida high school football live on NFHS Network
1. Christian Hudson, Mainland
Hudson ranks as the best local product on the state’s top 100, checking in at No. 73. He also cracked ESPN’s top 300 national index.
Last month, he committed to UCF over Iowa, Iowa State and Maryland.
Hudson, who ESPN rated a four-star recruit, started all 15 games on the offensive and defensive lines for Mainland as it claimed a state championship last fall. This year, he will concentrate on defensive tackle, where he will line up at the next level, while seeing a few offensive snaps at H-back or tight end.
In 2023, Hudson racked up 72 tackles (29 for loss) and 10 sacks. He stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 290 pounds.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Mainland’s title expectations remain under new coach Squatty Bell
2. Colby Cronk, Flagler Palm Coast
The likes of Duke, Houston, Iowa State and Pittsburgh were pursuing Cronk before he decided on North Carolina State in March.
The 6-foot-3, 260-pounder dominated as a junior last season. He posted 75 tackles, including 27 for loss, and registered 12 sacks, which left him only two back of the area lead. He earned a spot on the All-Area first team.
Cronk boosted the Bulldogs’ offense, too, occasionally taking direct snaps and pushing forward in a short-yardage, “Elephant” formation. He rumbled for five touchdowns.
A three-star football recruit, Cronk also captured a track and field state championship in the shot put.
3. Derry Norris, Spruce Creek
Norris sits 82nd on the state big board.
He broke out during his junior campaign, compiling 70 tackles, 22½ for loss and 9½ sacks. That performance resulted in offers from Georgia Tech, Miami, Minnesota, Purdue and others. He also secured a three-star distinction and an All-Area first-team nod.
Norris announced in June he is Georgia Tech-bound. At 6-foot-3, 270 pounds, he profiles more as an interior defender at the next level but will help the Hawks in the middle and on the edge while playing some tight end on offense.
Honorable Mention: Chadwicke Cannon, Spruce Creek; Dre Hill, Spruce Creek; Kyle Nilsson, New Smyrna Beach
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This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Top FHSAA football players in 2024? Ranking Volusia-Flagler DLs
Daytona Beach News-Journal
