Football: 9 early summer high school transfers that could impact the postseason
It’s less than two weeks since the final high school spring football game and transfer season is in full swing.
It may not be everyone’s favorite subject, but that doesn’t mean it can be ignored.
Two of the state’s premier rising senior defensive backs — Cormani McClain and Makari Vickers — announced their decisions to transfer earlier this week.
Here’s a look at nine of the early summer transfers that likely will impact the state championship picture in the fall.
Cormani McClain to Lakeland
Whenever the top recruit in the state — and arguably the top defensive back in the nation — decides to transfer, it’s a big deal. McClain, the Lakeland Ledger’s Big School Defensive Player of the Year the past two seasons, is headed to Lakeland from Lake Gibson. Lakeland is in a very deep Class 4S, but the Dreadnaughts certainly appear to be the favorite in Region 2.
More: Here are Polk County's top 3 football recruits for 2022
Makari Vickers to Munroe
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Vickers has left Pope John Paul II to play his senior season at Munroe. Vickers is No. 35 on the USA Today Florida Network top 100. He had 69 tackles, eight passes defended, two interceptions and two forced fumbles last fall in addition to catching 12 passes for 181 yards and three touchdowns. Teaming Vickers with wide receiver Ahmari Borden (Stanford commit) puts a Munroe team that fell to eventual Class 2A champion Trinity Christian in the regional finals last year among the favorites in Class 1S.
More: 4-star cornerback Makari Vickers transfers to Munroe, highlighting Bobcats' recruiting
Robby and Bobby Washington to Miami Palmetto
The Washington twins, both committed to the University of Miami, have left Miami Killian for Palmetto. The Panthers program has been on a steady rise the past few years — reaching the state semifinals in 2020 and the regional championship game last fall. Adding the versatile Robby (No. 37 USA Today Florida Network top 100) on offense and Bobby (No. 82) to the linebacker group certainly keeps an already talented Palmetto team on that trajectory. Palmetto and Columbus appear set for another showdown in Region 4-4M.
Dwight Bootle II to Miami Palmetto
Bootle is headed back to Palmetto after one season at Miami Killian. The standout cornerback is No. 98 on the USA Today Florida Network top 100. The Nebraska commit, and younger brother of Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dicaprio Bootle, is a guy who wants the challenge of shutting down the opposition’s top receiver every week. His familiarity with Palmetto’s system and coaching staff should make it a seamless transition.
More: Recruiting: Killian LB Stanquan Clark headlines top performers from Gardens jamboree
Jaden Booker to Naples-First Baptist Academy
Booker, the No. 100 player on the USA Today Florida Network top 100, is leaving Palmetto Ridge to join First Baptist Academy. Booker has three consecutive seasons with more than 200 carries, 1,100-plus yards and at least 11 rushing scores. First Baptist lost to eventual Class 2A runner-up Champagnat in the state semifinals last fall. Adding Booker to an offense that already includes Clemson commit Olsen Patt Henry will make FBA a very tough opponent this fall.
Shadarian Harris to Lakeland
Yes, you’re reading that right: Two Power 5 defensive backs have transferred to Lakeland. Harris, who committed to Pitt over the weekend, is a 6-foot-1, 175-pound player who can make an impact on both sides of the ball. The former Kathleen standout has been an all-county selection the past two seasons as a quarterback and athlete.
More: Recruiting recap: Cincinnati lands four Florida commitments, Brown headed to Oklahoma
Blake Boda to Cocoa
Boda, who was Volusia County’s leading passer in 2021, announced his decision to leave Seabreeze for Cocoa on Sunday. The 6-foot-4, 185-pound Boda threw for 2,021 yards and 18 touchdowns and rushed for 197 yards and four scores in 2021. At Cocoa, he’ll step into the spot formerly held by Davin Wydner, who is headed to Ole Miss as a preferred walk-on. Boda’s ability combined with coach Ryan Schneider’s track record with quarterbacks only enhances Cocoa’s standing as the favorite in Class 2S.
More: Blake Boda, All-Area quarterback at Seabreeze, transfers to Cocoa for senior season
Trimaine Brown to Homestead
The speedy 5-foot-11, 165-pound rising senior athlete is leaving Miami Northwestern for Homestead. Brown is a track star who helped the Bulls win the Class 3A gold medal in the 4x100-meter relay and was the Class 3A silver medalist in the 200 meters. He can be an impact player at both wide receiver and defensive back. Homestead won 11 games last season and returns the bulk of its offensive playmakers, including Temple commit Richard Dandridge.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Florida high school football: 9 transfers that could impact the postseason
