Four Naples High School football players honored in early signing celebration

With Collier County's winter break falling during football's early National Signing Day, Naples High did not want its quartet of football stars not to be recognized.

The Golden Eagles packed the auditorium Thursday morning to honor Isaiah Augustave (Arkansas), Kendrick Raphael (North Carolina State), Kerry Brown (Minnesota), and Jonas Duclona (Wisconsin), who will all officially sign with their Power 5 programs when the NCAA three-day signing period officially begins on Dec. 21.

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Introducing the 2021 Naples Daily News All-Area Football Offense Team

"These are some of the best players this school will ever see," said head coach Rick Martin. "And the crazy part is as good of a player these guys are, they're even better men."

Jonas Duclona (Wisconsin)

Duclona, an All-American Bowl selection, was a key part of a dominant Naples defense that allowed just 10.75 points per game. The Naples Daily 2021 All-Area First-Team selection tallied 105 tackles, seven interceptions, and 27 pass breakups in his four-year career at Naples.

He says his time as a Golden Eagle has helped him prepare for BIG 10 competition.

"I feel like I'm going to be able to compete with the guys that are already there," he said.

Why Wisconsin?: Duclona was committed to Cincinnati under head coach Luke Fickell for most of the 2022 season. When Fickell resigned on Nov. 27 to take the reins at Wisconsin, Duclona reopened his commitment the next day before officially committing to the Badgers on Dec. 12, just three days after his official visit. He says following Fickell to Madison presents unique opportunities.

"It was just the connection to the staff I had already built," he said. "And I went on a great official visit. They showed me a great time and had great hospitality. What excites me the most is that everybody has a fresh start. It's a whole new coaching staff and everybody starts in the same place, and I'm going early so I get a chance to compete with them."

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Kerry Brown (Minnesota)

Martin said it best when describing Brown's value to a loaded Naples squad.

"Kerry was the most important guy on our defense, and everybody that played with him will tell you that," he said. "And I've told every recruiter and anyone that will listen, that guy right there made us special for the last three years."

Brown, a 2021 Naples Daily News First Team All-Area selection, leaves Naples with a loaded resume. The defensive-back notched 225 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, six sacks, four forced fumbles, three interceptions, and 12 pass breakups in his three years as a starter.

"I feel like Naples prepared me in a lot of ways," he said. "Watching film, group meetings, and playing how they play up there really helped me."

Why Minnesota?: "I just liked the vibe over there," Brown said. "It was a great experience during my visit, so I feel like I fit right into it. It's a big move for me, I'm just going to get used to it and do what I have to do."

Backfield duo of Kendrick Raphael and Isaiah Augustave has Golden Eagles soaring

Isaiah Augustave (Arkansas)

Augustave, an Under Armour All-American, was one half of the running back tandem that made the Golden Eagles offense one of the area's most prolific. The 2021 Naples Daily All-Area second-teamer finished his high school career with 1,981 yards on 218 carries while tallying 27 touchdowns.

Augustave says his time at Naples has helped prepare him for the jump to the SEC.

"I'm a hard-working player," he said. "When I have to go, that's what I'm going to go do and aim for my goals. Really, I'm just ready to play and get on the field."

Naples 3-star running back Isaiah Augustave announces commitment to Arkansas

Why Arkansas?: "We just had a good connection, and I liked the vibe," Augustave said. "My main goal is for me to get playing time, and I feel like if I go to Arkansas I'm guaranteed to have playing time."

Kendrick Raphael (North Carolina State)

A 2021 All-Area First Teamer, Raphael was the other cog in he Golden Eagle's deadly run game. The FACA 3S Offensive Player of the Year put up big numbers for an offense that scored 35.6 points per game and finished his high school career with 3,766 yards on 352 carries with 52 touchdowns, 23 of which came in his senior campaign.

Naples running back Kendrick Raphael announces verbal commitment to Kirk Ferentz, Iowa

Raphael credits Naples' coaching staff with preparing him for ACC competition.

"I feel like I'll be al lright because I was coached very well here, so I feel like it'll be a good transition," he said. "Over here we're conditioned well, we're fast, we're strong, so the transition will be good."

Why North Carolina State?: Raphael committed to Iowa in June, but after the Hawkeyes got off to a lackluster start, Raphael de-committed late in September. He says the relationship the Wolfpack staff maintained throughout the year helped him choose the North Carolina State over the likes of Appalachian State, Buffalo, and Boston College after his Nov. 29 commitment.

"I had a very long and strong relationship with them," he said. "Even when I was committed to Iowa, they were still hitting me up and seeing how I was doing. They were there for me during the hurricane. I just had the longest relationship and they wanted me. I've got to go to a school that wants me and prioritizes me."

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Naples High celebrates four football players signing with Power 5 colleges