Florida's top spring practice and recruiting updates: West Palm Beach

Spring football has started, which means State of Florida Recruiting H.Q. podcast hosts Jon Santucci and Chris Boyle will be hitting the road to cover practices.

Here are their recruiting notes and takeaways from their travels.

May 10

Tampa Armwood

The recruitment of 2023 QB Murdolph Jones remains something of a mystery. Murdolph has the size (6-foot-3, 230 pounds) and arm strength that colleges covet but he only has a handful of Group of 5 offers. He’s also an outstanding student. One Armwood coach said he doesn’t understand why Murdolph doesn’t have 30+ offers. It will be interesting to see if things pick up for him in the summer.

2025 RB Olontae Dean is a player to keep a close eye on. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound back is a physical runner who can run past or through a defender. Toledo offered earlier this spring.

2025 ATH Girard Pringle saw varsity reps as a slot receiver last fall and should be a big part of the offense this season. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Pringle can line up at receiver or running back and can run between the tackles and make defenders miss in the open field.

2023 LB Damenon Hughes is a physical presence in the middle of the Hawks’ defense. The 5-foot-11, 225-pound Hughes, who is getting interest from several FCS programs, reads plays quickly, is a strong tackler and can drop into coverage.

Tampa Bay Tech

One of the things that stands out about 2023 EDGE Antonio Camon (6-foot-2, 250 pounds) is his motor. Camon doesn’t give up on plays and plays with high energy every rep. Titans coaches about Camon’s effort and ability. He has more than 20 offers, including Kansas, Pitt, Rutgers and Syracuse.

2023 S Norris Davis (6-foot-2, 175 pounds) is long and physical and should continue to pick up offers from colleges. Davis, who missed more than two months last season because of injury, can play a more traditional safety or walk down into the box and play like an outside linebacker. His offers include Iowa State, Penn State, Ole Miss and Kansas State.

Tampa Bay Tech coaches are excited about the potential of 2025 OL Ziyare Addison. Addision is 6-foot-3, 225 pounds and still has room to grow. He’s been taking extra reps after practice to improve his technique.

2024 RB Rod Gainey Jr., one of the top rising junior running backs in the state, is back at Tampa Bay Tech after spending last year at IMG. Gainey (5-foot-11, 180 pounds) is an explosive athlete who can run between the tackles, bounce it outside or catch the ball out of the backfield. His offers include Florida, Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, Penn State and West Virginia.

2025 WR Santonyo Isaac (6-foot, 160 pounds) had a strong freshman year and should be a bigger part of the offense with last season’s top target, Greg Gaines, now at Iowa State. Isaac caught 18 passes for 501 yards and five touchdowns in 2021. Penn State, Indiana, West Virginia, Pitt, Ole Miss and Florida State are among the teams to offer in the past six months.

May 9

West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman

2023 ATH/S Vinkevus Pierre (6-foot-1, 195) pounds has added noticeable muscle since last fall and will be looking to build on his breakout season last fall. Pierre, who has been offered by Pitt, had 55 tackles and two interceptions in 12 games in 2021.

2023 EDGE Maverick Gracio is an under-the-radar recruit who should be getting a lot more attention. The 6-foot-4, 215 pounder has a high motor and is athletic. FAU, Illinois, Pitt and Purdue have offered.

2023 ATH/TE Steven Curtis is another recruit who could see his recruitment pick up over the summer. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound Curtis, who transferred from Dwyer, has good hands and moves well. Dwyer used Curtis on both lines last season and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Newman use him in several roles this fall.

Three of Cardinal Newman’s top recruit prospects – 2024 RB Tovani Mizell, 2024 CB Josh Philostin and 2024 WR Kevin Levy – have been limited in practice because of track commitments. But a quick walk from the practice field to the track shows why each of the trio have Power 5 offers. Levy and Philostin are among the top qualifiers in the Class 1A state meet in the 100 and 200 meters and all three are in the mix for Cardinal Newman’s top-ranked 4x100 relay team.

May 2

Cardinal Gibbons

A year ago, it appeared 2023 ATH Jesse Anderson’s future would be at WR. But after a solid year of playing both WR (39 catches, 506 yards, 4 touchdowns in 2021) and DB (28 tackles, 1 interception) it’s not so clear. Gibbons coaches say colleges are split on what position on what position the 6-foot-2, 180-pounder will play.

2024 TE Colton Heinrich was dealing with a finger injury Monday, so he asked the coaches if they wanted him to run routes. They did and told him to catch the ball with one hand. So, he did. Every route. In addition to possessing strong hands, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Heinrich has a projectable frame and good speed. Expect Gibbons to use him both close to the formation and flexed out wide this fall.

Gibbons has an experienced and talented backfield with 2023 QB Dylan Rizk (UCF commit) and 2023 RB Kamari Moulton. It was nice seeing their leadership on display during practice as both players made sure to shake hands with each of their offensive linemen before team drills.

Gibbons coaches are high on the potential of 2024 OL Zach Boehly (6-foot-5, 260 pounds) and 2024 OL Daniel Mincey (6-foot-4, 290 pounds). Mincy is the younger brother of Tennessee OL Gerald Mincey.

Barring injury, Rizk will get most of the snaps under center this year but college coaches also are keeping a close eye on 2024 QB Michael Merdinger. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Merdinger was the starting quarterback at Deerfield Beach in the fall.

Dillard

2025 DT Anthony Smith is definitely a player to watch going forward. The 6-foot-2, 280-pound rising sophomore was unblockable during practice Monday, but that’s nothing new. Smith led Dillard – a team that included standout EDGE Nyjalik Kelly (Miami early enrollee) – in tackles for loss last season. Smith has offers from Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa State, Pitt and Texas A&M. Expect a lot more to come.

It’s easy to see why 2024 DB Antione Jackson (Georgia commit) is considered one of the top defensive backs in next year’s class. He’s long, physical and did not allow a catch during 1-on-1 drills Monday. Jackson also has the confidence of a No. 1 cornerback. He may be committed, but that won’t stop colleges from doing everything they can to flip him before next December.

Dillard coaches expect 2024 ILB Marlon Huff to generate a lot of interest this spring. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound Huff was offered by Syracuse on Monday. In addition to the prototypical size, Huff is strong, makes quick reads and plays downhill.

2023 OT Rico Jackson (6-foot-4, 295 pounds) has been picking up offers steadily over the past month. The list includes FIU, Akron, Kent State, Cincinnati, FAU, Boston College and USF.

2023 OL Christopher Alexandre is an intriguing recruit. He has legitimate size at 6-foot-6, 320 pounds. Coaches have been pleased with his dedication during the offseason (he dropped 30 pounds) and is working hard on his technique.

April 29

Vero Beach

Florida State wide receivers coach Ron Dugans was on hand to see 2023 WR Vandrevious Jacobs, who is a Seminoles commit, on Friday. Jacobs plays is 6-foot, but plays bigger and can stretch the field or can make tough catches over the middle. He is one of three in-state pass catchers who already have committed to Florida State.

The duo of 2023 LB Keshawn Campbell and 2024 LB Kevin Pollock will make it tough on opposing offenses this season. Campbell, a Troy commit, is 6-foot, 200 pounds. Pollock is 6-foot-1, 210 pounds. Both players are fast, diagnose plays quickly and like to come downhill. They also both have the ability to drop back in coverage. Pollock missed almost all of last season because of an injury but he's healthy now. These two will be a lot of fun to watch line up next to each other this fall.

TE/WR Nate Guinn is a player to keep an eye on. The converted defensive lineman is 6-foot-6, 220 pounds and moves well. Guinn is relatively new to offense, having just moved over late last fall, but his size demands attention. Guinn seems like the type of player who colleges will take note of and then ask for film early in the season to see how he's progressing.

John Carroll Catholic

Remember 2022 WR Prince Strachan, the Bahamian-both pass catcher who ended up signing with Boise State in February? 2023 WR Marion Frederick could be on a similar sort of trajectory. He's long at 6-foot-2 and has good speed. Like Strachan, he started as a junior and was the team's No. 2 receiver before being the team's top option as a senior. Frederick will get his chance this fall. John Carroll coaches say FCS programs are starting to take notice.

2023 DB Aidan Singleton recently added another FCS offer and more schools are showing interest. The 6-foot-1, 183-pound Singleton is a three-year starter who recorded 27 tackles and intercepted four passes and broke up 12 others last season. He is a playmaker in the secondary and should add more offers before the end of the spring.

2023 DL Wilky Denaud worked almost exclusively at RT on Friday, but he will play on the defensive line at the next level. Denaud has several Power 5 offers and likely projects as an interior lineman.

April 28

Treasure Coast

2023 DL Corey McIntrye Jr. looked impressive in practice. The 6-foot-3 lineman has added almost 20 pounds this offseason and is close to 280 pounds. He has a strong upper body and is quick off the ball. McIntrye, the son of former NFL fullback/special teams player Corey McIntyre, has a handful of offers including Washington State and West Virginia.

Teams will be unable to focus exclusively on McIntrye because of fellow DL Jahari Grant (class of 2024). The 6-foot-2, 285-pound Grant is well built, quick off the ball and physical. He doesn't have any offers yet but that should change. Grant's play commands attention; colleges will takes notice.

As expected, Treasure Coast 2023 OL Alex Woods' recruitment has picked up over the past few weeks. The 6-foot-4 Woods, who has a 6-foot-10 wingspan, has offers from Akron, SMU, Troy, Tulane and USF. Woods had a breakout season on the line last season. He has strong technique and moves well. Colleges are looking at him at both guard and tackle.

Treasure Coast is known for producing physical and technically-sound lineman and it looks like 2024 OL Knajee Saffold is next. The 6-foot-4, 300-pound Saffold is quick off the ball and moves very well for a 300-pounder. Don't be surprised to see him pick up a few offers in the future.

Centennial

2024 WR Isaiah Roberts primarily will line up outside for the Eagles this season but he's best suited to play in the slot at the next level. He's shifty with strong hands and has the ability to pick up yards after the catch. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound Roberts has an offer from UNC-Charlotte. That's the same program that signed Centennial's 2022 slot WR Roger "Fresh: Walters.

2024 WR Xavion Griffin is expected to be an impact player for Centennial this season. Griffin, who could also start at safety, is fast and will be counted on to stretch the field for the Eagles.

Remember the name Noah Green (2025 TE/EDGE). Green has good size (6-foot, 215 pounds), moves well and catches the ball well. He looked good both lining up in the slot or close to the formation in practice. Centennial coaches expect Green to grow several inches. He's under-the-radar now, but he won't be for long.

April 27

Cocoa

It would be a surprise if 2023 WR Kyon Calhoun didn’t pick up at least a handful of offers this spring. The 6-foot-5 WR has been playing football for little more than a year and comes into this spring as one of the primary targets for the Tigers. Calhoun, who also plays basketball and is a high jumper in track, has the leaping ability to go up and get jump balls. He will be a tough matchup this fall, especially in the red zone.

2023 S Cedrick Hawkins (Ohio State commit) didn’t join practice until after he finished track practice Wednesday, but he stood out as soon as he did. Hawkins is a true centerfielder who likes to come downhill against the run and punishes quarterbacks for making mistakes. Hawkins’ ability to quickly diagnose plays and disrupt the offense is impressive, too.

Hawkins’ younger brother, Samadrae, is one of several young Tigers to watch. The 5-foot-11, 225-pound ILB recorded 169 tackles and two sacks as a sophomore. Another rising junior to keep an eye on is 2024 OT Damian Seymour. He has good size at 6-foot-4, 305 pounds. He started for the Tigers at RT in the 2021 and could make the switch to LT this season.

2024 DL Loren Ward impressed with his pass rush skills and motor. Ward consistently won 1-on-1 battles and had no trouble getting into the backfield during the team session. The 6-foot-2, 280-pounder can come off the edge or line up inside. He showed some nice pass rush skills and did a good job of swatting away offensive lineman’s hands.

2025 CB Jaquez Henderson will get a lot of attention this spring, especially after picking up an Oklahoma offer just before the start of spring practice. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound corner did well during the 7-on-7 circuit. He’s quick and physical and likes to come downhill against the run or screen game. He’s still young, but he almost certainly will be one of the Tigers boundary corners this season. He was primarly was going up against Calhoun on Wednesday.

April 26

Palm Bay

2024 RB Octavion Osby had a breakout season in 2021. This year should be the one sees his recruiting start to take off. The 6-foot, 190-pound Osby, who cut weight during wrestling season, had over 1,200 yards last fall and 100-yard outings against Merritt Island (Class 5A state runner-up) and Satellite (Class 5A regional finalist). He’s strong with good speed and the ability to accelerate suddenly. USF has offered and several Power 5 programs are showing interest.

2024 ATH Zach Emery-Foster had 1,887 yards of total offense last season. That includes throwing for 1,676 yards and 13 touchdowns in his first year at quarterback. He should be better in his second year in coach Jake Owens’ offense. Emery-Foster likely will play wide receiver or safety at the next level and could play some defensive back this fall.

It was good to see 2023 ATH Daniel Harris jogging and participating in workouts after missing all of last season with a knee injury. Palm Bay won’t let Harris play in the spring game but he’s expected to be at full strength for the fall.

Powers said the rising junior class – nine of whom started in 2021 – is the best one he’s worked with. ATH Andrew Young and EDGE Markel Gowins are some of the players to watch.

Eau Gallie

There’s a lot to like about 2025 IOL Chavez “Sandman” Thompson, which is a reason why his offer list includes Florida State, Indiana, Maryland and others. The 6-foot-1, 270-pounder is quick with strong footwork and has a better understanding of leverage and how to use his hands after his first year of wrestling. Chavez was the last one off the field Tuesday, working on his technique. Eau Gallie coaches say he’s always the last one off the practice field.

2023 ATH Robert Stafford showed off his speed and playmaking ability during Tuesday’s team sessions. Stafford has more than 35 offers and says he’s in the process of narrowing down his list. Stafford is No. 34 on the USA Today Florida Network’s top 100.

There’s a lot to like about Commodores 2025 playmaker DL Hardison, but the noticeable thing Tuesday is that he was always open. The slot WR, who already has a handful of Power 5 offers, gets off the line quickly and fluid in his movements. Defensive backs had a very difficult time staying with him. Hardison is explosive, but he also will have a major impact in short yardage situations.

Eau Gallie coaches have been pleased with 2024 LB Timajaye Hayes’ improved work ethic and commitment this offseason. The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder already has more than a dozen offers.

April 25

Dwyer

2023 EDGE Kerrington Lee (No. 80 USA Today Florida Network top 100) is impressive. It's not just his physical makeup and ability, but also his leadership. Lee was the first one in line for drills and a vocal presence who both encouraged and challenged teammates. He checks a lot of the intangible boxes that coaches like to rave about.

More: Dwyer 3-star EDGE Kerrington Lee prioritizes academics over athletics

2023 S Kyle McNeil was unable to be at practice Monday, but Panthers coaches expect him to be heavily recruited this spring. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound already has an FAU offer and several other programs are showing interest.

2023 ATH Elijah Hopkins looked impressive on the first day of drills. He has good size (6-foot-1, 170 pounds) and moves well. FAU has offered.

2025 RB Xania Scott, the younger brother of Illinois signee Xavier Scott, is a player worth keeping an eye on. Scott has strong legs, can run through tackles and catch the ball out of the backfield.

Palm Beach Central

The first thing you notice about 2023 QB Ahmad Haston is the muscle he's added during the offseason. Multiple Broncos players mentioned how motived the team was by their loss to Treasure Coast in the regional final last fall and dedicated themselves to the weight room. Haston has increased his bench press to 315 pounds; he's now is about 10 pounds heavier than the 185 pounds he played at last season. Haston has a handful of offers, including Virginia.

2023 DB Justin Bostic stood out every time he was on the field Monday. The 5-foot-10, 180-pounder, who lined up at cornerback and safety, has strong technique, uses his hands well and did a great job of shadowing any receiver he was guarding. Bostic, the son of former NFL defensive back John Bostic and the younger brother of NFL free agent linebacker Jon Bostic, stayed after practice for almost 20 minutes working on his technique under the watchful eye of his brother. FAU has offered and several programs have shown interest. Bostic projects as a nickelback at the next level.

More Broncos: Palm Beach Central's Ahmad Haston, Javorian Wimberly form state-leading connection

2023 WR Luby Maurice has good size (6-foot-2, 180 pounds) and the speed to stretch the field. He lined up exclusively on the outside during Monday's practice and had consistent success getting open downfield. Central offensive coaches mentioned how they've been stressing the little things with Maurice and were pleased his technique Monday. Maurice has a dozen offers, including a handful of Power 5 offers.

2023 WR Javorian Wimberly was limited in practice Monday but is expected to be at full strength by the end of the spring. The all-county wideout, who is being recruited primarily as a slot receiver, has offers from a handful of programs including Coastal Carolina, Illinois and USF.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Recruiting: Florida high school spring football top takeaways