Compiled By Rod Gipson
MaxPreps.com
2008 TAMPA BAY PLAYERS TO WATCH
AARON MURRAY
Tampa Plant
Senior Quarterback
6-foot-1, 200 pounds
What he’s done: Threw for more than 4,000 yards and a state-record 51 touchdown passes last season for the Panthers en route to being named Class 5A All-State first team. Followed that up with state and national titles in 7-on-7 summer tournaments and an MVP performance at the EA Sports Elite 11 passing camp.
What he can do: An accurate passer, fearless team leader and strong-armed thrower. Murray has all the tools and intangibles to lead the talent-rich Panthers to their second state title in three years.
Who’s looking at him: Already verbally committed to Georgia. Was heavily recruited by all the major schools including UCLA, Notre Dame and Florida.
ADARIS BELLAMY
Dunedin
Senior Running back
5-foot-10, 215 pounds
What he’s done: Led Pinellas County in rushing in 2007 with a school-record 1,900 yards and 20 touchdowns. Named first team Class 5A All-State.
What he can do: A bruising runner who can just as easily run over a tackler as run around them. Bellamy has the size, the speed and doesn’t shy away from contact. He could make a run at 2,000 yards
Who’s looking at him: A South Florida commitment, Bellamy also was coveted by Mississippi and Clemson.
RYNE GIDDINS
Seffner Armwood
Senior Defensive End
6-foot-4, 235 pounds
What he’s done: Set a school record with 21 sacks in 2007. Anchored a defensive line that helped the Hawks go 13-1 and advance to the Class 4A final four. Named first team All-State.
What he can do: A blend of strength and speed rare in prep athletes. A dominant player who can stop the run and could top his own sack mark this year. Already invited to January’s U.S. Army All-American Bowl, widely considered the most prestigious of the high school all-star games.
Who’s looking at him: Florida, Florida State, South Florida, Tennessee.
JAIRUS JONES
Tampa Wharton
Senior Defensive Back
6-foot-2, 210 pounds
What he’s done: A starter at strong safety since his freshman year, Jones had a team best 89 tackles a year ago. Playing more like a linebacker than defensive back, Jones also picked off one pass and was named to the Class 5A All-State third team.
What he can do: Jones can roam the defensive secondary as flawlessly as come up and stop running backs. He anchors the middle of the Wildcats’ defense, opting to be a stalwart tackler as opposed to a pass interceptor.
Who’s looking at him: LSU, Michigan State and Nebraska appear to be the finalists for Jones’ college destination.
KAMREN JOYER
Wesley Chapel
Senior Offensive Lineman
6-foot-3, 315 pounds
What he’s done: A Class 5A all-state second team performer last season, Joyer was the focal point of an offensive line that helped the Wildcats average four touchdowns a game.
What he can do: A huge specimen, Joyer has exceptional strength from his guard position. Has also played other positions on the line.
Who’s looking at him: South Carolina.
PETEY SMITH
Seffner Armwood
Senior Linebacker
6-foot, 230 pounds
What he’s done: Man in the middle on the Tampa Bay area’s top defensive team a year ago. Had 80 tackles and three sacks for unit that yielded six points a game last year. Third-team all-state performer in ’07 and received invite to U.S. Army All-American Bowl all-star game.
What he can do: Heading into his fourth season as a starter, Smith has outstanding lateral moves and instincts to get to the ball carrier in a hurry. One of the hardest hitters in the area.
Who’s looking at him: Auburn, Florida State, Ohio State, Michigan.
MAURICE HAGENS
Tampa Bay Technical
Junior Running Back
5-foot-11, 225 pounds
What he’s done: Among the county’s top rushers last season with 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns, Hagens burst onto the scene as a sophomore.
What he can do: A wrecking ball of a runner, the powerful Hagens often needs multiple defenders to bring him down. Helped turn around the Titans’ fortunes last season, Hagens may be the key to Tech earning its first playoff berth since 2001.
Who’s looking at him: It’s still early but Hagens had offers from LSU and Tennessee before his 16th birthday.
MIKE MARRY
Largo
Senior Linebacker
6-foot-3, 210 pounds
What he’s done: Led Pinellas County in tackles with 144 stops. Added six interceptions for a Packers defense that was a huge reason the team advanced to the Class 5A final four.
What he can do: Quickness, instincts and always – always around the ball. Marry is without question the heart of the Largo defense.
Who’s looking at him: Arkansas, South Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia.
ORSON CHARLES
Tampa Plant
Senior Tight End
6-foot-2, 220 pounds
What he’s done: Caught 16 passes in 207 for 400 yards and scored three touchdowns.
What he can do: A huge target on an offense loaded with weapons. Charles can run and catch like a wide receiver but block better than most at his position.
Who’s looking at him: Auburn, Georgia, Miami, LSU.
JARVIS GILES
Tampa Gaither
Senior Running back
5-foot-11, 180 pounds
What he’s done: Two straight 1,000-plus yard seasons. In 2007, Giles ran for 1,478 yards and scored 20 touchdowns. He earned All-State third-team honors and also was a finalist in the 100-meters at the state track meet.
What he can do: Arguably to shiftiest, quickest, one-move-and-he’s gone back in the Bay area, Giles makes up for any lack of size with blazing speed. But he is by no means fragile, evidenced by a sturdy 238 carries last season.
Who’s looking at him: Already committed to Tennessee. Clemson, Florida State and South Florida also were suitors.
DEMONTE McCALLISTER
Tampa Alonso
Senior Defensive Tackle
6-foot-3, 250 pounds
What he’s done: Had 51 tackles from his inside position and managed to lead the Ravens in sacks with eight. Earned invite to the Under Armour All-American game in January.
What he can do: Quick and strong, McCallister’s athletic frame allows him to overpower offensive linemen. He can also use a speedy first step to maneuver into backfields to bust up a play.
Who’s looking at him: Florida State, Georgia, LSU, USC.