Steve Dorsey is a freelance writer
based in West Palm Beach, Fla., who has covered the South Florida high
school sports scene for the past 30 years. He also is a contributing
writer for American Football Monthly and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.I've seen so many outstanding players in the 30 years I've been covering high school football in Florida that it might seem impossible to single out one player as the best.
Anquan Boldin started as a freshman
at Pahokee High School.
Getty images
Actually, it's a slam-dunk for me.
Anquan Boldin is hands-down the most prolific player I've ever seen.
I remember the first time I saw him, the
Pahokee (Fla.) roster had him listed as a freshman, but he played like a junior or senior that game. When I asked if it was a mistake, Pahokee head coach Joe Marx smiled and told me, "Steve, you're going to be writing a lot about this kid the next four years."
Boldin went on to become the most prolific offensive quarterback in state history by the time he graduated.
He signed with Florida State to play quarterback, but switched to wide receiver when it became evident he was not in the Seminoles' promised plan of playing him behind center.
Testament to his athletic ability is that he went on to become an NFL All-Pro at wide receiver.
He was simply sensational in high school.
He also was one of the hardest-hitting safeties I've ever seen play, and he was an excellent punter.
Pahokee never attempted a PAT kick his senior year, opting to let him go for two points after every touchdown.
I also saw Emmitt Smith play, and as great a running back as he was, Boldin was a much more complete player.
Other notables I've seen:
Smith - state's all-time leading career rusher.
Travis Henry - saw him leave five Pahokee defenders on their knees in a state playoff game.
Tim Tebow - lined up at nose guard in state championship game with game on the line.
MaxPreps
asked its most experienced writers and freelancers to name the best high
school football player they ever saw. Requirements were at least 20
years on the job and that they had to see the athlete play in person. See a perspective from the New England-New York region on Wednesday.
