Tampa Bay football players to watch in 2010
By Rod Gipson
Aug 23, 2010, 3:52pm
Look for these players to make big contributions.
As kickoff approaches, these are just some of the players in the Tampa Bay area that fans, coaches and especially recruiters will be watching:
Plant High's James Wilder.
Photo by Tom Lemming
James Wilder RB-LB-DE (6-foot-3, 220) Plant (Tampa)
Now that the decision is over, the future Florida State University Seminole can get back to terrorizing both defenses and offenses as Plant pursues a third straight state championship.
Tyler Moore OT (6-foot-6, 270), Countryside (Clearwater)
The best prep lineman in the Bay area and arguably the best in the state, Moore is headed to the University of Nebraska.
Quentin Williams QB (6-foot, 190), Jefferson (Tampa)
After leading the Dragons to the Class 3A state semifinals (while passing for 3,000-plus yards and 34 touchdowns), Williams is looking for a little bit more for his senior season.
Ja'Juan Story QB-WR (6-foot-4, 185), Nature Coast Tech (Brooksville)
Already committed to Florida, Story will almost exclusively play quarterback this season just to have the ball in his hands on every play.
Anthony Chickillo DL-OL (6-foot-4, 235), Alonso (Tampa)
A terror on the defensive line, Chickillo is healthy again after missing significant time as a junior with a collarbone injury. He still had 12 sacks in six games in 2009.
Phillip Ely QB (6-foot-1, 190) Plant (Tampa)
The recent Alabama commit is a sterling 19-0 as a starter with two state championship rings. He threw for 1,800 yards and 20 TDs last season.
Andre Davis WR (6-foot-3, 180), Jefferson (Tampa)
Caught a Hillsborough County best 68 passes in 2009 for 1,201 yards and 18 touchdowns. One of the cogs that makes the Jefferson engine go.
Tony Posada OL (6-foot-6, 310), Plant (Tampa)
Key member of the line that protects Ely and opens holes for Wilder. The heavily recruited lineman recently committed to Michigan.
Keith Lewis LB (6-foot-1, 210), Freedom (Tampa)
Rated by several national recruiting services as the top linebacker in the Bay area, Lewis paced the Freedom defense that yielded 11.5 points per game a season ago.
Jordan Prestwood TE (6-foot-6, 265), Plant City
The lone tight end to grace this list, Prestwood can play any position on the offensive line but has the hands of a wideout. Prestwood grabbed 26 passes and scored three touchdowns in ’09.
Juwan Brown QB (6-foot, 170), Largo
Brown established himself as one of the most exciting quarterbacks in Pinellas County last season as a freshman. Accounted for nine touchdowns while leading the Packers to the region semifinals.
Alex Dixon DB (6-foot-1, 185), Countryside (Clearwater)
The top cornerback in the Bay area, Dixon is a sure tackler and playmaker in the secondary for the Cougars. Dixon posted 46 tackles and three interceptions last season.
Nelson Agholor WR-RB-DB (6-foot-1, 175), Berkeley Prep (Tampa)
The one player who is practically on the field at all times for the Buccaneers, Agholor combined for 1,000-plus yards and 18 scores as a runner and wideout. He also added another score on a kickoff return.
Zach Debell OT (6-foot-8, 275), Tarpon Springs
A Georgia commit, the massive Debell helped Tarpon Springs running back Adrian Golden gallop for 1,500-plus yards in ’09.
Josh Grady QB (6-foot, 185), Armwood (Seffner)
A gifted athlete, Grady combined for more than 2,000 yards of offense in ’09 and returns to lead a potent Hawks attack.
Stephen Weatherford QB (6-foot-1, 190), Land O'Lakes (Land O'Lakes)
Good size, good vision, good arm. Weatherford threw for 27 touchdowns last year and orally committed to South Florida in the offseason.
Chris Moore, WR (6-foot-1, 180), Jefferson (Tampa)
Talented enough to be the top guy on any other team in the area except Jefferson, Moore recently committed to Cincinnati. 30 grabs and five touchdowns in 2009.
Dante Fowler, DL-TE (6-foot-3, 220) Lakewood (St. Petersburg)
With six sacks in 2009, the junior speed rusher has thrown down the gauntlet for this season, saying he wants to amass 30 sacks. Plus, he plays tight end.
A.J. King, WR (6-foot-1, 170) Armwood (Seffner)
A rising playmaker in the Armwood offense, King will be counted on more this season to aid quarterback Josh Grady.
Anthony Harrell, LB (6-foot-1, 215) Jesuit (Tampa)
A disrupter, Harrell transferred from Freedom to Jesuit in the offseason, following his father, James, Jesuit's new head coach. Harrell posted seven sacks from his LB spot in '09.
Cary White RB (5-foot-9, 195), Sickles (Tampa)
A dominant back with speed and power, White led Hillsborough County in rushing in 1,594 yards and scored 13 touchdowns while helping lift the Gryphons to the postseason.
Hunter Joyer FB-LB (6-foot, 240), Tampa Catholic
After 1,000-plus yards as a sophomore, this future Gator did more blocking in 2009. Joyer should get plenty of carries this season and lead the Crusaders' defense as a linebacker.
Charles Lovett WR (5-foot-9, 165), Hillsborough (Tampa)
With quickness to spare, Lovett will be one of the Terriers' top offensive weapons as coach Earl Garcia's team looks to return to its lofty status.
Ruben Gonzalez WR (6-foot-3, 185), Robinson (Tampa)
A big target on offense and a talented safety, Gonzalez was a key member of the Knights' core group that led to their resurgence last season.
Jamie Byrd S (6-foot, 180), Pasco (Dade City)
A hard-hitting player whose recruiting will heat up, Byrd posted 100-plus tackles last season and is the Pirates' defensive team leader.
