Over the past two seasons Saint Thomas Aquinas has been one of the top teams in Florida. This past weekend Saint Thomas had that all come crashing down on them as they lost to Manatee High. This was pretty much a shock to everyone that covers high school football in Florida. While they lost most expect them to bounce back next year and be one of the elite teams once again in Broward County. ESS takes an inside look at their top prospects from the class of 2010 and 2011.
Joyner is on his way to Florida State
First up in Lamarcus Joyner. The talented athlete made his presence felt on offense, defense and special teams for Saint Thomas. He has incredible burst and is almost impossible to stop once in the open field. What is also impressive is how physical Joyner is for a smaller player. Joyner measures in at 5′8/175 pounds. Joyner recently committed to Florida State. Video Link
Dorsett replaces Joyner as Saint Thomas big play threat!
With the loss of Joyner next season most will wonder where their big plays will come from. Look no further then Phillip Dorsett. The talented receiver is a threat to go the distance anywhere on the field. Dorsett has the game breaking ability that so many college coaches look for. He should take up the slack from the departure of Joyner on specials. Video Link
Green already has an offer from BCS power University of Florida!
Along side of Dorsett next year will be receiver Rashard Green. The 2011 prospect transferred in from Georgia this season and lived up to the pre-season hype. Most around Saint Thomas felt that Green would be one of the best receivers to have come through their program. Considering some of the great players which played that position that is saying something. He brings nice size to the receiver position. Green runs very good routes and should be Saint Thomas go-to receiver next season. Video Link
Rudduck had one of the best seasons ever for a Saint Thomas QB!
Throwing them the football next year will be quarterback Jake Rudduck. The talented junior came on strong this year after the departure of Ryan Becker. He has the ability to break down a defense with his arm or legs. He can take off and run which opens up the Saint Thomas offense even more. Rudduck also has a solid arm and can make most of the throws asked of him. With Green and Dorsett to throw the ball to Rudduck should have a monster senior season. Video Link
James White one of the best backs in Broward County!
The departure that will hurt Saint Thomas next season is that of running back James White. There are not many more well rounded backs in Florida then White. It was against Byrnes High School that White sealed the victory with his tough running in the 4th quarter. Not only is he a threat running the football, White has good hands. Video Link
On defense Saint Thomas relied on their linebackers to make a ton of plays this season. They did not disappoint as both Vinny Mauro and Garth Jobe were both very good players this season. Wearing #14 which former linebacker Connor O’Neil wore at Saint Thomas, Jobe filled in nicely. He is not a real big linebacker but Jobe relied on his speed and quickness to make plays. He could end up playing safety at the next level. Mauro is a prospect that came to play every game. He is a tough player who wont come off the field unless you dragged him off. He is most likely going to end up at the Naval Academy and if that happens they will be landed one of the best players they ever have in Mauro.
Hey. I think it is Rudock. Jake Rudock
sometimes it’s just not about talent in the field is who wants it the most and plays hard a full game..