Nash’s Notes: Five names to know in the Class of 2014

The best part about Florida High School Football is the fact that everywhere you look, there is a new prospect ready to display their skills. It’s time to get to know some of these prospects who are blowing up college recruiting boards and catching my eye in the film room. The Class of 2014 has Division I talent all over the state and my job is to make their names known. Every Monday, I will deliver to you five new prospects and highlight their attributes and skills that have made them the talented players they are. I hope you enjoy reading about Florida’s fastest rising stars.

WR Tristyn Bennett | Yulee | 2014 | 6’2 | 180 | Watch Highlight Video
While the last four years in Yulee football will never be forgotten, thanks to Derrick Henry, the next couple of years might be just as exciting. Yulee has a lot to look forward to in Tristyn Bennett at the wide-receiver position. Bennett is an ideal athlete for playing wide-reciever. His routes are silky-smooth and has soft hands. What separates him from other receivers is his attention to detail by doing the little things correctly. Selling his cuts and giving the extra in-and-out fake. He reminds me of current Alabama star Amari Cooper.

CB Mazzi Wilkins | Plant | 2014 | 6’1 | 165 | Watch Highlight Video
Tampa Plant head coach Robert Weiner produces top-notch talent every year. Mazzi Wilkins is another kid with numerous offers early in the recruiting process thanks to his ability on the field and not just because he is a good athlete. Not only does he have great height which is something every Defensive Backs coach wants in a player, but his footwork and technique, have him shutting down opposing receivers on Friday nights. He is the true definition of a “No Fly Zone”. 1-on-1’s are a specialty of his which will help him at the next level. Plus now with with the 7-on-7 season fast approaching, he can keep improving throughout the summer.

QB Zack Darlington | Apopka | 2014 | 6’2 | 190 | Watch Highlight Video
By leading his team all the way to the 8A state championship in 2012, Zack Darlington made himself a well known name. A pro-style quarterback that makes plays with his legs isn’t normally found in this state that specializes in skill players and athletes. Plus, he can hang in the pocket and make those tough throws with his combination of arm strength and nice progression reads of his receivers. He is smart, savvy and his leadership is a perfect combo for a quarterback to lead a program. His play style resembles current Florida Gators quarterback Jeff Driskell.

RB Brandon Powell | Deerfield Beach | 2014 | 5’9 | 180 | Watch Highlight Video
In an area known for breeding gifted athletes, Deerfield Beach has produced another one. Brandon Powell is a prospect that his been showing off since youth football. With his lightning speed and explosive cuts, he zig-zags through a defense like he is in a video game. You never know when he will break a run for 80-yards and a touchdown. He is near impossible to contain around the edges. After a stellar junior year campaign, Powell has opposing coaches stressing themselves on a weekly basis.  Fans from all over the country are drooling over this potential major recruit. The Deerfield Beach Bucks can have lots of success in 2013 with Brandon Powell in their backfield.

OLB Matt Solt | Gainesville | 2014 | 6’2 | 210 | Watch Highlight Video
Every team needs someone like Matt Solt. He is a lunch-pail guy who brings his hardhat and his work boots every time he steps on the field.  I could see Solt at the Sam position in college. He has a quick burst through the line and has great tackling skills. You better double team him because a single blocker just doesn’t do the job when battling Solt’s explosiveness. He has pretty nice footwork to drop back and play in coverage. The nice thing about having Solt is that, he sets the tone for the rest of the defense and loves to hit hard. The mail should start pouring in for this rising prospect.

If you have an up and coming prospect that you want everyone to know about, simply e-mail me at Nashwillliams01@gmail.com or tweet me @Nashwilliams1