ALL-STATE: Class 7A Superlative Nominations

After weeks of research and compiling information, we are getting closer to releasing the FloridaHSFootball.com All-State teams for the 2016-17 season. However, first things first, we have our nominees ready for all eight classes as to who will be named to the following awards:

• Most Valuable Player
• Offensive MVP
• Defensive MVP
• Coach of the Year

The MVP will be selected from one of the 10 finalists for Offensive and Defensive MVP from each classification.

As an added bonus, you can vote until 8:00 PM EST / 7:00 PM CST Thursday, February 2 for the Fan’s Choice on each of these awards which will be revealed when the teams are released to the public, most likely sometime next week.

Make sure to tell your friends and family about the voting as well which can easily be shared to Facebook and Twitter through the social sharing buttons on top or bottom of the article.

CLASS 7A OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

QB Dane Frantzen, Sr., Plant (Tampa)
2,444 yards, 30 TDs, 7 INTs passing; 1,490 yds, 20 TDs rushing

RB Matt Laroche, Sr., Venice
2,742 yds rushing, 37 TDs, setting Sarasota County record for rushing in single season.

WR Whop Philyor, Sr., Plant (Tampa)
State-leading 90 rec., 1,258 yards, 18 TDs

QB Jake Allen, Sr., St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale)
2,311 yards passing, 27 TDs, 7 INTs; 4 rushing TDs

QB Derrick Jones, Jr., Robert E. Lee (Jacksonville)
156 of 247, 2,296 yards, 23 TDs, 11 INTs; 1,098 yards rushing, 20 TDs

CLASS 7A DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR CANDIDATES

DL Chris Rumph II, Buchholz (Gainesville)
18 sacks, 23 TFL, 2 blocked punts, 2 blocked kicks

DL Miguel Rodriquez, Jr. Viera (Melbourne)
96 tackles, 19 sacks, 13 quarterback hurries, 4 PBUs, 3 FF, 2 FR

DB Nick Roberts, Sr., Oakleaf (Orange Park)
27 tackles, 6 INTs (4 returned for TDs), 5 PBUs, 1 FF, 2 blocked kicks, punt return for TD

LB Tommy Morelli, Sr., Olympic Heights (Boca Raton)
117 tackles, 21 TFL, 17 sacks, 2 FF, 3 FR

DL Mitchel Desulme, Sr. Palm Beach Lakes (West Palm Beach)
Recorded 20 sacks for improved Rams team that won 8 games.

CLASS 7A COACH OF THE YEAR CANDIDATES

Ben Bullock, Ocoee
In his second season at Ocoee, going 7-4, winning school’s first district championship since Ocoee High was reestablished in 2005.

Robert Weiner, Plant (Tampa)
Led team to first state championship game appearance since 2011, finishing with undefeated regular season record and overall at 13-1 while capturing the District 7A-8 championship.

Chris Kokell, Olympic Heights (Boca Raton)
Led one of the best turnarounds of any team in Florida going from 1-9 in the year prior to 7-3 and having the team on the cusp of playoff contention in District 7A-13.

John Peacock, Venice
Finished the season 12-1, the best season for Venice since 2002, the last time the Indians reached the state semifinals while capturing the District 7A-11 championship.

LaRon Culpepper, McArthur (Hollywood)
Guided McArthur to an undefeated 10-0 season, finishing 11-1 overall while guiding the team to first district championship and playoff win since 2003.