Instead of selecting a Preseason All-Region team, which a lot of preseason teams get based off recruiting rankings, we decided to think outside of the box. That thinking lead us to recognize 16 players from each region who were big play makers last season that should be able to match or exceed expectations for the 2015 season. As such, we call this list the “Super 16.”
Here are the 2015 Super 16 selections for the East Coast Region
Patrick Bethel (Sr., DL), Vero Beach
Why: The biggest defensive weapon the Indians will have this season and last season Bethel showed why he is a force for the Vero Beach Indians collecting up 65 tackles, with 19 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
Jason Browning (Jr., WR) Space Coast
Why: Despite the fact that Space Coast just missed out on the playoffs last season, Browning was a big producer for the Vipers catching 53 passes for 1,016 yards and 12 touchdowns and should be able to replicate those numbers again this season.
Alex Cabrera (Sr., RB), Viera
Why: Cabrera was a bright spot last season for a Satellite team that has been struggling in recent years. Rushing for 1,410 yards last season gave the Scorpions their first 1,000 yard rusher in over a decade last season. However, Cabrera, will take his talents over to the rising Viera program in Western Brevard County.
Jake Celidonio (Sr., QB), Fort Pierce Central
Why: Celidonio was a big producer on offense for the Cobras last season despite the losing record. Celidonio finished the season with 2,024 yards passing and 19 touchdowns as well rushing for 412 more yards and five touchdowns.
B.J. Daniels (Jr., RB), Melbourne
Why: Daniels was one of the big contributors for the Bulldogs playoff team last season, collecting up 1,473 yards rushing and scoring 14 touchdowns. Should be a big contributor to the ground game once again this season.
Will Erdman (Sr., DB/WR), Melbourne Central Catholic
Why: A workhorse for the Hustlers, Erdman racked up 78 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one interception on defense last season. On offense, Erdman collected up 647 yards in receiving and caught four touchdowns as well as rushed for one touchdown. Also had one kickoff return for a touchdown on special teams.
Josh Gaines (Sr., ATH), Heritage
Why: Was a work horse for the Panthers last year racking up 1,282 yards on the ground and scoring 10 touchdowns and as well as catching 23 passes for 428 yards and six more touchdowns. Add on his defensive stats with 85 tackles, five tackles for loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
Bruce Judson (Jr., QB), Cocoa
Why: Cocoa’s Mr. Do-It-All has been a special player since his freshmen year with the Tigers and certainly has guided himself into the leadership role of the team. Judson threw for 1,840 yards and 28 touchdowns last season while carrying the ball for 755 yards and nine more touchdowns.
Hayden Kingston (Sr. QB), Viera
Why: Kingston might not be as known by name, but when you throw over 1,000 yards of your passes to one single wide receiver on your team and you won games last season, you should be recognized and recognized often. Kingston threw for 1,741 yards and 23 touchdowns last season and this could be a season where that mark is eclipsed.
MJ McGriff (Sr., WR), Vero Beach
Why: McGriff had an outstanding season last year catching 110 passes for 1,545 yards and 22 touchdowns, the most of any wide receiver in the East Coast Region. Although McGriff might be working with a new QB this season, expectations are still high.
Brock Miller (Sr., LB/TE), John Carroll
Why: As a two-way player, Miller was a contributor on both sides of the ball, none the more importantly than on the defensive side of things. With 118 tackles, 23 tackles for a loss and 9 sacks, Miller made his presence felt for a Golden Rams team that just barely missed out on the playoffs. On offense Miller had 211 yards receiving and six touchdowns, two of those rushing.
Tre Nixon (Sr., WR), Viera
Why: Nixon has exploded on to the scene for the Viera Hawks and with him and Super 16 pick Hayden Kingston back yet once again, Viera could do some damage this season. Last year alone Nixon had 1,065 yards in receiving and 13 touchdowns and could surpass that mark this season.
Trey Reid (Sr., DL) Heritage
Why: Was a big contributor to the Panthers defense last season collecting up 64 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks as well as making a rare interception as a lineman and forcing one fumble. Will be a leader for Heritage once again this season.
Greg Simmons (Sr., LB), Fort Pierce Central
Why: Simmons was a big contributor to the Cobras defense registering 90 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, one interception and recovering one fumble. Will be a leader once again for the Cobras defense this coming season.
Jawaan Taylor (Sr., OL), Cocoa
Why: When you anchor a line that helped the offense average over 400 yards per game last season, you are certainly worthy of a mention. Taylor should once again help make things special once again for the Tigers.
Mason Wilfong (Sr., WR), John Carroll
Why: The rising senior was a big contributor to the Golden Rams’ offense last season catching 70 passes for 784 yards and eight touchdowns. Expected to be a big contributor to the offense once again this season.
Honorable Mention
Cocoa: Chauncey Gardner (Jr., DB)
Fort Pierce Central: Steward Reese (Jr., OL), Will Davis (Jr., DT/DE)
Heritage: Davonte Bartley (Jr., LB)
Sebastian River: Paul Dawson (Sr., LB)
South Fork: Stone Labonowitz (Jr., QB)
Viera: Brandon Mays (So., LB)
Photo Credits
247 Sports: Bethel, Judson, Kingston, McGriff, Miller, Nixon, Simmons, Taylor, Wilfong
Hudl: Browning, Cabreara, Daniels, Erdman, Gaines, Reed
