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Football recruiting: Which Suburban/Rural programs produce the most Power 5 talent?

jon santucci, fort smith times record
·6 min read

With spring practices about to begin and college coaches about to hit the road, the USA Today Florida Network looked at which Suburban and Rural programs have produced the most Power 5 talent over the past five recruiting classes.

Note: Players who signed with BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF since 2022, when it was announced they would be joining the Big 12, were counted as Power 5 signees.

Class 4S

Region 1: Buchholz

Jaren Hamilton, a senior at Buchholz High School, left, is the Gainesville Sun Big School Offensive Player of the Year while Creed Whittemore, a senior at Buchholz High School, right, is the Gainesville Sun Big School Overall Player of the Year. Hamilton will be attending University of Alabama and is enrolling early while Whittemore will be attending Mississippi State and enrolling early. Both Hamilton and Whittemore were photographed in the Gainesville Sun photo studio, January 4, 2023. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]2023

Power 5 signees: 6

Position of strength: Wide Receiver

The Bobcats have produced four Power 5 receivers in the past five years: Trent Whittemore, Quan Lee, Jaren Hamilton and Creed Whittemore. Hamilton, a 2023 Alabama signee, was the highest rated of the group.

Next in line: Bartram Trail (5 Power 5 signees)

Region 2: Lakeland

Lakeland Dreadnaughts (99) Gabriel Dindy celebrates a sack of Manatee High School quarterback (11) Jayse Berzowski in first half action at Bryant Stadium in Lakeland Fl. Friday Sept. 3 2021. ERNST PETERS/ THE LEDGER
Lakeland Dreadnaughts (99) Gabriel Dindy celebrates a sack of Manatee High School quarterback (11) Jayse Berzowski in first half action at Bryant Stadium in Lakeland Fl. Friday Sept. 3 2021. ERNST PETERS/ THE LEDGER

Power 5 signees: 18

Notable number: 1

Lakeland had the No. 1 player on the USA Today Florida Network top 100 in 2022 and 2023. Current Texas A&M defensive lineman Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy was top player in 2022 and Colorado signee Cormani McClain was No. 1 in 2023.

Next in line: Lake Gibson (5 Power 5 signees)

Region 3: Osceola

John Walker (55) of Osceola pursue Rockledge QB Traven Green during their game Friday, September 23, 2022. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK
John Walker (55) of Osceola pursue Rockledge QB Traven Green during their game Friday, September 23, 2022. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

Power 5 signees: 8

Signature class: 2023

The Kowboys had four players from their 2022 regional championship squad sign with Power 5 programs. Defensive lineman John Walker, arguably the highest-rated recruit in UCF history, led the way.

Next in line: Vero Beach (6 Power signees)

Region 4: Lehigh, Venice

Lehigh

Florida State Seminoles defensive back Omarion Cooper (37 celebrates an interception against the Miami Hurricanes on Nov. 13, 2021. Cooper graduated from Lehigh High School.
Florida State Seminoles defensive back Omarion Cooper (37 celebrates an interception against the Miami Hurricanes on Nov. 13, 2021. Cooper graduated from Lehigh High School.

Power 5 signees: 7

Early impact class: 2021

Two of the three Lightning Power 5 signees got in the field quickly at the next level. Cornerback Omarion Cooper has started seven games and played in 20 in two seasons at Florida State; linebacker Jake Chaney has played in 21 games and made two starts at Wisconsin last year.

Venice

Michigan State Spartans cornerback Charles Brantley (0) returns an interception for a touchdown in the first quarter of the NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on Oct. 8, 2022. Brantley played high school football at Venice High School.
Michigan State Spartans cornerback Charles Brantley (0) returns an interception for a touchdown in the first quarter of the NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on Oct. 8, 2022. Brantley played high school football at Venice High School.

Power 5 signees: 7

Position of strength: Defensive Back

Three of Venice’s Power 5 signees over the past five years have been defensive backs — and all three signed with Big Ten programs, including 2023 safety Elliot Washington who signed with Penn State in December.

Next in line: Dunbar (5 Power signees)

Class 3S

Region 1: Columbia

Florida State defensive back Shyheim Brown (38) walks off the field, after he blocked an extra point by LSU with no time remaining, to defeat LSU in an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022. Florida State won 24-23. Brown graduated from Columbia High School.
Florida State defensive back Shyheim Brown (38) walks off the field, after he blocked an extra point by LSU with no time remaining, to defeat LSU in an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022. Florida State won 24-23. Brown graduated from Columbia High School.

Power 5 signees: 5

Position of strength: Linebacker

Columbia has produced a pair of Power 5 linebackers during the past five years: Shyheim Brown, who signed with Florida State in 2021, and Jaden Robinson, who signed with Florida in December.

Lincoln

Kamari Morales of the North Carolina Tar Heels signals after making a first down catch against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the second half of their game at Kenan Memorial Stadium on October 01, 2022 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Morales played high school football at Leon.
Kamari Morales of the North Carolina Tar Heels signals after making a first down catch against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the second half of their game at Kenan Memorial Stadium on October 01, 2022 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Morales played high school football at Leon.

Power 5 signees: 5

Position of strength: Tight End

Two tight ends — Kamari Morales and Sage Ennis — signed with ACC programs. Morales signed with North Carolina in 2019 and Ennis signed with Clemson in 2020.

Next in line: Pine Forest (4 Power 5 signees)

Region 2: Lake Wales

Florida Gators defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. (9) celebrates his interception that lead to a touchdown in the first half at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, September 10, 2022. Dexter played at Lake Wales High School.
Florida Gators defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. (9) celebrates his interception that lead to a touchdown in the first half at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, September 10, 2022. Dexter played at Lake Wales High School.

Power 5 signees: 3

Best in class: Gervon Dexter

Dexter, a defensive lineman, was the No. 1 player in the state on the 247Sports composite in the class of 2020. Dexter played in every Florida game the past three season, made 24 starts and declared for the NFL Draft in December.

Next in line: Auburndale, Vanguard (1 Power 5 signee)

Region 3: Rockledge

Arkansas Razorbacks running back Raheim Sanders (5) rushes in the first quarter against the Kansas Jayhawks in the 2022 Liberty Bowl at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Sanders graduated from Rockledge High School.
Arkansas Razorbacks running back Raheim Sanders (5) rushes in the first quarter against the Kansas Jayhawks in the 2022 Liberty Bowl at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Sanders graduated from Rockledge High School.

Power 5 signees: 6

SEC bound: 5 players

Five of the Raiders six Power 5 signees since 2019 have signed with SEC programs. That includes Raheim Sanders, who signed with Arkansas in 2021 and was a first-team All-SEC selection in 200 when he rushed for 1,426 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Next in line: Eau Gallie (4 Power 5 signees)

Region 4: Naples

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 01: Naples defensive back Jonas Duclona, now signed with Wisconsin, was a part of an NIL collective that featured Wisconsin signees in Times Square.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 01: Naples defensive back Jonas Duclona, now signed with Wisconsin, was a part of an NIL collective that featured Wisconsin signees in Times Square.

Power 5 signees: 8

Signature class: 2023

Naples had four Power 5 signees this past year — two from its offensive backfield and two from the defensive backfield. Running backs Isaiah Augustave and Kendrick Raphael signed with Arkansas and N.C. State, respectively. Safeties Kerry Brown and Jonas Duclona signed with Minnesota and Wisconsin, respectively.

Next in line: Dunbar (6 Power 5 signees)

Class 2S

Region 1: Florida High

Florida High defensive back Tre Donaldson talks coverage with Ahmari Harvey as Florida High beat Leon 47-10 on Nov. 1, 2019.
Florida High defensive back Tre Donaldson talks coverage with Ahmari Harvey as Florida High beat Leon 47-10 on Nov. 1, 2019.

Power 5 signees: 3

Position of strength: Safety

All three of the Seminoles’ Power 5 signees the past five years are safeties, two of which ended up at Auburn. Ahmari Harvey signed with Auburn in 2021 before transferring to Georgia Tech; two-sport star Tre Donaldson signed with Auburn and opted to focus solely on basketball.

Next in line: Gadsden County, Pensacola Catholic, Suwannee, West Florida Tech (2 Power 5 signees)

Region 2: Bradford

North Carolina's Cam'Ron Kelly (9), Dontae Balfour (14) and Cedric Gray (33) go for a fumble in front of Florida A&M's Darian Oxendine (83), Jeremy Moussa (8) and Jalen Goss (61) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. Balfour graduated from Bradford High School.
North Carolina's Cam'Ron Kelly (9), Dontae Balfour (14) and Cedric Gray (33) go for a fumble in front of Florida A&M's Darian Oxendine (83), Jeremy Moussa (8) and Jalen Goss (61) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. Balfour graduated from Bradford High School.

Power 5 signees: 3

Position of strength: Defensive Back

Bradford has had a Power 5 signee in three consecutive years. Two of those three — Dontae Balfour (North Carolina, 2021) and Jontez Williams (Iowa State, 2022) — are defensive backs.

Next in line: Eastside, North Marion (1 Power 5 signee)

Region 3: Cocoa

Florida Gators offensive lineman Richie Leonard IV (67) celebrates Florida Gators running back Trevor Etienne (7) touchdown in the fourth quarter against LSU at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 15, 2022. Leonard played at Cocoa High School.
Florida Gators offensive lineman Richie Leonard IV (67) celebrates Florida Gators running back Trevor Etienne (7) touchdown in the fourth quarter against LSU at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 15, 2022. Leonard played at Cocoa High School.

Power 5 signees: 7

Banner year: 2020

The Tigers had a trio of Power 5 signees in 2020: Running back Caziah Holmes (Penn State, now at Florida State), offensive lineman Richie Leonard IV (Florida) and Marquise Freeman (Washington State).

Next in line: Dunnellon (2 Power 5 signees)

Region 4: Bishop Verot

Chris Graves announces his commitment to the University of Miami with his mom Tamila Lockley and his little brother Jerry Kemp by his side on Friday, July 9, 2021, at Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers.
Chris Graves announces his commitment to the University of Miami with his mom Tamila Lockley and his little brother Jerry Kemp by his side on Friday, July 9, 2021, at Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers.

Power 5 signees: 2

School ties: Miami

Both of the Vikings’ Power 5 signees the past five years have signed with the University of Miami. Defensive back Malik Curtis signed with the Hurricanes in 2021 and defensive back Chris Graves Jr. signed with Miami a year later.

Next in line: Clewiston, Estero, Fort Meade, Key West (1 Power 5 signee)

Class 1S

Region 1: Munroe

Munroe senior Ahmari Borden (2) avoids a Panther defender in the Suburban 1 Region 1 semifinal between Munroe and St. John Paul II on Nov. 18, 2022, at Gene Cox Stadium. The Bobcats won 21-19.
Munroe senior Ahmari Borden (2) avoids a Panther defender in the Suburban 1 Region 1 semifinal between Munroe and St. John Paul II on Nov. 18, 2022, at Gene Cox Stadium. The Bobcats won 21-19.

Power 5 signees: 3

Signature class: 2023

The Bobcats 2022 state semifinal team featured a pair of Power 5 seniors: Safety Makari Vickers, who signed with Oklahoma, and wide receiver Ahmari Borden, who signed with Stanford.

Next in line: North Florida Christian, St. John Paul II (1 Power 5 signee)

Region 2: Trinity Catholic

Brian Lane, then offensive line coach at Trinity Catholic, with linemen who signed with Power 5 programs that year: Garner Langlo (Auburn), Jake Slaughter (Florida) and Caleb Johnson (Notre Dame).
Brian Lane, then offensive line coach at Trinity Catholic, with linemen who signed with Power 5 programs that year: Garner Langlo (Auburn), Jake Slaughter (Florida) and Caleb Johnson (Notre Dame).

Power 5 signees: 4

Position of strength: Offensive line

All four of the Celtics’ Power 5 signees the past four years are offensive lineman, including a trio — Garner Langlo (Auburn), Jake Slaughter (Florida) and Caleb Johnson (Notre Dame) — in the class of 2021.

Next in line: Holy Trinity Episcopal (2 Power 5 signees)

Region 3: John Carroll Catholic, Lakeland Christian

John Carroll Catholic

John Carroll Catholic defensive lineman Wilky Denaud is on TCPalm's 2022 Super 11 list of top senior recruits across the Treasure Coast.
John Carroll Catholic defensive lineman Wilky Denaud is on TCPalm's 2022 Super 11 list of top senior recruits across the Treasure Coast.

Power 5 signees: 1

Edge rusher Wilky Denaud, a four-star recruit, signed with Auburn in December.

Lakeland Christian

Clemson defensive end Cade Denhoff (44) during practice for the Capitol One Orange Bowl in Clemson, SC Tuesday, Dec 13, 2022.
Clemson defensive end Cade Denhoff (44) during practice for the Capitol One Orange Bowl in Clemson, SC Tuesday, Dec 13, 2022.

Power 5 signees: 1

Four-star defensive lineman/edge rusher Cade Denhoff signed with Clemson in 2021.

Region 4: First Baptist, Moore Haven

First Baptist

First Baptist senior Olsen Patt Henry
First Baptist senior Olsen Patt Henry

Power 5 signees: 1

Four-star tight end/wide receiver Olsen Patt Henry signed with Clemson in December.

Moore Haven

Clewiston defender Kenari Wilcher (#7) intercepts a pass intended for Lemon Bay wide receiver Aaron Pasick (#17). The Lemon Bay Manta Rays hosted the Clewiston Tigers in the Class 4A-Region 3 semi-final on Friday evening.
Clewiston defender Kenari Wilcher (#7) intercepts a pass intended for Lemon Bay wide receiver Aaron Pasick (#17). The Lemon Bay Manta Rays hosted the Clewiston Tigers in the Class 4A-Region 3 semi-final on Friday evening.

Power 5 signees: 1

Kenari Wilcher, a three-star athlete, was one of five Florida athletes to sign with Illinois in 2023.

Rural

Region 1: Chipley

Chipleys Daquayvious Sorey tries to avoid a tackle by Brandon Moss during the Baker Chipley Regional Final football game played at Baker. The Gators season ended with a 22-7 loss as the Tigers advance to the state Final Four.
Chipleys Daquayvious Sorey tries to avoid a tackle by Brandon Moss during the Baker Chipley Regional Final football game played at Baker. The Gators season ended with a 22-7 loss as the Tigers advance to the state Final Four.

Power 5 signees: 1

Three-star wide receiver Daquayvious Sorey was one of three Florida players to sign with Auburn in December.

Region 2: Port St. Joe

Power 5 signees: 1

D.J. Oliver, a standout running back/linebacker for the Tiger Sharks, signed with West Virginia in December.

Region 3: Madison County

Florida State football and coaches players arrive for the fifth FSU spring football practice of the 2023 season on Thursday, March 23.
Florida State football and coaches players arrive for the fifth FSU spring football practice of the 2023 season on Thursday, March 23.

Power 5 signees: 3

School ties: Florida State

Two of the Cowboys three Power 5 signees have opted to stay close to home and sign with the Seminoles. Cornerback Travis Jay signed with Florida State in 2019 and offensive lineman Zay Herring signs with the Seminoles a year later.

Next in line: Union County (1 Power 5 signee)

Region 4: Pahokee

Pahokee's Dwayne "Deejay" Holmes Jr., celebrates a fumble recover against Glades Central during the Muck Bowl in Pahokee, Florida on November 6, 2021.
Pahokee's Dwayne "Deejay" Holmes Jr., celebrates a fumble recover against Glades Central during the Muck Bowl in Pahokee, Florida on November 6, 2021.

Power 5 signees: 4

Position of strength: Edge rusher

Two of the Blue Devils’ Power 5 signees were edge rushers. Latarie Kinsler signed with Syracuse in 2020; DeeJay Holmes picked Ole Miss on National Signing Day in February.

Next in line: Hawthorne (2 Power 5 signees)

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Recruiting: Suburban/Rural programs producing the most Power 5 talent