Recruiting: Talented 2025 WR Naeshaun Montgomery fitting in well at Miami Central
MIAMI — Jube Joseph says Naeshaun Montgomery is taking “the road less traveled” by playing for Miami Central.
It’s not that guys don’t want to be a part of a program that’s won nine state titles and was named the mythic national champion by one outlet in 2022. It’s that Central’s demanding practices aren’t for everybody.
It’s the reason why several talented players, even national recruits, end up leaving the program before ever playing a game in a Rockets jersey.
But seeing Montgomery all over the field — he lined up at both outside receiver spots, slot and running back during Tuesday’s practice — and it’s clear to see it’s a good fit after transferring from Cardinal Newman during the offseason.
“He comes in, he’s hardworking,” Joseph said. “He’s going to add some explosion to the offense. It’s a delight to see him work and conform to the Rocket culture, with the intensity of practice and the standard you’re going to be held to. He’s done a great job adjusting and being a leader off the field as well, in the locker room.”
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The 6-foot-1, 165-pound Montgomery says practices can be difficult but he’s enjoying the process.
“They expect you to be great every practice,” Montgomery said. “We just compete in everything we do. Everything is 100%. Everybody gives their full effort.
“I’m surrounded by a whole bunch of dogs. Everybody wants to be great, and the coaches are pushing us to be great. It gets hard some days. Everybody’s competing, down to the young guys.”
Montgomery, ranked No. 33 on the USA Today Florida Network top 100, caught 30 passes for 451 yards and scored seven total touchdowns in 2023.
Montgomery will be a big part of the Rockets' offense this fall, but Joseph is more focused on the way his new receiver is preparing now.
“I’m telling you, he’s about to be a force to be reckoned with in the state of Florida,” Joseph said. “But it’s not just about his production on the field, it’s about the work ethic that he shows. The ‘Yes sir, no sir’ mentality. His innate talent is one thing but the ability to connect that with hard work on a consistent basis. His work ethic is second to none.”
Montgomery plans to drop a top six or seven schools list after Central’s intrasquad scrimmage at the end of the month. He doesn’t have a set timeline for when he’d like to announce his decision and added that he’s fine allowing the process to play out throughout the fall.
The only schools he’s set up official visits for so far are Florida and Penn State.
“At Florida, I like how they give me an opportunity to play as a freshman,” Montgomery said. “The way that they developed Ricky (Pearsall) and Andy Jean and a few players like that.
“Penn State, I really like the relationship I have with (running backs) coach (Ja’Juan) Seider, (wide receivers) coach (Marques) Hagans, (head) coach (James) Franklin. It feels like family there.”
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Recruiting: Talented WR Naeshaun Montgomery fitting in well at Central
