Super 16: Meet the next five high school football superstars on The Ledger's countdown
There are players this upcoming football season who are preparing to add on to their already decorated resume and lead their teams to another fruitful season. Then there are student-athletes who are looking to fill a role because seniors ahead of them graduated or they are finally getting an opportunity.
That's the case for Lakeland receivers Jamar Taylor, Rick Penick and Jayren Dennis, Fort Meade receiver Josh Porter and Bartow defensive lineman Quavion Bird. For Lakeland's Taylor, Dennis and Penick, all of them are trying to find a new role on the defending state champs because of impactful receivers Daidren Zipperer, Tyler Williams and Jhoelle Velazquez all graduating. Bartow's Bird and Fort Meade's Porter are trying to make names for themselves.
Below are Nos. 11 to 7 on The Ledger's Super 16.
No. 11 Quavion Bird
School: Bartow
Position : Defensive line
Height 6’1
Weight 285
Offers: Central Michigan, EKU, SEU, Tennessee Tech, Benedict, Bethune, Mercer, UT Martin, Edward Waters
Scouting: Bird is an incredibly gifted athlete with top tier strength and a very impressive motor. He can stuff the run and strike fear in the opposing QB in passing situations. Last year as a Yellow Jacket, he had 40 tackles in seven games, including 23 solo and 17 assists, while also tacking on 24 tackles for loss, five sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery and one caused fumble.
"He has impressed me with his leadership throughout this camp and has an incredibly bright future ahead of him wherever he ends up playing college ball," head coach Tyler Eden said.
No. 10 Rick Penick
School: Lakeland
Position: Wide receiver
Height: 5’9
Weight: 165
Committed to: Western Michigan
A transfer from Ridge Community catching passes from John Kostuch, Penick is one of the most explosive receivers new head coach Marvin Frazier has ever coached, he said. And out of the wide receiver group, he’s the shiftiest and likely the quickest receiver in the county. Last year, the Bolts' Penick racked up 31 catches for 684 yards and nine touchdowns.
"He’s going to be a problem whenever the ball touches his hand," Frazier said. "(He) can turn a small catch into a touchdown if he finds a crease."
It's time: 'The same grit, grind that he had in '79': Lakeland's Frazier adds voice to winning ways
Power blockers: Meet the 18 best offensive linemen in Polk County for the 2023 high school football season
You're not getting by me, dude: Here are the top 16 Polk County linebackers to watch during the 2023 season
No. 9 Jayren Dennis
School: Lakeland
Position: wide receiver
Height: 6’5
Weight: 210
Offers: Eastern Kentucky, Toledo, Charlotte, Arkansas State, Colorado State, Jackson State, FAU, Alabama Birmingham, Troy University, USF and Middle Tennessee.
Dennis has something that no one can teach, which is size. He can play multiple positions on offense: Lining up out wide, in the slot, and also at the tight end position. He’s a very unique player and has one of the greatest upsides. His speed is also deceptive, and his catch radius is ridiculous. Last year, Dennis put up seven receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown in seven games.
"He’ll be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses," Frazier said.
No. 8 Josh Porter
School: Fort Meade
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6’1
Weight: 182
College Offers from: USF, Colorado, Western Kentucky, Temple, and Costal Carolina
Committed to: USF
Josh is a special talent. He is very polished as a wideout with the ability to play outside or in the slot. He can run every route in the route tree. Porter last year as a junior for the Miners posted 38 receptions for 635 yards and 11 touchdowns in 11 games for a team that went 7-4.
"Josh does an outstanding job tracking deep balls and can catch the ball in traffic," head coach Jemalle Cornelius said.
No. 7 Jamar Taylor
School: Lakeland
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6’1
Weight: 185
Offers: Eastern Kentucky, Western Kentucky, Bethune-Cookman, Troy, Toledo, Arkansas State, Middle Tennessee State, Liberty, Jackson State, Temple, UNC Charlotte, FAU, Colorado, Grambling State, Western Michigan, Alabama A&M, UCF, Pitt, West Virginia, USF and Rhode Island.
One of the best all-around receivers that Frazier has ever coached, he said. He has the size and speed to run any route on Lakeland's route tree while also blocking very well in the run game. His ability to run every route efficiently and technically sound will cause him to be a playmaker for us this season. Last year (2022), he put up six receptions for 72 yards in just four games.
"Big things are expected from him, guy is a special talent," Frazier said.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: The Ledger's Super 16 high school football countdown
