Tour of Talent: Class of 2019: Pre-Season Top 10 Safeties and Rising Talent
By Jerry Williamson
Long ago, the offensive philosophy that consisted of "three yards and a cloud of dust", has in some measure, faded away as offensive coordinators have replaced the tight end and fullback positions, and evolved into the spread "no huddle" offensive concept. That features multi-receiver sets, consisting of speedy and electrifying playmakers and in contrast, to bigger and stronger bodies compared to the past. In order to defend the modern-day style of football, its vital to field a defensive secondary with top flight defensive backs. This is a position that has evolved overtime as these players need to possess the skills of both a linebacker and cornerback to adjust to this evolution of today's offenses.
South Florida's -- Class of 2019, has a long list of quality safeties, but the quintessential prospect of the recruiting class is none other than Chaminade-Madonna Prep (FL) defensive back Keontra Smith (5-foot-11, 198-pounds).
Keontra Smith is a four-star prospect who has pledged early to the Kentucky Wlldcats reigning from questionably the premiere conference in the nation. Based on film study he appears to be the best player and a highly gifted athlete on the field. He is a complete defensive back with the skill set of a lock down cornerback -- that can also play center field and dominate.
Smith's versatility and athleticism -- is exactly what defensive coordinators are looking for to make an immediate impact. Keontra is ranked as the No. 9 overall prospect in Florida for the class of 2019.
Over the next two seasons, University School of Nova, Miami Palmetto Sr. as well as Deerfield Beach high school -- will factor which program will own the title as the top safety duo in South Florida. So. Florida's Top 10 Safeties - In no particular order
University School of Nova defensive backs Josh Sanguinetti (pictured above) and fellow classmate Tyler Scott, sport the most (FBS) football subdivision offers among the secondaries with approximately 65 scholarships in counting. Josh, four-star recuit and No. 2 ranked ATHLETE in the country, is the definition of eye-candy, in the world of recruiting. He stands 6-foot-2, possess a 6-foot-8 wingspan and has solid speed. Josh holds an eye-popping 32 FBS verbal offers as of today.
Hard-hitting strong safety Tyler Scott (pictured above), is viewed as the No. 10 ranked safety nationally. His closing speed and tackling ability, makes him an ideal strong safety for any scheme. Come National Signing Day, Tyler Scott and teammate Josh Sanguinetti, will both be four-year varsity starters.
Pictured above: Rover (safety) Eddie Williams (5-foot-11, 165-pounds) of Miami Palmetto Sr., is a flat-out playmaker. The 8A second-team All-County selection was responsible for four touchdowns and multiple block punts as well as three interceptions this past season. Eddie holds four FBS verbal offers.
Pictured above: Cornelius Nunn Jr., is someone I describe as a versatile athlete, that just happens to be a natural defensive back. He's an emerging star with speed, great hands and excellent tackling skills. Cornelius registered 17 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 hurries and 1 force fumble in a single game vs. Belen Jesuit Preparatory. FAU, Bowling Green and UAB have all extended verbal offers.
American Heritage Plantation strong safety Kamryn Giles (5-foot-11, 191-pounds), a transfer from Monsignor Pace, who's a two-year varsity starter, is without question, the top overlooked prospect at his position for the class of 2019. Kamryn blocked four kicks, caused five fumbles and registered three interceptions the past two seasons. Kamryn, has yet to be offer, but I've a strong feeling that will change under the leadership of American Heritage Plantation defensive coordinator Chad Wilson. Named Generation Nexxt first-team All-South Florida as an eighth-grader.
There are two particular prospects at the defensive back position -- that has yet to be offer, but has a world of talent and will become more familiar names to colleges after the season.
Pictured above: Gregory Reddick (Miami Booker T. Washington) and Deante Nelson (Pahokee) -- are the next in-line to blow up. Gregory (5-foot-10, 165-pounds) earned the top defensive back awarded this off-season and has aided several 7v7 tournament championships for Miami Booker T. Washington Tornadoes.
Deante, a 1A state champion, is one of my Rising Stars products. He's a hidden gem from the muck, with FBS talent and good size for either a cornerback or defensive back, listed at 6-foot, 170-pounds. I'm shocked with his recruiting process at the moment.
Make sure to watch his film. St. Thomas Aquinas Jordan Battle, holds over 10 FBS offers, and will continue to climb the charts, with increasing playing time on varsity this upcoming season.
Pictured above: Defensive back Rayne Tanega-Doster of Mater Academy Charter -- is yet another talent prospect who sports one FBS offer, that's deserving of many more in my opinion. He shined this off-season as the starter for Florida Fire 7v7 football team.
Best of the Rest:
Rayne Tanega-Doster - Mater Academy Daquan Wilson - Dwyer Devin Hardy - South Dade Keyon Martin - Deerfield Beach
Jadus Rogers - Piper HS
Ladarius Queen - Blanche Ely
Javas Jackson - Miami Norland
Roger Brown - Deerfield Beach
Brandon Baez - Miramar
Small School Surprise with Size - Watch List Material
Second-year existing football program, Miami Community Charter, which is located in Florida City, FL -- has an intriguing prospect at defensive back named Kentron Williams, who's the biggest among all the defensive backs standing at 6-foot-2, 183-pounds confirmed by Florida International University's - Football Camp.
The converted quarterback (South Dade HS transfer) has performed exceptionally-well this off-season vs. Pahokee, Jupiter Christian and Miami Booker T. Washington (played limited due to minor injury). In addition, he turned heads at both FIU and UM football camps and 7v7 tournaments.
Watch List Material:
Myles Smith - Doral Academy
Demonte Wright - Coconut Creek Presley Pomeranc - Christopher Columbus
Charles Philias - Somerset Silver Palms
Tyler Lyons - Palm Beach Central
Jarule Harris - Champagnat Catholic
Dante Harris - Miami Killian
Joshua Roland - Palm Glades Prep
Cuevas Russ - Miami Palmetto
