Florida Freshman of the Week: Stanzani, Smith Haggard, Jackson leads the pack

By Jerry Williamson As the season shifts into rivalry mode and playoff qualifications are on the line, its the end of the road for substantial playing time for freshman across the country, but not the state of Florida and especially South Florida. The freshman of the week on defense is none other than defensive back Maurice Smith of Somerset Silver Palms. Smith has the physical measurables and stats to become the schools most highly sought after recruit, all said and done. On the offensive side of the ball featured multiple top performers ranging from gunslingers Luca Stanzani and Carson Haggard and jack-of-all-trades, Michael Jackson. OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK Clearwater Academy International, Luca Stanzani (QB)

Note: This kid is perhaps ranked top 10 in the entire state of Florida in touchdown passes and passing yards. He just seems to average 300 yards and 3 TDs each game. Last week, Stanzani went 20-for-28, 376 yards and threw 3 TDs. Gulliver Prep, Carson Haggard (QB)

Note: The Blue Raiders rising freshman topped Pine Crest convincingly, as he threw for 101 yards and 2 TDs along with an 80% completion percentage. Haggard has the mental makeup to break multiple records on offense. DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK Somerset Silver Palms, Maurice Smith (ATH)

Note: In my opinion, he's the next small school superstar that will eventually become the Stallions first football player to pick up a D1 FBS verbal scholarship. Smith, a 6-0, 170-pounder, accumulated over 100 yards from scrimmage and recorded 3-interceptions vs. Everglades Prep. Smith is having a phenomenal freshman campaign with five interceptions and six scores this season. Miami Palmetto, Michael Jackson (ATH)

Note: No, he's not related to the singer Michael Jackson but his freshman season has been close to the album Thriller. Against South Dade, the No. 1 ranked 8A program according to Florida HS Football, Jackson was responsible for 110 total yards on just three attempts. University School, Brandon Inniss (ATH)

Note: It's hard to believe this kid has four years of high school eligibility remaining considering his turnover last week marked his 4th overall interception on varsity. Inniss (Class-of-2023) added his second D1-FBS verbal offer from Marshall this week. Against Archbishop McCarthy he caught 2 passes for 58 receiving yards and 4 tackles, 3 pass deflections, and 1 interception on defense.

South Dade, Patrick Atkins (OG) Note: No pancakes this week for the last week offensive player of the week. But, he also didn't allowed a single sack versus highly talented Miami Palmetto. Everglades, Kareem Carswell (RB) Note: He's a small guy (5'6, 150) but performs bigger than his measurables. Carswell on 11 attempts ran for 114 yards and 1 TD vs. Miramar. Gulliver Prep, Brandon Brana (OG) & Justin Neyra (OT) Note: Adjusting to high school and playing within the trenches is beyond tougher than most think regardless of the opponent name. The duo efforts were responsible for over 400 all-purpose yards from scrimmage. Monsignor Pace, Shemar Stewart (DE) Note: Recorded 6 tackles and 2 TFL vs. Treasure Coast. Everglades Prep, Alonzo Allen (DB) Note: Recorded 6 tackles and 1 FF vs. Miramar. Christopher Columbus, Ken Moore Jr. (RB) Note: The speedster rushed for two scores ranging from 30 and 38 yards out vs. Coral Park.