Exciting Season Ahead: Top Juniors to Watch in Pensacola Football!
Discover the rising high school football talent in Pensacola as the 2025 season kicks off, featuring notable players to watch.
Exciting Season Ahead: Top Juniors to Watch in Pensacola Football!
The excitement is palpable in Florida as the first week of NFL preseason games kicks off, featuring the Jaguars, Buccaneers, and Dolphins. This Saturday, fans can catch the Jaguars and Buccaneers in action, while the Dolphins will take the spotlight on Sunday. Just as professional football gears up, anticipation is also building for the high school football season in the Pensacola area, where young athletes are making headlines ahead of the 2025 season.
Local high school players are turning heads, with many earning attention from college scouts, even as some have nabbed Division I offers. With schools like West Florida, Pace, Escambia, Pine Forest, and others represented, the talent pool is impressive. Among the juniors to watch this season, names like Charles Benson (West Florida), a dynamic running back/linebacker, shine bright after tallying 451 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 2024. Not to be outdone, Makael Williams (Pace) is a running back to keep an eye on—his formidable 1,213 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns last season have certainly caught the attention of scouts.
Notable Junior Talents
Several other players are also making waves. Cameron Boudreaux (Pace) has consistently showcased skill in the defensive back position, finishing with 59 tackles and proving he’s a force to reckon with. Meanwhile, JoNavan Bryant (Escambia) has already grabbed Division I offers from Cincinnati and Eastern Michigan, thanks to his strong defensive efforts. Char’son Floyd (Pine Forest) and Zion Heard (also Pine Forest) continue to bolster their prospects with outstanding performances on the field.
The list doesn’t stop there. Athletes like Darius Murphy (Booker T. Washington) and justus Payne (Escambia) exemplify toughness and talent with remarkable tackle stats, preparing for what promises to be an exhilarating season for Pensacola high school football.
Florida’s Preseason Rankings Thriving
Meanwhile, on the larger stage, Florida’s high school football scene is bustling with excitement. The state boasts an impressive 52 teams in the 2025 Preseason High School Football America (HSFA) 300 national rankings. Topping the list is the prestigious IMG Academy, currently ranked No. 5 and known for their powerhouse performance, having claimed the HSFA national crown back in 2020. They’ll face a formidable lineup this season, including a significant matchup against No. 34 The First Academy, starting the season strong on August 15.
Other notable teams include St. Thomas Aquinas, holding the No. 10 spot and a rich history with six Florida high school football state championships. This prestigious team is set to clash with Mater Dei (California), a powerhouse in its own right, on August 23. Alongside St. Thomas, reigning 7A champion Venice ranks No. 17, hugging an impressive schedule leading up to a matchup with IMG Academy on October 3.
With football fever on the rise, it’s clear—Florida high school football is not to be missed. As college scouts flock to watch budding talents and seasoned teams gear up for a competitive showdown, it’s shaping up to be a thrilling season ahead.
Let’s rally around our young athletes, rooting for their success both on and off the field. Whether they play for a local high school or stand among the giants, Florida’s football spirit is alive and kicking this preseason!
For more details on the junior talents emerging this season, check out the full story at PNJ. You can read more about Florida’s prep teams and their rankings on NFL Play Football.