Delray Beach, FL.- It may be an all new convocation of Eagles this spring, but the standard stays the same at Atlantic.
As the 2026 Spring Football window flies into full swing, the Atlantic Eagles enter with a massive chip on the programs shoulder. After a large senior class begins the next chapter of life, many looked upon Atlantic all off-season and considered this a ‘rebuild year’. While the Eagles certainly boast a young core of elite playmakers that’ll get plenty of early opportunities, the notion that 2026 is a rebuild is the furthest thing from true.
Even though it’s in the very early stages of OTA’s, with players only donning a helmet, white t-shirts and black gym shorts, there was a clear intention and purpose through every portion, as the Eagles need to maximize every moment of their 17 practice periods leading into the 2026 Palm Beach Gardens Spring Jamboree.
“I’m happy to be back out, the kids are doing well, they have great energy, tempo and pace. I’ve appreciated that in the first couple of days!….” Atlantic Head Football Coach Jamelle Murray shared. “What I want to see is the guys continue to go out, give the effort and continue to learn…That’s what spring is about.”
Coach Murray continued by reflecting on the growth of the young talent that’s being developed in his program, and what he’s liked from the unproven talents so far:
“Those young guys have been able to come in and develop. They have to earn a pretty big role, and they’ll do very well for us.”
Next Man Up Under Center
Following the departure of QB Pedro Martinez to Cardinal Newman earlier this offseason, the Eagles had a void under center, that was quickly filled by 2027 left-handed QB Nicholas Pouncey. Pouncey previously spent time at St. John Paul II, where he recorded 92/171 Completion for 1,305 yards and 10 touchdowns alongside 5 rushing scores during his junior campaign. SJP would go 3-6 on the year, still earning an FHSAA 1A playoff berth after going 2-1 in District Play. Now at Atlantic, Pouncey has begun the development process to elevate his game to the next level.
“I’m feeling great! We’re all out here working and we’re all excited for the upcoming spring season…It’s family here, they’ve been very welcoming with open arms…” Pouncey enthusiastically shared. “My biggest growth this off-season has been taking control over a team, and being able to be more vocal…Coach got me out of my shell and explained I need to go and lead this team.”
“Nick has a strong arm and a high intelligence of the game…It’s something that’s nice to see…” Coach Murray boasted of his southpaw QB “You can expect a smooth offense, gotta keep it moving. Do what we’re looking for the offense to do, and bring his big arm to the field.”
Returning Stars Setting the Tone
Retainment is the name of the game in this era of sports, regardless of levels. As for Atlantic, the Eagles were able to return two elite contributors, one on each side of the ball. 2027 3-Star RB Omari St. Fort recorded 730 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2025, and 2028 LB Ethan Hook notched 60 total tackles, 3 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries. St. Fort was a non participant in today’s practice, as he’s beginning the final preparation for Track regionals, but Hook was commanding the defense throughout team drill and 7on7 periods.
After practice I caught up with Ethan to reflect on his growth in the program:
“I’m glad to be back, I feel like we got a lot of chemistry together…I love the coaches, how they build me up…I still gotta get used to it, being more of a leader, especially in the locker room or on the field.”
Culture Wins
Spring football serves as an opportunity for programs to develop skills and work on the little things, but most importantly, winning culture is instilled in April. I spoke with Coach Murray and the two student athletes about what the standard is for the program as these foundations begin to form.
“Finish better than we started.” Coach Murray calmly said with a smile
“The goal is to win and get better, but this year my mindset is states or nothing. We want to go and knock off the big teams.” Pouncey stated.
“We need to focus on getting better every day, fix mistakes from last practice, take things one step at a time.” Hook shared.
Atlantic may look different this spring, but the edge, expectation, and identity haven’t gone anywhere. With emerging leaders stepping into bigger roles and a young core embracing the moment, the Eagles are laying a foundation built on urgency and belief. If early returns are any indication, Atlantic isn’t rebuilding, they’re reloading with something to prove.
