Boca Raton, FL.– Breaking News: 2027 Linebacker Joe Sykes will transfer from West Boca Raton to Spanish River, multiple sources confirm to NewEraPrep.
“This is a business decision year for me…I see the potential with River, adding me will not only just playing there for one year but leaving a mark that will shake the County….Coach LaSala provides a ton of experience from the biggest stages of the game, specifically at my position. I can’t wait to work and develop my skills with him.”
Sykes, a 6 foot 1, 215lb linebacker has the potential to return to the ranks as one of Palm Beach County’s brightest during his senior season. Due to a knee injury suffered in Spring 2025, Joe Sykes participated in a shortened 3 game season, still changing games when the lights of the post season got bright by recording 1 Forced Fumble, 2 Tackles for Loss and a Field Goal block. Sykes currently holds a handful of Offers, including Liberty, Memphis, FIU and UTMartin.
During his breakout sophomore season at Palm Beach Gardens, Sykes flew all over the field, recording 127 total tackles, 33 tackles for loss, two sacks, 56 QB pressures, three pass breakups, and one forced fumble. His production earned him First Team All-County honors from both the Sun Sentinel and Palm Beach Post, while also being ranked as a Top 5 player in the class by NewEraPrep.
With the 2026 season looming on the horizon, Joe Sykes is ready to go all in for his last lap.
“It means a lot to me facing as much adversity I did last year motivates me so much because I never gave up and mentally stronger then ever and the opportunity is going to show what people are missing out on…” Sykes reflected. “It definitely sucked missing out last year but watching everyone shined made me proud of them….Selfishly, I wish that was me which motivates me more than ever to go and ball…My goals this year are personal, I want to get my name back, the goal is to win DPOTY, Sun Sentinel Defensive Player of the Year and lead the State in tackles.”
The addition of Joe Sykes provides yet another violent defender to a strong Spanish River defensive unit. Sykes will be joining the likes of 100 tackler EDGE/LB Jason Mock (C/O 2027), alongside an elite 12 sack DT Zachary Stelus (C/O 2028) and versatile do-it-all man Kai Sainmervil (DB/LB, C/O 2027). The Sharks are coming off a 7-5 campaign in the first year of the LaSala era, including a statement come from behind win vs Western.
Now healthy and hungry, Sykes will have one final opportunity to remind college coaches why he was once considered one of the top prospects in Palm Beach County.
Cover Photo Credits: Johnny Nguyen, NewEraPrep
