STUART – It is a great time right now to be Jayden Pressey.
The Martin County senior went from being an overlooked prospect to a state champion and college football signee.
The beginning of March has turned out to be a bountiful blessing for the 5-foot-10, 155-pound athlete, to say the least.
Let us start with what transpired this past Thursday (March 10) at Martin County High School.
Pressey went into his signing ceremony with college football offers from the likes of New Mexico, Southwest Oklahoma, Lake Erie, Heidelberg, Keiser, FCU, and Presbyterian.
He sent the Martin County faithful into a frenzy when he made his decision to play college football at Presbyterian, an FCS school out of Clinton, S.C.
It was Pressey’s visit to Presbyterian on Feb. 13 that primarily led to where his next destination will be at.
“When I took a visit, it felt like home,” Pressey said. “Honestly, the coaching staff was young and they all were good people. It’s a small school, but still Division 1. I feel like I can make a big impact in their program. Plus, I’m not too far from home.”
What side of the ball will Pressey be at for Presbyterian?
“They want me on defense,” Pressey said. “But they know I can play the slot. So we’re just going to have to see in July.”
With Pressey’s college football future signed, sealed, and delivered, it is a good time to reflect on some other great things his senior season has been to date.
For starters, Pressey helped Martin County (27-4 final record) win the Class 6A state title on Saturday, March 5. It was the Tigers first state championship since 1979.
“It feels really good to bring it back for Martin County, the community, and for our 22 class,” Pressey said. “I have a lot of great memories from this run.”
Martin County’s drive to the District 13-6A title, Region 4-6A title, and 6A state title were highlighted by a season-ending 10-game winning streak. Some of its best wins were over Dwyer (49-48 road victory in the 13-6A title game; 68-65 home triumph in the Region 4-6A semifinal), Pembroke Pines Charter (52-47 road win in the Region 4-6A final), Tampa Wharton (52-47 win in the 6A State Final Four), and Ponte Verde (53-49 win in the 6A state title game).
As for Pressey’s individual moments?
Well, he went on to talk about them – particularly in the 6A state semifinal.
“I have a lot I’m thinking of right now,” Pressey said. “From all the clutch moment threes to the steal in the Wharton game. And I passed one up to [senior guard] Jack [Pierrelus] in that game. And the and-1 I got.”
Pressey spoke more of his big play with Pierrelus.
“I was hit,” Pressey said. “I could have shot it, but I hit Jack underneath for a layup. I was lit after that.”
In addition to being a state champion for basketball, Pressey helped Martin County’s football team finish the regular season with an undefeated 8-0 and the District 8-7A title.
Martin County (9-1 final record) went on to reach the Region 2-7A semifinal round.
Pressey briefly touched on his favorite individual moment of his senior high school football season with the Tigers.
“Winning district in the Dwyer game,” said Pressey, who helped Martin County clinch the 8-7A title in Week 9 with a 24-0 win at home. “Coming up with a pick and a touchdown.”
Last but not least, Pressey was selected to play in two All-Star Games: the Palm Beach County-Treasure Coast All-Star Game this past December and the inaugural Battle at the Beach All-Star Game this past January.
To sum it up, Presbyterian has a steal and potential legend with its college football program now. Let us all see how this goes in the next few years ahead.
