ESPN West Palm celebrated the best high school football players from Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast on Aug. 19.
It was an extraordinary evening of action at D1 Sports Training Facility in Palm Beach Gardens, with entertainment from dancers and a word from Palm Beach Gardens Mayor Maria Marino.
The area’s Top 63 players, along with their families and coaches, enjoyed the plethora of dining options and attention from a slew of media outlets in attendance. Everyone involved enjoyed the ambience and scenery, which proved to serve as a truly relaxing and fun respite from the gridiron.
Pahokee 2018 defensive back De’Vuntray Hampton was one of the Top 63 players invited to the special event. He said he’s appreciative of the recognition that ESPN West Palm has given him in the process.
“It is a great accomplishment because I put a lot of time and hard work,” Hampton said. “I’m proud to be here with a lot other great players.”
Benjamin 2018 OL Martin Weisz felt the same way.
“It’s truly a blessing to be a part of this outstanding group,” Weisz said. “I’ve been dreaming about it since my freshman year. People who get chosen on this list live up to the hype. They don’t just have a lot of offers and a big name. They work hard and set goals and go on to play at the next level of football.”
Since 2012, ESPN West Palm/106.3 FM has been recognizing high school football players at this pre-season stage with a special awards ceremony. Many have gone on to do amazing things, such as QB Lamar Jackson (Boynton Beach 2015 alum; reigning Heisman Trophy winner at Louisville) and WR Ahmmon Richards (Wellington 2016 alum; Freshman All-American at Miami).
At least a few players from this 2018 class will go on and do great things as well in college football. Here is a list of the Top 10 players from Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast:
1. Gurvan Hall — WR/FS, Palm Beach Gardens
2. Jamien Sherwood — S, Jensen Beach
3. David Reese — OLB, Vero Beach
4. CJ Smith — WR/S, Oxbridge Academy
5. Corey Gammage — WR, Atlantic
6. Jordan Travis — QB, Benjamin
7. Cameron Jonas — S, Dwyer
8. Rashawn Yates — LB, Treasure Coast
9. Jordon Earle — OL, Forest Hill
10. Jarrett Jackson — ATH, Palm Beach Gardens
“This just lets me know the sky is the limit,” said Jackson, who was grateful to have a spot on the main stage at No. 10. “It’s great feeling being a part of the Top 63.”
Hall was shocked to find out he landed at the No. 1 spot.
“I put in a lot of hard work, and it’s paying off,” the University of Miami verbal commit said.
For these high school football athletes, this list gets them a tad bit closer to their dreams. It is just the beginning of their journey to eventually play in collegiate and professional football in the years to come.
