EST PALM BEACH – Donovan Draper makes an impact in a bevy of ways: on the field, on the court, and by his level of character.
Coaches and teammates alike speak highly of what the Forest Hill junior brings to the table. His Hudl film backs it up in a big way.
In just six games played as a wide receiver this past football season, the 6-foot-5, 185-pound rising star recorded 22 receptions for 475 yards (21.5 yards per catch average) and five touchdowns. His best game of the season was in Week 10 against Jupiter, when he tallied six catches for 191 yards and a highlight reel-worthy touchdown.
“He catches everything,” Forest Hill offensive coordinator Jim Basford said. “All the time. Practice, games, scout team, drills. He has huge hands. Very intelligent as well.”
Draper, who currently has a 3.4 weighted grade point average, is also excelling on the basketball court right now. He’s currently in preparation mode with his coaches and teammates for the Falcons first-ever Class 7A State Series Final Four appearance, which will be held on Friday (March 6).
Forest Hill (28-2) made it to states after taking down upstart Park Vista (21-7 final record) in a mostly thrilling 7A-Region 3 final matchup at home this past Friday night (Feb. 28). The Falcons defeated the Cobras, 71-61.
In the regional title game, Draper (guard/forward) led his team with 14 points. His presence was noticeable from start to finish in Forest Hill’s most significant win in program history.
Falcons senior point guard D’Ante Daniels (12 points; 2 3-pointers) praised Draper for his all-around effort and level of consistency.
“He’s a great teammate on an off the court,” Daniels said. “He has a good attitude, and he’s always working hard in practice. We’ve become good friends, so I have loved playing with him all three years I played varsity.”
Draper has several basketball teammates who also suited up on the football field this past season: junior point guard/athlete Jalen Jeter (11 points against Park Vista), sophomore guard Michael Cooper (12 points against Park Vista), senior center Simeon Sweeney, and sophomore guard Octavious Williams (5 points against Park Vista).
“I’m really proud of them all,” Basford said.
A key factor to watch in the 7A Final Four on Friday will be the chemistry between Draper and Jeter. They feed off each other with a level of synergy that can’t fully be put into words. It’s magical in more ways than one, whether it’s on the court or on the field.
“He’s talented in both sports,” Basford said. “Jalen and him have a good connection with one another.”
Forest Hill (No. 1 seed) will go into the 7A State Series Final Four as the odds-on favorite to win it all this weekend in Lakeland. The next opponent is 7A-Region 1 champion and No. 4 seed Seminole (26-4) in less than 72 hours, with the tipoff set for 2:30 p.m.
The Forest Hill-Seminole winner will face off against the victor between No. 2 seed/7A-Region 4 champion Miramar (22-6) and No. 3 seed/7A-Region 2 champion Oak Ridge (21-8) on Saturday (March 7) at 8 p.m. That one is for the 7A state title.
“I really hope they bring home the state championship to our school,” Basford said.
Regardless of how this weekend turns out, Draper has a bright future ahead of him. Going into his senior year of high school, one could expect him to be a key focal point of Forest Hill’s offense on the football field in 2020.
“Our passing game will be a huge part of our offense next year,” Basford said. “Donovan is going to be a huge weapon for our offense. He is getting some college interest as well. Hopefully this spring he picks up a few committable offers.”
For all of Draper’s efforts, he made his debut in our Top 25 player rankings on Monday (March 1). He’s current ranked as our No. 3 wide receiver and No. 25 overall player in Palm Beach County.
We’ll be keeping a close watch on what Draper does between now and the time he signs with a college in 2021.
PHOTO CREDIT: PBC Hoops (Basketball Image)
