FORT PIERCE – Let it be said right now.
Jemar Paul is one of the Treasure Coast’s most underrated players from the Class of 2024.
How is this true?
All one can do is show everyone film as proof.
Before we do that, let us post the Fort Pierce Central senior wide receiver’s statistics from this past season.
Take a look.
•33 catches
•714 all-purpose yards
•5 touchdowns
Paul’s best game was against Bayside in Week 3. Here are his statistics from that one.
•5 catches
•110 yards
•1 touchdown
Paul reflected on his junior season at Fort Pierce Central.
“It went really well,” the 6-foot-3, 168-pound wide receiver said. “I could’ve had a better season, even though I learned a lot. It was actually my first year on varsity, and I did better than I expected. It might not be the outcome we wanted as a team, but it was fun and we will continue to work.”
To be quite honest, Paul’s breakthrough moment came in the spring game against Inlet Grove on May 19. In this tilt – a 14-12 win at home for the Cobras – Paul recorded the following statistics:
•10 catches
•150 yards
•1 touchdown
You can watch Paul’s videos for proof.
“I was locked in from when the clock started and till it ended,” Paul said. “I’ve trained a lot in getting my hands stronger and getting faster, so I was ready. I also watched a lot of film the whole game week. Every time the ball hiked, I gave it my all. When the ball was in the air, I made sure to go attack it by any means necessary.”
For the most part, the summer months proved to be even better for Paul.
Here’s how.
In the Keiser 7-on-7 Tournament on June 24, Paul hauled in a multitude of catches and touchdowns in pool play and in the playoff rounds for Fort Pierce Central.
Watch a clip for yourself.
“Keiser was fun. Our team did well. We all pulled to the tournament hyped and ready to have fun,”Paul said. “Practicing against our defense really helps our offense when going up against different defenses because of the defense we run. I definitely came to work and win. Even when I was tired, I still made sure to give everything I had left in my tank, and I felt like everyone that lined up in front of me was trying to threaten me.”
Paul went on to be ranked by New Era Prep as the fourth best overall player from the Treasure Coast in the Keiser 7-on-7 Tournament.
The best part of Paul’s amazing performance was the he received his first offer from Keiser on the spot that same day.
The other experience Paul had was at Valdosta State’s Football Camp on July 17. He touched on how that moment in time unfolded for him.
“I started off rough doing the drills,” Paul said. “But going into the running routes and 1-on-1’s, I locked in.”
Paul (No. 29-ranked overall player; Treasure Coast) shared his entire summer offseason experience with New Era Prep.
“Summer has been tough, even with the summer workouts,” Paul said. “But I’m pushing through, working, and getting better, so that’s no problem for me. I’ve been to one camp this summer, didn’t go to as many as I planned to. The 7-on-7 has been amazing by lining up against a lot of talented corners, so that has helped me get better.”
Paul credits Fort Pierce Central head coach Mike Watkins for his development as a wide receiver.
“I think Coach Watkins is the best coach in the Treasure Coast, and anyone can agree with that,” Paul said. “He teaches us respect and tells us the truth on how the world is. He tries his best with recruiting by spending hours to make sure that we can play at the next level.”
Paul shared his senior season goals to sum it all up.
“My goal is to break records, stay healthy, and gain some offers,” Paul said. “For the team, it is to keep the trophy (Fort Pierce Showdown), win games, and have a nice playoff run.”
Here’s hoping that Paul and the Fort Pierce Central Cobras either meet or exceed their goals for this upcoming fall football season.
PHOTO CREDITS: July Sanchez
