GREENACRES – Just like in past years, we have a plethora of seniors who have not signed to a college at this time.
And just like in past years, there will be a recruiting fair that’s specifically tailored for them to shine. They will get live opportunities with a host of coaches from the Division II, Division III, NAIA, and JUCO levels.
It will be held at John I. Leonard High School this afternoon (Feb. 20), beginning at 4 p.m. and ending at around 7 p.m. The action will take place inside the school’s cafeteria.
Though the players will get to network today, their high school football coaches have already done most the legwork for them at John I. Leonard. This happened yesterday (Feb. 19).
It was a meeting of the minds, as film, grades, test scores, and recommendations were exchanged between the high school coaches and college coaches at Day 1 of the annual Palm Beach County Football Recruiting Fair.
“Each year, the small school college fair is an outstanding event which allows face-to-face contact with universities around the country,” American Heritage coach Henry Colombi said. “It gives you an opponent to sell your players one last time.”
In a span of three hours yesterday, Colombi and new Stallions head coach Brian Sheridan were able to land 10 combined offers for three unsigned players: running back/athlete Tyler Willis, defensive end/long snapper Richard Landes, and linebacker/fullback Ruben Navarro.
“They’re all outstanding players,” Colombi said. “They achieved a lot on the field for us.”
Aside from American Heritage sending its players to the recruiting fair, we’ll see some representation from Forest Hill as well.
Falcons assistant coach Dwayne McClendon said there will be five seniors at the event: cornerback Keyshawn Cunningham, defensive back Kemoni Hunter, lineman Ellie Paul, wide receiver/linebacker Simeon Sweeney, and lineman Rod Wynn.
McClendon spoke glowingly about Cunningham in particular.
“Keyshawn worked his tail off to become our starting cornerback,” McClendon said. “He had a great season with a ton of big plays. He’s just a little undersized, so that hurt his recruiting a bit.”
At this time, Cunningham has three offers from Manchester, Trine, and Greensboro College. The 5-foot-10, 145-pound cornerback, who ended his senior year with 45+ tackles (4 TFL’s), 13 pass breakups, and two interceptions, said he’s looking for the best college fit.
It could be either one of the three aforementioned schools or a new one at the recruiting fair later on today.
“It feels good to check out the schools that are going to be at the fair,” Cunningham said. “I’m most definitely taking my three offers into consideration because they took a chance on me first. But I’m most definitely going pick the best school that’s going to help me succeed. I want to have a good education with a good football team.”
NOTE: We have 35 high school football teams in Palm Beach County, and almost all of them will have some representation at the recruiting fair today.
We’ll be sure to provide you with a follow up on all that transpired at this year’s recruiting fair. Hats off to all of our unsigned seniors in Palm Beach County.
PHOTO CREDITS: Henry Colombi and Gene Nardi
