Lakeland Dreadnaughts have plenty of returning & new talent as spring football begins
Polk County has always been rich with football talent every single year and this spring is no different. Lakeland is coming off a state championship season and now are re-tooling for another potential run. Lakeland started practice this past Monday.
The Dreadnaughts will be loaded, but who are some of the names you need to know around for this spring’s version of Lakeland under first-year head coach Marvin Frazier? Take a look below at some of the players we think have emerged as the top talents from the Lakeland Dreadnaughts.
Lakeland defeated Venice 21-14 for the Class 4S state title in 2022
Zander Smith, quarterback, Lakeland: Smith made the huge splash by leaving Palmetto and heading to the 863 to be the signal caller for the defending Class 4S champion Dreadnaughts. The sophomore threw for 1,638 yards and 14 touchdowns last season and could do even more damage with Marvin Frazier and crew.
Jameson Young, defensive back, Lakeland: The Auburndale transfer comes to Lakeland as a player who can step right into the Dreadnaughts’ secondary. Young has already committed to Florida International and will be one of the top cornerbacks in the county.
D’marius Rucker, running back, Lakeland: One of Polk County’s top running backs returns to the backfield for Lakeland and he’s primed for another big season. Last season, Rucker rushed for 940 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Joshua Smith, linebacker, Lakeland: Not everyone is gone from the Dreadnaughts’ front seven. Smith returns as the leading tackler from last season’s defense as the speedy backer made 68 tackles and nine went for a loss. Smith has offers from University of North Carolina at Pembroke and Bryant University.
Jamar Taylor Jr., wide receiver, Lakeland: Yes, the name look familiar? Taylor Jr.’s father played running back for Lakeland and now the son is making a name for himself. He has offers from Charlotte, Colorado, Florida Atlantic and Grambling State according to 247Sports.
Omari Mixon, tight end, Lakeland: A hero from the Class 4S state championship game, Mixon hauled in 10 passes for 137 yards. The tight end has an offer from Charlotte and should be an intricate part of the Dreadnaughts’ offense in 2023. Mixon also plays lacrosse at Lakeland.
Brayshon Williams, safety, Lakeland: Already an Under Armour All-American commitment, Williams time to shine in 2023 is coming as he’s one of the top safeties in the 863. Williams has offers on the table from Alabama, Charlotte, Colorado, UConn and Florida per 247Sports.
Keon Young, defensive back, Lakeland: Young is another player that should shine in the secondary for Frazier’s Dreadnaughts. Young is just a freshman, but that hasn’t deterred any offers as he has overtures from Charlotte, Oregon State and USF.
Malik Morris, linebacker, Lakeland: Haven’t heard of Morris? Might want to get yourself acquainted with one of the next up and coming linebackers in Lakeland’s front seven. Seeing minimal time in 2022, Morris made six tackles. The freshman has offers from Eastern Kentucky, Toledo and USF.
Markel Johnson, running back, Lakeland: Can’t forget the other tailback in the two-headed monster for Lakeland. Johnson pairs up with Rucker to make for a solid 1-2 punch. Johnson rushed for 662 yards and scored nine touchdowns.
Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.
