Vote: Who is the best return specialist in Central Florida in 2023?
Special teams have proven to be, well, special this year for Central Florida football teams.
Scores of players have made their mark returning kickoffs and punts, with some finding the end zone. And, special teams are an additional responsibility for these athletes, making them even more valuable for the teams they play for.
We took a look at schools in seven counties (Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole, Volusia, Brevard, and Indian River) and came up with 16 candidates that we nominated for Best Return Specialist in Central Florida.
We ask you, the fan, to decide who should be the top return specialist selected. Voting will conclude on November 30th at 11:59 p.m..
Editor’s note: Our corresponding poll is intended to be fun, and we do not set limits on how many times a fan can vote during the competition. The poll is specifically for fans to vote on the players that have been nominated and in no way discredits any other player that may not be mentioned in our poll.
Here are the nominees:
Quavion Mincey, ATH/OLB/ Freedom (Orlando): Super athletic senior (6-foot, 182 pounds) has been a big factor for the Patriots with a whopping 760 return yards in eight games, including 608 yards on 21 kickoffs.
Jermane Hayes, WR/CB, University (Orange City): Only a junior, his versatility is a key reason why the Titans own an 8-1 record and are fighting for a playoff spot in Class 4S. He has returned 11 kickoffs for 404 yards and seven punts for 171 yards for a total of 575 yards.
Marcell Walker, ATH/WR, South Lake (Groveland): One of the top return men in Lake County, the junior has been a measure of consistency for the Eagles with seven kickoff returns for 354 yards and one touchdown and seven punt returns for 145 yards for a total of 499 yards and one TD.
Joshua Guerrier, SS/WR, Ocoee: Versatile junior is one of the top return men in Orange County with eight kickoff returns for 307 yards and eight punt returns for 140 yards and one TD for a total of 447 yards and one TD.
Alejandro Bello, CB/FS, Oviedo: Senior transfer from Timber Creek (Orlando) has been a welcome addition to the Lions, returning five kickoffs for a healthy 241 yards and two TDs, and 12 punts for 195 yards and one TD for a total of 435 yards and three scores. His play helped Oviedo (7-2) capture the Class 3M, District 2 title and qualify for the playoffs.
Javon Ross, WR/DB, DeLand: Arguably the best player in Volusia County, this explosive senior has been unstoppable at times. He has returned 10 kickoffs for 357 yards and one TD, and three punts for 68 yards for a total of 425 yards and one TD to lead the Bulldogs (7-2) to the Class 4S-9 title check and a playoff berth.
Travarus Boykin, WR/SS, East Ridge (Clermont): A superb kickoff returner in Lake County, he has 15 kickoff returns for 408 yards and one TD.
Dylan Edwards, RB/CB, Lake Howell: Skilled junior has been a key part of the Silver Hawks’ resurgence with four kickoff returns for 153 yards and one TD, and six punt return returns for 193 yards for a total of 346 yards and one TD. His play has helped Lake Howell to a 6-3 record.
MJ Mitchell, FS, WR, Lake Brantley (Altamonte Springs): Talented junior has returned 16 kickoffs for 285 yards and one TD, and three punts for 56 yards for a total of 341 yards and one TD while competing in one of the toughest districts in Florida: Class 4M-2.
Xavier Lherisse, DB/ATH, Eau Gallie (Melbourne): One of the most dynamic sophomores in Brevard County, if not the state of Florida. He has returned four kickoffs for 134 yards and one TD and five punts for 197 yards for one TD for a total of 331 yards and two scores to lead the Commodores to an 8-1 record and the Class 3S-10 title – their first district championship in 100 years of existence.
Cameise Sloss, DB/ATH, Halifax Academy (Daytona Beach): Senior has been one of the most versatile players in Volusia County with a whopping 31 kickoff returns for 187 yards and one TD, and seven punt returns for 131 yards and one TD for a total of 318 yards and two TDs. He has led the Knights to a 7-2 record.
Alijah Jenkins, SB, Osceola (Kissimmee): Super athletic sophomore (5-7, 160) has been one of the top return men in Osceola County with nine kickoff returns for 211 yards and six punt returns for 105 yards for a total of 316 yards. His play helped the Kowboys capture the Class 4S-10 title.
Johan Torres, WR, Winter Springs: Talented junior is one of the top return men in Seminole County with 16 kickoff returns for 301 yards.
Jaden Brown, SS, CB, Edgewater (Orlando): Multi-talented athlete has played well for the unbeaten Eagles (9-0) with three kickoff returns for 169 yards and three punt returns for 113 yards and one TD for a total of 282 yards and one TD. His play helped Edgewater repeat as Class 3M-3 champs.
Ben Heath, WR/DB, Windermere: Senior (6-3, 200) has been a big contributor for the Wolverines with seven kickoff returns for 205 yards.
Justin Rosado, WR/RB, Seminole (Sanford): One of the best all-around athletes in Central Florida, the senior has returned seven kickoffs for 206 yards and three punts for 66 yards for a total of 272 yards to lead the Seminoles to an 8-2 record and the Class 4M-2 championship.
-- Jeff Gardenour | jgardenour1962@gmail.com | @JMarkG1962
