Atlantic’s talented receiving unit looking to soar

DELRAY BEACH — Two years ago, Atlantic pounded its way to an undefeated regular season and the Class 8A regional finals behind its dominant stable of running backs.

While the Eagles still have plenty of talent in the backfield, it could be the team’s incredibly deep receiving core that pushes Atlantic this season.

“We have a lot of weapons,” said wideout Corey Gammage, a University of Florida commit. “Defense won’t know what’s coming to them.”

Gammage, a 6-foot-4, 190-pound senior, is one of a handful of weapons for what could be a potent aerial attack.

“[Gammage] is a leader,” said coach TJ Jackson. “He’s shown up every day [this summer] and is the first in line in team workouts and whatever we’re doing. He’s probably one of the top kids in the state at wide receiver and you just get him the ball and he’ll make a play for you.”

Returning starter Cadarius Gaskin, who also stands 6-foot-4, gives the unit another tall, dynamic threat. Gaskin, a three-star recruit, says UCF is his favorite right now.

While Atlantic’s returning one-two punch of Gammage and Gaskin is impressive, they’ll be flanked by three talented newcomers. Former Dwyer star Oyeh Lurry-Davis transferred in the offseason and gives the team a shifty playmaker out wide. Freshman Javone Jackson, who TJ Jackson is very high on, and sophomore Alex Henningham, a Boynton Beach transfer, round out the unit.

What’s uncertain at the moment is who will be delivering the ball. With Zavion Thompson having graduated, senior Antoine Williams and junior Kalani Ilimaleota are both vying for the position.

In the backfield, the Eagles have been the beneficiaries of a few notable transfers. Junior running back Shelley Singletary, who’s also a threat on the receiving end, should figure prominently after starting for Boca Raton last season.

Former Park Vista star running back Corey Cola also transferred in, but will likely miss his entire senior season after tearing his ACL in the offseason.

Atlantic also picked up a handful of impact defensive transfers this season. Senior defensive end Jason Mercier (Boynton Beach), sophomore defensive tackle Henry Bryant (American Heritage-Delray), senior defensive tackle Brian Bureau (Village Academy) and senior cornerback Kenih Lovely (Dwyer) will bolster a defensive unit that returns just two starters from last season.

WELLS DUSENBURY/STAFF PHOTO Atlantic players go through drills on the second day of fall football practice on Tuesday.