King’s Academy coach seeking offers for state runner-up seniors
King’s Academy’s opponent in the Class 3A title game, ChaminadeMadonna, is loaded with Division I-caliber players.
King’s Academy is not. In fact, none of their players have offers from college programs at any level.
Between now and his players’ graduation, Lions coach Keith Allen is trying to find his players a place to continue their football careers.
“That means more to me than this game,” Allen said after the championship game. “Winning would’ve been great, but I’ve got to get these kids somewhere to play college football.”
The Lions have several key seniors who helped lead the team to its first-ever state championship game, including quarterback Justin Wake, wide receiver/ defensive back Jeremiah Scroggins, wide receiver/ defensive back Drew Luchey.
Allen and his staff have been sending emails with film, biographies and transcripts to programs they think will be good fits for their players. He said he tells his players to stay optimistic and keep working even if they’re not drawing attention from their dream schools.
“The smaller schools — the FCS schools, the Division II schools — once the Division I prospects are no longer available, they rally and regroup and try to find some guys in the second tier,” Allen said. “That’s kind of where we fit.”
Allen has spent time on the staffs of both Division I and Division II programs, including a stint as Division II Southwest Baptist University’s head coach, so he tries to use his knowledge to keep his players realistic while also trying to boost their prospects.
“We believe they can play at that level,” Allen said “It’s not like I told a college coach: ‘Hey, this is going to be your next stud defensive end or next stud guy at Florida State.’
“We’ve been very realistic with the kids and the coaches. It’ll work out; it’s just frustrating while waiting till somebody decides to make an offer.”
Recruiting process draining for Gibbons’ Bogle: The recruiting process can look glamorous, with offer tweets, college visits and televised commitments. But it can also be a tough time for prospective college players.
Cardinal Gibbons star defensive end Khris Bogle, who is being heavily recruited by Alabama, Florida, Miami, Tennessee and many more teams, said his recruitment has been wearing on him.
“I’m just stressed out, overall,” Bogle said after his Chiefs won the Class 5A state title game on Friday. “Coaches coming in and out every day. But this is the life I chose.”
Bogle, who plans to commit at the U.S. Army AllAmerican Bowl on Jan. 5, said he leans on his sister to help him get ready for college.
“She’s in college already, and she knows the college experience,” Bogle said. “She’s just telling me — she goes on visits with me to see if I like it a lot.”
Other recruiting notes
After winning the Class 3A state title game, Chaminade-Madonna 2020 wide receiver Elijah Canion received an offer from Miami. He is rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports. Five of Canion’s teammates with Chaminade are committed to Miami.
Cardinal Gibbons 2020 athlete Majon Wright received an offer from Arizona. He holds offers from Kentucky, Pittsburgh, UCF and more. His teammate, 2019 linebacker Yahweh Jeudy, received an offer from Iowa. Jeudy is a Kansas State commit.
Deerfield Beach 2019 defensive lineman Brandon
Dorlus decommitted from Virginia Tech. He is rated a three-star prospect and has offers from Auburn, Baylor, Florida and more.
Suncoast 2019 defensive lineman Mitzeen Joseph picked Penn over Cornell, Valparaiso and more.
Atlantic 2020 defensive lineman Henry Bryant III picked up an offer from N.C. State. He holds offers from Duke, Iowa State, Kentucky and more.
American Heritage 2021 defensive back James
Williams received an offer from LSU. He is committed to Miami.
Piper 2019 linebacker
Johnathan Sampson committed to New Mexico Highlands University.
Dwyer 2019 offensive lineman Ronald Folkes committed to Georgia State. Fellow Dwyer 2019 offensive lineman Tyler Payne committed to Davidson.
West Broward 2019 athlete Malcolm Denbow received an offer from Stetson.
Olympic Heights 2019 wide receiver Jack Coulson received an offer from Air Force.
Senior McArthur quarterback T.J. Smith received an offer from Warner.