Football recruiting: Which Metro programs produce the most Power 5 talent?

Jon Santucci, Florida Times-Union
·6 min read

With spring practices underway and college coaches hitting the road, the USA Today Florida Network looked at which Metro programs have produced the most Power 5 talent over the past five recruiting classes.

Note: Players who signed with BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF since 2022, when it was announced they would be joining the Big 12, were counted as Power 5 signees.

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Class 4S

Region 1: Sandalwood, Winter Park

Sandalwood

Georgia Tech quarterback Jeff Sims, a Sandalwood High School graduate, drops back to pass against Florida State in his college football debut on September 12, 2020.
Georgia Tech quarterback Jeff Sims, a Sandalwood High School graduate, drops back to pass against Florida State in his college football debut on September 12, 2020.

Power 5 signees: 7

Signature class: 2020

The Saints produced four Power 5 signees: quarterback Jeff Sims (Georgia Tech), offensive lineman Kobe Baynes (Louisville), cornerback Jahquez Robinson (Alabama) and safety Derek Bermudez (Ole Miss). Sims was the highest-ranked recruit on the 247Sports composite (No. 32 in Florida).

Winter Park

Florida Gators cornerback Ethan Pouncey (25) runs with the ball during week 3 of football practice at Sanders Outdoor Practice Fields in Gainesville, FL on Friday, August 19, 2022. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]
Florida Gators cornerback Ethan Pouncey (25) runs with the ball during week 3 of football practice at Sanders Outdoor Practice Fields in Gainesville, FL on Friday, August 19, 2022. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]

Power 5 signees: 7

Position of strength: Defensive back

Five of the Wildcats’ Power 5 signees the past five years have been defensive backs and all seven have been on the defensive side of the ball. Three of those five — cornerback Marcus Clarke (Miami), cornerback Ethan Pouncey (Florida) and safety Dakota Mitchell (Florida) — opted to sign with in-state programs.

Next in line: Apopka, Seminole (4 power 5 signees)

Region 2: Ocoee, West Orange

Ocoee

Ocoee senior wide receiver Asaad Waseem caught 73 passes for 1,353 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2022.
Ocoee senior wide receiver Asaad Waseem caught 73 passes for 1,353 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2022.

Power 5 signees: 6

Signature class: 2023

Ocoee’s first regional championship team in 2022 boasted a trio of senior Power 5 players. Edge rusher Calvin Smith and defensive back Zachary Tobe both signed with Illinois while wide receiver Asaad Waseem was the first Florida player to commit to Deion Sanders at Colorado.

West Orange

Jayden Gibson goes through drills as the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) college football team holds spring practice outside of Gaylord Family/Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on March 21, 2023 in Norman, Okla. [Steve Sisney/For The Oklahoman]
Jayden Gibson goes through drills as the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) college football team holds spring practice outside of Gaylord Family/Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on March 21, 2023 in Norman, Okla. [Steve Sisney/For The Oklahoman]

Power 5 signees: 6

Signature class: 2022

West Orange had a trio of Power 5 signees on its 2021 regional runner-up team. Jayden Gibson, the state’s top-ranked receiver on the USA Today top 100, signed with Oklahoma, defensive lineman Brendan Flakes signed with Northwestern and cornerback Javan Robinson signed with Washington State.

Next in line: Dr. Phillips (4 Power 5 signees)

Region 3: Palm Beach Central

FSU defensive back Akeem Dent at FSU football practice on Aug. 12, 2020.
FSU defensive back Akeem Dent at FSU football practice on Aug. 12, 2020.

Power 5 signees: 3

School ties: Florida State

Two of the Broncos three Power 5 signees over the past three seasons signed with Florida State. Cornerback Akeem Dent was the Seminoles’ top-ranked recruit in 2019; wide receiver Bryan Robinson was Florida State’s second-ranked recruit in 2020.

Next in line: Boca Raton, Monarch, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington (1 Power 5 signee)

Region 4: Miami Palmetto

Miami defensive lineman Leonard Taylor tries to block the pass from Virginia Tech quarterback Grant Wells.
Miami defensive lineman Leonard Taylor tries to block the pass from Virginia Tech quarterback Grant Wells.

Power 5 signees: 12

Signature class: 2021

The Panthers had an all-time elite senior class, which led them to the 2020 Class 8A Final Four. Defensive lineman Leonard Taylor (Miami) was the No. 3 player on the state on the 247Sports composite and cornerback Jason Marshall (Florida) was No. 9. Safety Corey Collier (Florida) and wide receiver Brashard Smith (Miami) also ranked in the top 30.

Next in line: Columbus (10 Power 5 signees)

Class 3M

Region 1: Armwood

Ohio State Buckeyes safety Kye Stokes (37) celebrates a pass break up during the spring football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on April 16, 2022.
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Kye Stokes (37) celebrates a pass break up during the spring football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on April 16, 2022.

Power 5 signees: 8

Position of strength: Defense

Six of the Hawks’ Power 5 signees have been defensive lineman or defensive backs. The group is headlined by four-star safety Kye Stokes (Ohio State) and four-star defensive lineman Clyde Pinder Jr. (North Carolina).

Next in line: Edgewater, Jones (6 Power 5 signees)

Region 2: Jesuit

Jaydin Girard (5) of Jesuit celebrates a touchdown in the fourth quarter with teammates during the Class 6A state championship game at DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, FL Dec. 17, 2021.
Jaydin Girard (5) of Jesuit celebrates a touchdown in the fourth quarter with teammates during the Class 6A state championship game at DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, FL Dec. 17, 2021.

Power 5 signees: 7

Position of strength: Pass catchers

More than half of the Tigers’ Power 5 signees have been tight ends or wide receivers. The list includes Wake Forest signee Jaydn Girard, who caught the game-winning touchdown pass against Pine Forest in the Class 6A state championship game in 2021.

Next in line: Gaither (6 Power 5 signees)

Region 3: St. Thomas Aquinas

Team Savage offensive tackle Marlon Martinez, committed to LSU, (56) is introduced at the Under Armor All-America Game in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday January 2, 2020.
Team Savage offensive tackle Marlon Martinez, committed to LSU, (56) is introduced at the Under Armor All-America Game in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday January 2, 2020.

Power 5 signees: 46

Position of strength: Offensive line

The Raiders produce talent at every position, but they’ve had 10 (TEN!) offensive lineman sign with Power 5 programs in the past five years. The list includes four-star tackle Marcus Dumervil and three-star interior lineman Marlon Martinez, who both signed with LSU in 2020.

Next in line: Deerfield Beach (13 Power 5 signees)

Region 4: McArthur

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) fights for yards as Maryland Terrapins linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II (11) and Maryland Terrapins defensive back Jordan Mosley (18) tackle during the second quarter of a NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Maryland Terrapins on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio

Power 5 signees: 3

Signature class: 2020

Two players — wide receiver Damien Alford (Syracuse) and linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II (Maryland) — signed in the class of 2020. Both players starred on the Mustangs 2019 team that won eight games and reached the regional semifinals.

Next in line: Miami Southridge (2 Power 5 signees)

Class 2M

Region 1: Bolles

Bolles defensive lineman Hayden Schwartz is pictured at Baker's Sports High School Media Day on August 5, 2021. [Bolles Athletics/Provided to the Times-Union]
Bolles defensive lineman Hayden Schwartz is pictured at Baker's Sports High School Media Day on August 5, 2021. [Bolles Athletics/Provided to the Times-Union]

Power 5 signees: 6

Position of strength: Defensive line

Bolles reached the Class 4S Final Four in 2021 and its stout defensive line was a big reason why. Edge rusher Jack Pyburn signed with Florida, defensive lineman Hayden Schwartz signed with Minnesota and defensive lineman Bradley Mann signed with Vanderbilt.

Next in line: Raines (3 Power 5 signees)

Region 2: Berkeley Prep

Power 5 signees: 10

Signature class: 2022

Xavier Townsend caught 23 passes for 127 yards during his freshman season for UCF.
Xavier Townsend caught 23 passes for 127 yards during his freshman season for UCF.

The Buccaneers had four seniors from its 2021 Class 3A state runner-up team sign with Power 5 programs. Running back Xavier Townsend and linebacker TJ Bullard both picked UCF, tight end CJ Hawkins signed with Stanford and running back Travis Bates signed with Duke.

Next in line: Lakewood (9 Power 5 signees)

Region 3: American Heritage (Plantation)

Sep 24, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes safety James Williams (0) tackles Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders wide receiver Izaiah Gathings (2) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes safety James Williams (0) tackles Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders wide receiver Izaiah Gathings (2) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Power 5 signees: 16

Position of strength: Defensive back

Not only have the Patriots produced Power 5 talent at safety and cornerback, but the signees have been among the best in the nation. James Williams (Miami) was top-ranked safety in the class of 2021, Earl Little Jr. (Alabama) was a top-15 cornerback in 2022 and cornerback Damari Brown (Miami) was one of the top 200 players in the nation in 2023.

Next in line: Cardinal Gibbons (15 Power 5 signees)

Region 4: Miami Central

Texas A&M wide receiver Yulkeith Brown catches a touchdown against Sam Houston State.
Texas A&M wide receiver Yulkeith Brown catches a touchdown against Sam Houston State.

Power 5 signees: 14

Signature class: 2021

Four seniors from the 2020 Class 6A state championship team were ranked in the top 40 in the state, including the nation’s top-ranked linebacker Terrence Lewis (Maryland) and Texas A&M signees Amari Daniels and Yulkeith Brown.

Next in line: Miami Northwestern (13 Power 5 signees)

Class 1M

Region 1: Trinity Christian

Trinity Christian Academy's Treyaun Webb (3) punches through Providence defenders for the opening touchdown of the game during first quarter action. Trinity Christian Academy hosted the Providence School of Jacksonville in Friday night football, October 28, 2022. Trinity went into the half with a 42 to 3 lead over Providence.
Trinity Christian Academy's Treyaun Webb (3) punches through Providence defenders for the opening touchdown of the game during first quarter action. Trinity Christian Academy hosted the Providence School of Jacksonville in Friday night football, October 28, 2022. Trinity went into the half with a 42 to 3 lead over Providence.

Power 5 signees: 9

School ties: Florida

The Gators have had success at Trinity Christian the past few years. Wide receiver Marcus Burke and offensive lineman Austin Barber both signed with Florida in 2021 and running back Treyaun Webb signed with the Gators in December.

Next in line: Foundation Academy (2 Power 5 signees)

Region 2: Carrollwood Day

USC wide receivers coach Keary Colbert celebrates with tight end Michael Trigg after a touchdown against Washington State at the Coliseum on Dec. 6.
USC wide receivers coach Keary Colbert celebrates with tight end Michael Trigg after a touchdown against Washington State at the Coliseum on Dec. 6.

Power 5 signees: 6

Conference ties: Pac-12

The Pac-12 and ACC each landed two Patriots over the past five years, but the pair heading to the West Coast is notable since not many Florida players sign with California schools. Tight end Michael Trigg (USC, 2021) is the lone Florida player to sign with the Trojans the past three years.

Next in line: Clearwater Central Catholic (3 Power 5 signees)

Region 3: Chaminade-Madonna

Chaminade-Madonna's Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (2) chases down a Berkeley Prep player to tackle him. Chaminade-Madonna shutout Berkeley Prep 21-0 to claim the 3A State Championship title at Gene Cox Stadium on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021.
Chaminade-Madonna's Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (2) chases down a Berkeley Prep player to tackle him. Chaminade-Madonna shutout Berkeley Prep 21-0 to claim the 3A State Championship title at Gene Cox Stadium on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021.

Power 5 signees: 18

Positions of strength: Cornerback, edge rusher

The Lions produced five Power 5 signees at both cornerback and edge rusher the past five years. The list includes edge rusher Kenyatta Jackson and cornerback Ryan Turner, who both signed with Ohio State in the class of 2022.

Next in line: Benjamin (3 Power 5 signees)

Region 4: Florida Christian

Power 5 signees: 1

Defensive lineman Jamaal Whyce, a three-star recruit, signed with South Carolina in 2022.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Recruiting: Which Metro programs produce he most Power 5 talent?

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