August 1, 2025

Jacksonville Schools Prepare for High School Football Season

News Summary

As Jacksonville gears up for another high school football season, local teams are eager to compete for the Florida High School Athletic Association championships. This year marks the return of enrollment-based classification, moving away from the former Metro-Suburban system. Standout players, especially tight ends and linebackers, are being highlighted as they aim to excel on the field. Fans are encouraged to vote for their favorite athletes, with polls remaining open until the end of July, fostering community engagement as the season approaches.

Jacksonville is gearing up for an exciting high school football season set to kick off on Friday, August 22. Local teams are preparing to compete for the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) championships, with aspirations to capture their first state title since 2021. This year marks the second season following the reintroduction of enrollment-based classification, as schools have transitioned away from the Metro-Suburban system.

This article highlights standout players, specifically the top tight ends and linebackers from Jacksonville schools to watch as the season unfolds.

Tight Ends to Watch

Ponte Vedra High School: Standing at 6-3 and weighing 215 pounds, this senior has received college offers from Arkansas State, Georgia Southern, and Wofford. In the 2024 season, he recorded 40 receptions for 682 yards and scored two touchdowns, in addition to returning punts for 336 yards.
Bishop Kenny High School: A 6-1, 205-pound senior tight end, he has received offers from Appalachian State, Georgia State, and Middle Tennessee. His 2024 stats include ten receptions for 258 yards and six touchdowns, along with contributing 37 tackles, seven for loss, three sacks, and two interceptions.
Beachside High School: This 6-5, 205-pound senior has committed to Bowling Green. In the previous season, he caught 50 passes totaling 846 yards, scoring 11 touchdowns.
Bartram Trail High School: A junior at 6-3 and weighing 230 pounds, he has committed to Florida State and averaged 37.1 yards per catch with eight receptions totaling 297 yards before sustaining an injury.
Bolles School: This senior, standing 6-4 and weighing 220 pounds, has committed to Ohio State. Over his last two seasons, he has recorded 60 catches and tallied 558 yards, coming from a family with a strong football legacy.

Linebackers to Watch

Menendez High School: This senior linebacker, 5-10 and 200 pounds, has received offers from Northwestern Oklahoma State and Warner. He registered 126 tackles and 5.5 sacks during the 2024 season, also playing running back.
Bradford High School: Standing at 6-2 and weighing 225 pounds, this senior has received interest from Syracuse, SMU, and Western Kentucky. He recorded 74 tackles, two sacks, a fumble recovery, and three pass breakups in the 2024 season.
Middleburg High School: A senior at 6-3 and 205 pounds, he has received offers from Bowling Green and Wofford. His 2024 stats include 48 tackles, 15 for loss, 6.5 sacks, and one interception.
Nease High School: This senior linebacker, 6-0 and 210 pounds, has received offers from Arkansas State and Wofford. He recorded 100 tackles, including nine for loss and three sacks during the season.
Trinity Christian Academy: A junior at 6-3 and 190 pounds, he holds offers from Michigan, Pittsburgh, and SMU. His 2024 stats include 36 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and an interception.
Columbia High School: This 6-1, 210-pound senior has received offers from Liberty, Memphis, and SMU. His standout performance includes 61 tackles, 22 for loss, and 11.5 sacks, alongside three forced fumbles.
Nease High School (Curry): A 6-1, 200-pound senior committed to Northwestern, he has accumulated 101 tackles, 12 for loss, and eight sacks with seven pass breakups.
Raines High School: This senior, measuring 5-10 and weighing 215 pounds, is committed to Illinois. He recorded 101 tackles, 16 for loss, and six sacks during the 2024 season.
Bolles School (Caldwell): A linebacker standing 6-3 and weighing 195 pounds, he is committed to Ohio State and recorded 80 tackles, 12 for loss, along with three sacks in the previous season.

The Jacksonville community is encouraged to engage with this season by voting for their favorite tight ends and linebackers in Northeast Florida. Polls will remain open until July 29, allowing fans to support their local athletes as they strive for success on the football field.

As the excitement builds with the upcoming kickoff, Jacksonville schools are determined to showcase their talent and compete fiercely for the championship this season.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Jacksonville Schools Honor Top High School Football Specialists
Tragedy Strikes at NFL Headquarters in Manhattan Shooting
Drew Kessenich Transfers to Jacksonville University Lacrosse Program
Logan Hall Joins Jacksonville University Soccer Program
Duval County Schools Announce New Scheduling Changes
Jacksonville Prepares for Back-to-School Events
Jacksonville Prepares for Intense Hurricane Season
Jacksonville’s First Women’s Pro Sports Team Gains Momentum
Florida Firefighters Warn Golf Cart Owners of Fire Risks
Air Force Academy Men’s Lacrosse Team Wins ASUN Championship

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!