TROJAN SPOTLIGHT SHINES ON **CAMERON LANG**



Senior DB/RB Cameron Lang

When you look at a player like Cameron Lang, you see a player that has been entrenched in the game for a long time. He just knows how to play. Defensively, you will always find Cameron around the football. Versatile enough to transition from CB to FS to RB to PR to KR, yet because of the star studded line up at Lincoln, this kid has slipped under the radar. There is 4 star Gator commit James Hearns, and 4 star Georgia commit Reggie Davis, and 4 star WR Taj Williams, and 2 star Yale commit Myles Gaines, and there is 2014 Kendall Randolph, and 2014 Jeffrey Williams, and 2015 John Burt, etc... So it is easy to get lost in the shuffle.

I personally, LOVE what I see in this kid. He is not the fastest, but can cover and works hard. He is not the biggest, but doesn't get beat physically and he works hard. He is not the strongest, but doesn't get bullied and he works hard. At 5'10" and 175 lbs Lang has decent size to play at the next level and is awaiting his first offer. Cameron has palyed on varsity since the 10th grade. As the Trojan season gets under way, it will be interesting to watch how this kid pans out. My gut says that Cameron will be ok in the end.

Click here -> Cameron Lang's Highlights

LINCOLN CHECKS IN AT #51 - Rivals 100

With all of the top notch talent at Lincoln High School, it is easy to see why they are one of the top programs in the country. Other key players not mentioned are WR Myles Gaines, DB/RB Cameron Lang, QB/DB Kendall Randolph, LB Jeffrey Williams, WR/QB John Burt and OL Dakota Deyent.

LINCOLN WINS 7 on 7 CHAMPIONSHIP

Lincoln coaches Jacquez Green & Yusuf Shakir hold the 7 on 7
Championship Spear with FSU's Jimbo Fisher as the Trojans celebrates

Teams came from far and wide to attend Jimbo Fisher's 7 on 7 team tournament held on June 16, 2012. The format is tough. Teams must play back to back to back until the championship round without much rest in between. Teams from Alabama, Georgia and South Florida made the trek to compete for the crown, but in the end it was Tallahassee's Lincoln High School vs Amos P. Godby for the Championship. Godby faced a very tough Deerfield Beach team in the semis and an extra point decided the outcome. For Lincoln the opponent was a very disciplined Holmes County, and after a tough battle early, Lincoln was able to get some breathing room. Throughout the day some of the players that stood out were QB Cameron Joseph, WRs Taj Williams, Reggie Davis, Myles Gaines, and a sure D1 prospect in WR John Burt. Defensively, James Hearns & another sure D1 prospect Jeffrey Williams consistently made plays at linebacker as did DBs Cameron Lang, Kendall Randolph, and Greg Fishburn. Over all it was a team effort and all the players had good highlights. In the Championship game however, Myles Gaines made catch after catch including a spectacular diving catch in traffic for the score that would seal the deal against Godby. The Trojans will gladly give this championship back for the one in December, but right now the mentality is one game at a time.

TALLAHASSEEE LINCOLN GETS 3 ALL-AMERICAN NOMINATIONS

Taj Williams, Reggie Davis, James Hearns are all smiles with Lincoln Head Coach Yusuf Shakir

The Army All-American game is the oldest and most prestigious post season game that features the nation's top high school football talent. The selection process includes the nomination of 400 players from all 50 states, and thousands of High Schools nationally. So when the Army All-American committee selects three different players from a small city like Tallahassee, it is an impressive testimonial of the quality of football in the area. However, when that same committee selects three players from the same High School (LINCOLN), that is a monumental accomplishment. Never before, in the history of this game, has this occurred.

James Hearns, a linebacker and University of Florida commitment, is a 6'3" 235 lbs rising senior who can play middle or outside. Has excellent speed for a guy his size. He reads the plays well and is a ferocious hitter.

Reggie Davis, a speedy wide receiver, is a 6'0" 170 lbs rising senior who is an amazing return man in addition to a very good wide receiver. Teams have been kicking away from Reggie since last year, which is the ultimate sign of respect (fear). Reggie has over 30 offers.

Taj Williams, a very athletic wide receiver, is a 6'4" 185 lbs rising senior who is tall, fast, and adjusts well to the ball when it is in the air. He can get to balls that other receivers can't. He is versatile and also has 30 plus offers.

Head Coach Yusuf Shakir is thrilled to see his players receive such attention, but he knows that there is a lot more work to do. A nomination to the U.S. Army All-American game does not get you in, however, it is an honor for these three young men to be nominated. With hard work and a solid season, maybe we see them in the game in January 2013.

ANDRADES - THE ROAD TO GAINESVILLE



L to R Cousin Durell Queen, RAPH, mother Aundrea Andrades, grandmother Janie Powell & Dad Raphael Andrades on National Signing Day

 Tallahassee Lincoln WR Raphael Andrades started his love affair with the Gators during his Freshman year in High School. He grew up a Miami Hurricanes fan largely in part because his Dad's love for the Canes. Dad (Raphael, Sr.) grew up in Miami. Attended Miami Northwestern. The same school that produced the number one class in 2008 for the Canes that included Jacory Harris, Sean Spence, Marcus Forston, Tommy Streeter, etc... Dad went to school with a few of the fathers of these players: Rodney Harris, Sam Spence, and Tommy Streeter, Sr. Dad also went to high school with a few recognizable University of Miami  names like Melvin Bratton (Denver Broncos), and Brett Perriman (Detroit Lions). So the love for the Canes for Dad, and Raph's uncles was huge.

One day Raph and his dad were riding in the car together and Raph tried to conceal the screen picture on his phone, but Dad caught a glimpse of it. It was something related to the Florida Gators. It was a kind of sad moment for dad, but he knew that he had to teach Junior a life lesson about choices. Dad said, "Raph, I love the Canes. Just because I love the Canes, doesn't mean that you have to love the Canes or even like them. You are allowed to like which ever team you want, but just stay away from me when they are playing my Canes." Raph now relieved replied, "Dad, I want you to know that I like the Gators and I want to play there after high school." Dad's response was, "Well, if you want to become a Gator, you have a lot of work to do. Which school you choose to attend after high school is your choice, I will only help as an advisor, but it's 100% your choice, but you have to work hard."

Fast forward to the recruiting. Raph received offers from Illinois, Stanford, Arkansas, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Middle Tennessee, FIU, and a few other schools. As the process went along Raph wasn't "feeling" some of the schools. Stanford was attractive but just too far. Arkansas had an exciting offense, but he didn't know enough about them. Vanderbilt was a great institution, they have solid everything (but it wasn't like Florida). Kentucky was a perfect blend of "family & opportunity", and he really wanted to go there, he felt very comfortable there, but somehow that didn't happen. Notre Dame comes on the scene late and offers an official visit then takes it back. Arkansas sets up a visit, then takes it back. All of the schools are putting their eggs in one basket. They all want Dorial Green-Beckham, or Nelson Agholor, or Stephon Diggs, or this guy or that guy. They all are good programs, they all have great things to offer, but these players can only attend one school, yet they have 3, 4 maybe 5 teams to choose from.... what are the odds. Now it is time to make a choice. With a few offers taken away, and a few coaches calling saying please wait I may have something. Raph has a HUGE decision to make. Will he wait and be disappointed, or will he take an offer from a smaller school and just get an education and play.

Enter the Florida Gators. When Aubrey Hill asked Raph to call him, all of Raph's attention turned to the Gators. Raph was telling his Dad, "I'm going to Gainesville and just walk-on." Dad said, "No you are not! You will accept the scholarship offer that you have on the table." Next thing you know things are going 100 miles per hour. Now Raph had been to Junior Day at Florida, attended summer football camp there as well. Went to "Friday Night Lights" at the Swamp. Attended several games as a recruit. Called the coaching staff and spoke to them regularly. He made it no secret that his desire was to play at Florida. Now comes "the call". "Raph, this is coach Will Muschamp of the Florida Gators. I want you to know that we are working very hard to make you a Gator, but I can't let you know until maybe 9 am tomorrow if I have that scholarship available, although I may hear something tonight". Just the thought of that brought a huge smile (Raph has that Million Dollar Smile) and tears of joy to not only Raph, but his Dad who was with him at the moment. He was so close to his dream.

It was the day before National Signing Day. Several coaches are putting in their last minutes calls. Some trying to jump back on the scene after "dissing" Raph. Others calling claiming that they finally found a way of getting a hold of Raph. Yet another trying to make sure that all would go well for him on signing day. But at around 11:15 pm, the only call that mattered to him came in. This was it. It was the Florida Gators. Raph was in the shower when his phone rang, so Coach Muschamp called Dad. "Great news", he said. "We were able to work everything out and we are offering your son a scholarship, but we called Raph and couldn't get a hold of him... is he available?" Dad said, "He's in the shower, but he is definitely available, please hold". Dad went to the bathroom opened the door, asked Raph to turn the water off and put the phone on speaker. "Raph, this is Will Muschamp... ARE YOU READY TO BE A GATOR?" Raph replied, "YES SIR, I ACCEPT, I COMMIT, ALL OF THAT... YES SIR!" And the tears of joy began to flow.

On National Signing Day, while everyone was beaming about their recruits, there was one recruit(er) who's smile was shinning brighter. Now that recruit(er), who has always had the respect of his teammates has added one teammate to the fold 2013 LB James Hearns. 2013 WRs Reggie Davis & Taj Williams may soon add their names to the Gator committed list as well. Taj prior to his final regular season basketball game on Saturday wore a Gators T-shirt and Hat. Signing Raph gave the Gators a very solid receiver, but it also gave them a ring side seat to the Tallahassee Lincoln Football class of 2013 recruiting battle.

LINCOLN'S CHANCE TO REPEAT - DERAILED

Seniors QB Ronald Butler, RB DJ Abnar, WR Raphael Andrades
end their H.S. football careers for the Lincoln Trojan football team.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times for the Lincoln Trojans Friday night. The best of times: Lincoln had just finished the season with a 9-1 after defeating cross-town rival Godby. Lincoln had an opportunity to move ahead in the 2011 playoffs by beating Fleming Island at home. Lincoln was one of the favorites to face a team from the southern region for a chance at a State Championship. But then came the worst of times. The Trojans were hurting a little. Out for this game was Junior LB James Hearns with a knee injury, out was Senior lineman & long snapper Wes Hawkins who suffered a broken leg in practice earlier in the week. And in came the Fleming Island Golden Eagles who didn't travel to Tallahassee to go home empty handed, which was noticeable from the opening drive. With about 6 minutes left in the first quarter the Eagle scored on a 22 yard touchdown run by Frantz Caudio. Fleming Island followed that up with a field goal early in the second. After another TD and FG (extra point was blocked) the Golden Eagles flew into halftime with a 19-0 leaving the Trojan crowd in dis-belief. On the second play of the third quarter Lincoln would find life when Ronald Butler would scamper 82 yards for a Trojan TD making the score 19-7. The defense stepped up and made a stopped, but on the ensuing possession Fleming Island's Jason Kindle picked off a Lincoln pass and took it 48 yards for a score. The Eagles would add 2 FGs and the Lincoln Trojans appeared to be losing all hopes of a chance at a repeat trip to Orlando with the score now 32-7. But on a 38 yard pass from Butler to Junior WR Reggie Davis, Lincoln cut the deficit to 32-14, however the Eagles responded with a 50 yard run by Caudio. With 2:09 left in the game Lincoln would battle and score on a 12 yard TD pass to Davis. Lincoln recovered the onside kick, and this time Butler found Senior WR Raphael Andrades for a 23 yard TD giving the Trojans new hope. With the score 39-27 (after a failed 2-point conversion), Lincoln would add a safety to the score. But it was too little, too late as the quest for a repeat came to a halt in this 2011 season. Fleming Island moves on to play First Coast in a rematch of a tough loss earlier in the season. Lincoln plagued by 7 turnovers ends it's season, but not without a BIG CONGRATULATIONS from the Lincoln Football Guy.

LINCOLN vs FLEMING ISLAND - PLAYOFFS ROUND 1 PREVIEW

TALLAHASSEE LINCOLN TROJANS

                                                                   vs

FLEMING ISLAND GOLDEN EAGLES

The Fleming Island Golden Eagles are travelling to Tallahassee to face the Lincoln Trojans making this the longest distance that they've travelled so far this year. This is a trip that they will gladly make because it means that they've made it to the playoffs. However, now we get to the part of the season that is tough on most people (players, coaches, parents, teachers, faculty, staff, alumni & fans)... it is a win or go home situation. This means that at the end of this night, your season could be is over. Neither of these teams is ready to face that reality, but one of them must.

Fleming Island rolls into this game on a four game winning streak. They had a very close game against First Coast, and would love nothing more than to have the opportunity to face them again in the second round of these playoffs. In the air the Golden Eagles have a first year starter in Senior QB Dante Roberts who is a transfer from Palatka, and is the cousin of the primary receiver #8 Brontell Roberts. On the ground, the duties are split between #46 Kent Minor and #19 Frantz Caudio. One of the most dangerous players on the field is #5 DB/KR/PR Craig Brodsky. This kid has really good speed, has great vision, and great anticipation in the secondary. He is a natural playmaker that the Trojans must look out for. Brodsky is committed to Elon College, but has recently received an offer from Air Force. For Fleming Island to win this game, they must play solid defense against Lincoln's high powered, quick strike offense. The Golden Eagles cannot turn the ball over on offense, and they must control the time of possession and keep Lincoln's defense on the field.

Wesley Hawkins to miss the
playoff with a broken leg.

The Tallahassee Lincoln Trojans are coming into this game after a big win against a cross-town rival. The Trojans are led by Senior QB Ronald Butler (23 TDs/2 ints), Senior RB DJ Abnar (1300 yds/22 TDs), Senior WR Raphael Andrades (750 yds/12 TDs), and Junior WR/KR/PR Reggie Davis one of the most dangerous returners in the state if not the nation. Lincoln is trying to repeat as State Champions in arguably the toughest class in the State of Florida this year Class 7A. But Lincoln will be without Senior lineman and long snapper Wesley Hawkins who broke his leg (Tibia & Fibula) on Tuesday and had surgery on Wednesday. In order for the Trojans to win this ball game, they must win the special teams battle as this is the best special teams match up that they have seen all year. They must continue to light it up on offense, and they must do a better job of tackling the runner than they did in their last game. The winner of this game moves on to face the winner of the Ocala Forest vs Jacksonville First Coast match up.

LINCOLN TROJANS - CITY CHAMPIONS

It was cold last night in Tallahassee. Colder than Chicago. Colder than New York. Colder than Fargo, North Dakota? Yes, colder than Fargo, North Dakota according to the weatherman's report last night. But that didn't stop the crowd from piling in at the North Florida Fair, or at the annual rivalry game between Lincoln and Godby. This one was for bragging rights. This one was for the City Championship. Lincoln came out firing after several runs by DJ Abnar, Lincoln set up a TD run with a 36 yard pass from Ronald Butler to Raphael Andrades to make it 1st an goal at the 4 yard line. Abnar would take care of business from there to make it 7-0 Lincoln. Godby would later answer with a score of their own (a 1 yard plunge by Khalid Thomas) tying the game 7-7, but before you could blink Reggie Davis took the ensuing kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown to make the score 14-7. Thomas would later add a 71 yard score to tie it up, but Lincoln quickly moved the ball and scored on Abnar's 2nd TD of the night shortly before the half.

Senior WR Raphael Andrades

After the halftime adjustments, the battle continued. Neither team would cave in. Godby tied the score early in the third quarter on a 70 yard pass from Dennis Andrews to Freshman WR Jalin Heyward. However, Lincoln would battle back to take the lead once again when Butler connected with Davis on a 51 yard pass play for a TD. Lincoln would later add a TD by Butler on a QB sneak to rule again as City Champions of Tallahassee. A 3 point loss kept Lincoln (9-1) from having a perfect regular season, but staying perfect in the playoffs is far more important. Lincoln hosts Fleming Island (Jacksonville), while Godby travels to West Florida Tech (Pensacola) for the first round of the playoffs next Friday at 7:30 pm.

TROJAN SPOTLIGHT SHINES ON **ERIC CHILDS**

Senior Linebacker Eric Childs

When it comes to consistency on the Lincoln Trojan football team, you do not need to look any further than Senior Linebacker/Running Back Eric Childs. I have followed this young man since his days at Swift Creek Middle School, and not much has changed. He makes plays, makes the tackle, sticks his nose in the middle of the opposing teams business. Maybe teams overlook him because of his stature, but at the end of the night you will find out that the one immeasurable that he does have is a huge heart. A fearless competitor, the leader on the defense, there is a reason why EC has been called "My Favorite Linebacker" for years and years.

Senior Linebacker - Eric Childs

This past summer, Childs made his rounds at several camps. At Duke he opened the coaches eyes when he posted a 4.5 forty yards dash and for a moment the possibility of a low center of gravity RB came to mind. His 5'9" and 190 pounds frame really is the only thing stopping this kid from being a big time D-1 prospect. EC also traveled to the Citadel, and Wofford College. He was able to leave a big impression on the coaches there with his hard work and attention to detail. He has been in contact with the coaches there on a regular basis and hopes to secure a scholarship offer from them soon. Citadel Special Teams Coordinator and Linebackers Coach Aashon Larkin has been in regular contact with Childs since leaving the camp. Childs receives letters every week from the Citadel and would like to continue playing football and attend college somewhere. Wofford College has been in contact as well. He receives mail from them and several other schools, but right now these two schools are in his top preferences for next year. Academically, EC is already qualified. He maintains a 3.5 gpa, and scored an 1180 on his SAT & a 19 on the ACT.

What Eric Childs lacks in stature he has doubles that in heart. His biggest game this season was against Florida High. He scored the touchdown to tie the game up at 21, and sealed the game when he made a HUGE tackle for loss on 4th and short for FL High to end the game with time running out. My all time favorite highlight for EC, however came last season against Rickards. As Rickards punted the ball away to us, Reggie Davis to the ball on the right side of the field, as he raced to the middle he saw that he had to bounce it outside. With defenders giving chase EC wiped out the last guy that had a chance at Davis. EC hit the kid so hard, his feet pointed skyward as he flew about 5 yards out of bounds. ERIC CHILDS IS A FOOTBALL PLAYER (PERIOD). Where ever he ends up, that school will be lucky to have him.

LINCOLN GETS GOING EARLY OVER WEST PORT

The Tallahassee Lincoln Trojans traveled to Ocala to face the West Port Wolf Pack. The game was fast paced, as the Trojans made quick work of West Port. Senior RB D.J. Abnar put the team on his back and carried them to victory. On Lincoln's first possession, Abnar scored from 32 yards out, but West Port would quickly answer making the score 7-6 as the Wolf Pack missed the PAT. Lincoln responded by scoring on every possession in the first half except one, needing only 24 plays to put up 48 points. Abnar ripped West Port for 202 yards on 10 carries and 4 TDs in the first half, QB Ronald Butler scored on a 68 yard TD run, WR Reggie Davis added a 25 yd TD run, and WR Raphael Andrades caught a 17 yd TD to round out the first half scoring. Lincoln went into the lockerroom up 48-6.

Video: How Lincoln Scored

The Lincoln starters would sit out the second half for the fourth time this season following huge halftime leads. The Wolf Pack would not just lay down and go away though. Having every reason to hang their heads, West Port came out of the lockerroom as if the game was 0-0. Don't know what Head Coach Ryan Hearn said at the half but the speech must of been very inspirational. The Wolf Pack would drive the ball down field on the Trojan defense and score, giving West Port faithful something to cheer about. By the end of the night, RB Will Sims would finish with 18 carries for 154 yards and a touchdown. This young, up and coming team and program will be a force in the future. The Trojan reserve unit would give up 2 scores while driving down field and scoring themselves making the final score 55-21. But the real story on the night was D.J. Abnar. In the last two games Abnar has rushed for nearly 500 yards on roughly only 30 carries and an eye popping 9 TDs.

With the victory the Trojans clinched their spot in the playoffs. Their next opponent is Ocala Forest and that game will determine the District 1-7A Champion on November 4 in Tallahassee at Gene Cox Stadium 7pm.

LINCOLN TROJANS DESTROYS GAINESVILLE BUCHHOLZ

If you blinked, you missed it, as the Lincoln Trojans made quick work of the Gainesville Buchholz Bobcats. On the first possession, Lincoln ran two plays and scored on a 60 yard pass from Ronald Butler to Myron Mebane making the score 6-0 after the kick failed. On the ensuing possession, Butler and Mebane hooked up again for the second score of the game, and the rout was on. DJ Abnar would run one in on the on the third possession, just before Butler would hook up with his favorite target Raphael Andrades, for a 5 yard score. Reggie Davis would add to the fun with a score from Butler, and Andrades would close out the perfect first half with a 22 yards grab. The Trojans scored everytime that they touched the ball in the first half, Butler was 11 for 11, with 182 yards & a game tying record 5 TDs in the first half.

At the half, the 1999 and 2001 Championship teams were honored including some key administrators like then principal, Martha Bunche and key players like Mike Gilliam who still holds records for rushing at Lincoln.

Buchholz hosts Gainesville next week, while Lincoln goes up against cross town rival Leon.

LINCOLN WINS BIG

Lincoln faces off against Chiles

Lincoln came in to this game needing to get back on track after a loss two weeks ago, and a come from behind victory last week. The Trojans did it in a big way. Led again by their Senior crew of Ronald Butler, who threw for 4 touchdowns; D.J. Abnar, who ran for another 3 TDs; and Raphael Andrades, who caught 2 of those Butler TDs, Lincoln routed Chiles on their way to a 55-0 half. Yes, half. The Trojans were hitting on all cylinders. The defense was ferocious, the offense had everything working. Even when passes were incomplete the play had worked, it was just that the QB & WR did not connect. Abnar ran hard. The Offensive Line did their job. The "D" wouldn't give Chiles a chance. Unofficially for the game, Butler finished 14 for 19, 184 yards and 4 touchdowns; Abnar 11 carries for 88 yards and 3 TDs, Andrades 5 catches, 48 yards & 2 TDs. Myles Gaines had his first score of the season (10 yd TD), James McRoy would also score on a reception. Reggie Davis added a rushing TD all in the first half. The Trojans would go on to win 62-7. The big bright spot for Chiles... Tres Penny. Tres Penny threw darts all night long, despite a couple of interceptions late in the game Penny was on target all night. Receivers some how just could not hang on to make the catch. Lincoln faces Rickards next week, while Chiles travels to Ocala to face Lake Weir.

Valdosta Lincoln Recap

The game was billed as a big battle between two storied programs until the referees came in and stole the show. "Pass Interference" was the name of this movie. Reggie Davis streaking down the side line with tons of contact by the defender? Offensive Pass Intereference against Lincoln. A pass that may have been caught but as Taj Williams begins his leap he gets pushed out of bounds and away from making a play while the ball is in the air? No Pass Interference. A pass thrown into the end zone while their receiver is at the 12 yard line and as the Lincoln defender watches the ball sail out of reach he bumps the receiver in the back? You guessed it, Pass Interference! One other thing that was glaringly wrong was the ball spotting by one particular official on punts kicked out of bounds. The first occurence the head official had to make a 9 yard correction on this guy's call, but he can't watch everything. Later in the game a punt by Valdosta from deep in their territory bounces at the 42 yard line. The ball takes a backwards bounce towards the 46 yard line. That official marks the ball dead at the Lincoln 35 yard line. I'm not saying that Lincoln should of had the ball at the 46, but anywhere between 42 and 46 is clearly acceptable based on any judgment, but the 35?  I do not want to sound bitter about the officiating, but to put it mildly I would have to call it ATROCIOUS!

Now on to the game itself. This game was a defensive battle. Valdosta DE Michael Wakefield looked like a very underrated player. The kid is a beast. He must of had 5 sacks.... in the first half alone! Lincoln would also shut down Valdosta most of the first half. Big hits by James Hearns, and tackles in the trenches made by Eric Childs showed off the Line Backing corps. The Trojan front four were not taking it easy on the Wildcats either. Sacks, tackles for loss, no gain, one yard gain was definately on their menu for the evening. It was well into the first quarter (3:27 left), when Lincoln gave Valdosta a fraction of a second too long to complete a pass to a receiver about 15 yards down field who would then break a tackle pick up some blocks and set up the first score of the game. In the second half, the battle continued and Valdosta (penalty-aided) added a field goal to make it 10-0. With time running down, Lincoln would put up it's only points of the night when Ronald Butler hit Myron Mebane and he dove hitting the pylon for the score. The final onside kick was recovered by Valdosta who needed to run off the final :23 seconds to seal the victory. Valdosta is a solid team and deserves it's share of the credit. Lincoln made a few mistakes and just maybe a Home and Home series is better suited for this type of rivalry.

One of the Top Receiving Corps in the State!



From left to right Coach Jacquez Green, Reggie Davis, Taj Williams, and Raphael Andrades

 



   Many articles have been written on the 2011 Tallahassee Lincoln football team. However, time and again you see the top players divided into one of two groups, the Senior leaders (Ron Butler, Raphael Andrades, and DJ Abnar) or the future stars of the class of 2013 (James Hearns, Taj Williams, and Reggie Davis). Rarely, if ever do you see a discussion of their receiving corp together as one group. Raphael Andrades is the Senior leader of the bunch. He is a well rounded receiver that is solid in all areas and led the team in every receiving statistical category last season. Reggie Davis is the Speedster of the bunch. He returned four kickoffs for touchdowns last season, and has teams trying to kick the ball away from him. Taj Williams is the tallest of the bunch. His combination of height and athleticism allows him to make catches that most receivers just can't make. According to Elite Scouting Services, Williams could be the number #1 receiver coming out of the state of Florida next year. Together they form what is one of the best receiving corps in the State of Florida.  However, just like those infomercials... Wait! There is more! Myron Mebane and Myles Gaines could be starters on just about any other team in Leon County. Gaines, as a sophomore last season, was a starter at Chiles High School and their leading receiver before moving over to Lincoln. Mebane has the best hands of ANY of the aforementioned receivers. The Mastermind of the group is none other than former University of Florida All-American & Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft pick Jacquez Green who doubles as the team's Offensive Coordinator and receivers coach.

Raphael Andrades 6'1' 190 is a well built receiver who has a college body already. Strong very solid hands that will impress you with a simple hand shake. He always catches the ball with his hands not his body. Runs good routes and knows where he needs to be on the field to be open. Has no problem getting off of the line of scrimmage, and gets behind the defenses with incredible ease. Had 40 catches for 700+ yards and 12 touchdowns as a Junior, while sporting a 3.67 GPA. Currently holds offers from Illinois, Stanford, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Florida International. Ranked by Rivals as the #99 receiver in the country with a 3 Star rating.

Taj Williams 6'4" 175 is a tall very athletic receiver who who can go up and get to any pass thrown. Adjusts very well to the ball when it is in the air. Very aggressive in getting to the ball, which helps him when he plays safety. Williams possesses solid hands and very good speed which allowed him to perform very well during 7 on 7 camps this summer. Taj currently holds offers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisville, Mississippi State, Mississippi, Florida State, South Florida. Look for him to have a solid Junior campaign and a big Senior year.

Reggie Davis 6'0" 170 can flat out fly. Davis is a threat to return any kickoff or punt for a score. The battle of field position is lost when you allow Davis to field a kick. As a receiver he has really good hands, and is a deep weapon due to his speed. He runs good routes and had a key catch in the 2010 Class 4A Championship game to set up a score. He currently holds offers from Notre Dame, Florida, and Georgia. Look for Davis to have a big year as a receiver this season as teams will shy away from him in the return game.

Myles Gaines 5'11" 170 "Myles Gaines is a WR with excellent leaping ability, timing, and anticipation. Myles is an expert route runner with great hands, he knows how to get open, and is as reliable as they come." Tom Lemming 08/11
He was the leading receiver for Chiles High School a year ago as a sophomore with 41 catches, 500 yards, and 4TDs. Gaines has attended numerous camps around the country earning top MVP awards in several such as FBU, Top Gun 200, University of Oregon WR MVP, All-World Challenge WR MVP, Natl Underclassmen Combine WR MVP in Jacksonville, and again in Orlando. Gaines is receiving attention from Oregon, Princeton, Auburn, Duke, and Syracuse.

                                                                                                             

Myron Mebane 5'7" 150 is a very crafty receiver who knows how to play the game. Runs excellent routes, catches the ball with his hands and makes every catch look effortless. If you had a dollar for every one of his drops you would be broke. Do not let the package fool you, Mebane is a tough receiver who isn't afraid of contact or the middle.