Alabama, Texas A&M, others reach out to 2027 Marion County football prospects
June 15th is a huge day in recruiting for every class of athletes stepping into their junior year. It marks the first day college coaches can reach out to prospective student-athletes directly, igniting the recruiting races for many.
In Marion County, North Marion’s Damir Williams heard from a pair of in-state schools when dawn broke and Vanguard's James Bethea, one of the fastest-rising recruits in the country, heard from the Alabama Crimson Tide, nearly completing an infinity gauntlet of blue chip offers before lunch.
North Marion Colts Damir Williams (0) celebrates North Marion Amadrick Hope’s second touchdown in the first half making 12-0. The North Marion Colts hosted the Fivay Falcons at North Marion High School in Citra, FL on Friday, August 30, 2024. The Colts lead 12-0 at the half. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner]
With overwhelming talent, Marion County’s 2027 class of football players' phones were ringing off the hook when midnight struck. Below we have a list of athletes who heard from Division I programs on Father’s Day.
Damir Williams, WR, North Marion
Williams heard from USF, Wyoming, West Virginia, UCF and Brown within the first eight hours of daybreak. North Marion’s top receiver option currently holds an offer from the University of Memphis.
Sergarion Gunsby, ATH, Vanguard
Gunsby’s name has rang throughout coaching circles during spring football. On Sunday, Arkansas State, Syracuse, UCF, Louisville, Florida and Texas A&M all called. Whether he’s recruited at running back, safety, or linebacker schools are interested in having the athlete on campus.
Terrance Lewis, QB/ATH, Vanguard
Lewis continues his breakout party with direct messages from from Troy University director of scouting Ken Signoretti and offensive coordinator Sean Reagan. The first team all-county quarterback picked up his first Division I offer from Georgia Southern on June 2nd.
Dominic Burgess, ATH, Vanguard
Burgess is an athlete who has produced in Vanguard’s defensive backfield and as a receiver. Coastal Carolina, FIU and Southern Miss reached out to Burgess. And while there are no confirmed offers at this time, it feels as though it's only a matter of time.
Jamarion McBride, OT/DT, Vanguard
McBride drew the attention of Coastal Carolina and Miami on Sunday morning. At 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds, production will be the key to seeing this list grow during the 2025 football season.
Trent Richburg, TE/WR, Forest
Richburg stands 6-foot-4 bringing a successful frame to the receiver room. Richburg reports calls from Dan Swanstrom (Cornell University), Alec Hankins (TCU), Kevin Daft (Dartmouth), Joe Manion (Columbia), Frank Ponce (FIU) and James Perry (Brown University). The University of Fort Lauderdale extended an offer on Sunday.
James Bethea, WR, Vanguard
Bethea reports no new coaches reaching out over the weekend, but the Vanguard wide receiver did pick up an offer from Alabama on Sunday. It’s his sixth SEC offer in the last two months.
Kaiden Robinson-Vickers, DE/TE, Dunnellon
Robinson-Vickers heard from coaches David Hernandez (Virginia), Kevin Downing (Virginia) and Lee Wilbanks (Mississippi State) on Sunday. Both USF and FAU offered the rising junior during spring football.
Roger Stevens, CB, Vanguard
Speed kills and Steven’s has used it to make a name for himself before transferring from Forest to Vanguard. He ended his Sunday with a call from Stetson football.
