We tell you everything you need to know about the 2022 IMG Academy football team in this preview. We take a look at roster changes and what fans can expect from the team this season.
2021 Stats
- Overall Record: 9-1
- Points Scored: 431
- Points Allowed: 104
Key Losses
The Ascenders lost a number of key contributors from what was one of the state’s top defenses a year ago, most notably in the secondary with the trio of Daylen Everette, Kamari Wilson, and Keon Sabb. Trevon Howard and Ade Willie are two more players who have moved on from the Ascenders’ secondary, while the IMG Academy front seven also lost a number of big names, including Jihaad Campbell, Bear Alexander, Nick James, and Terrell Foster. A few notable players transferred as well.
On offense, IMG Academy has to replace the quarterback/running back duo of AJ Duffy and Kaytron Allen, while two receivers, Jaleel Skinner and Shawn Miller, also have moved on. IMG Academy also lost a few notable names along the offensive line, including Tyler Booker, Aliou Bah, Dylan Lopez, and Ethan Lang.
Who’s Back
IMG Academy added some high-profile transfers in the offseason and will have talent to burn this season, with the defense likely becoming the biggest talking point. That group returns key names such as Desmond Ricks, Samuel M’Pemba, and Jordan Hall. Joining them will be others such as Jayden Wayne, Jonathan Echols, Will Norman, Cameron Lenhardt, and David Stone in the front seven, and the Ascenders’ secondary will be one of the best in the country with Ricks, Ellis Robinson IV, Jordan Pride, and Jordon Johnson-Rubell.
On offense, the Ascenders own one of the state’s top offensive lines in Francis Mauigoa, Knijeah Harris, Jordan Church, and Jimothy Lewis, as well as one of Florida’s top running back duos in Stacy Gage and Jerrick Gibson. Mason McHugh and Jayden Bradford both could see time at quarterback this season, and they’ll be throwing to a receiver corps that features names such as Carnell Tate, Riley Williams, Devin Hyatt, and Kobe Nakkai-Mendez.
What to Expect
Consistently one of the state’s, as well as the nation’s, top teams overall, IMG Academy is again expected to be among high school football’s best in 2022. Playing a national schedule, the Ascenders will take on some of the nation’s best high school football teams this fall, as well as a few top teams in Florida.
Don’t be surprised if IMG Academy, the top preseason team in the state, finishes the 2022 season undefeated. They might even end up atop the rankings as the top high school football team nationally.
Prediction
IMG Academy will win 10 games this season and go undefeated.
Want to get the latest news and opinions in the Florida high school sports world before anyone else? Subscribe to our email newsletter!
