Eighth-grader Denver Anthony has just begun to shine for Frederica Academy’s athletic program, but if this season is any indication, he is a future star for the Knights. He just completed football season as the middle school team’s quarterback, scoring an amazing 32 touchdowns over the eight-game schedule for head coach David McClellan’s young Knights. The multi-sport standout is currently preparing for basketball season, and in the spring will join the baseball team as well.
“God gave me the ability and talent to help me play,” Anthony says. “My dad (Darnell Anthony) helped, too.”
Denver Anthony started playing sports when he was only 3 years old, starting with T-ball. At 5, he started playing football and basketball in the recreation leagues.
“When I played in recreation football, basketball, and baseball, I always got picked for the All-Star team,” he says. He started showing flashes of brilliance in the 7- and 8-year-old league when he outran the defense to score a 37-yard touchdown.
“It was a humbling feeling,” he says of scoring his first touchdown.
Last season, he helped his middle school team win the game to make the playoffs by throwing two touchdown passes and running for another. He was the Offensive Player of the Year in both football and basketball his seventh-grade season. He attended the Bobby Lamb Quarterback Camp At Mercer University and was the team’s accuracy champion. He also attended the Southern Explosive Pigskin camp in Pooler, where he ran a 4.75 40-yard dash.
As a shortstop on the baseball diamond, Anthony plays like a veteran. He recalls one play that stands out in his mind.
“I dove in the gap between the second baseman and shortstop, and I got up and threw the runner out at first base,” he says.
Baseball may be his favorite sport, and his ultimate sports dream is to be drafted into the Major League. For now, he is concentrating on preparing for his next sport.
“I work on footwork and decision making,” he says. “I work on my skills in football, basketball, and baseball.”
Anthony looks forward to playing football in high school next year and will be a welcome addition to a Frederica Academy team that is already loaded with young talent. With all-purpose player Hollis Veal graduating, Anthony will become an integral part of the Frederica Academy team next season. Coaches expect him to play both sides of the ball, getting reps at the skill positions on offense, including quarterback, and as a strong safety on defense.
“I see Denver making a great impact on our team’s success next year,” Coach Derrick says. “He brings a great attitude and strong work ethic.”
Anthony’s explosiveness and vision in the backfield make him a valuable asset to go with the Knights’ other skill players. On the defensive side of the ball, he has a knack to find the ball and is a great tackler.
“We are expecting big things from him,” Coach Derrick says.
On the football field, Anthony is a combination of size and speed. Next season, he will join the high school Knights. He also brings a strong presence of mind to the game, which enables his natural athletic ability to shine.
Anthony is a star in the classroom as well, holding a perfect 4.0 grade point average with a penchant for science. He wants to go to college to become a lawyer or a sports agent. That is, of course, unless he gets taken in the Major League Baseball draft. Those who know Anthony describe him as soft-spoken and extremely polite.
“He is so mature,” Coach McClellan says. “We never have to worry about the maturity level with him. He is a great kid who leads by example.”
Favorites:
Snack: Snickers
Food: Chicken and shrimp
Hobbies: Football, basketball, and baseball
Pro team: Seattle Seahawks
College team: Georgia Tech
Pro player: Russell Wilson
Tv show: Law & Order
Movie: The Equalizer
Movie Star: Denzel Washington
School Subject: Science
Place to travel: New York
Car: Cadillac CTS
SE-RS-1115-Anthony
Rising Star
Frederica Middle School
Denver Anthony
By Rob Asbell
Preparing For The Next Step
