We tell you everything you need to know about the 2022 St. Thomas Aquinas 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: 14-1
- Points Scored: 640
- Points Allowed: 171
Key Losses
One of the state’s highest-scoring offenses last season, St. Thomas Aquinas now has to replace numerous key names on that side of the ball, headlined by quarterback Zion Turner, who accounted for 37 total touchdowns in 2021. Two of the Raiders’ top offensive lineman, Julian Armella and Tellek Lockette, have also moved on, as has running back Anthony Hankerson, who rushed for 22 touchdowns last season. Receivers Camden Brown, Mason Taylor, and Jaylan Sanchez are also key losses.
The Raider defense lost all three of its top pass rushers in Khalil Hunter, Michael Renoit, and Kyrie Samuel, as well as defensive back Jerrod Cameron, who was a key contributor in the St. Thomas Aquinas secondary. Derrieon Craig, a linebacker who led the Raiders in tackles a year ago, has also moved on, as have others such as Jordan Smith and Justin Fevrier.
Who’s Back
The offense will again be a big strength for St. Thomas Aquinas in 2022. It’s led by one of the deepest receiver groups in Florida, thanks to names such as Isaiah Hardge, James Madison II, Chance Robinson, Earl Kulp, and TeKai Kirby. Elsewhere on the Raider offense is a talented running back trio in Xavier Terrell, Gemari Sands, and Jordan Lyle. They’ll be running behind an offensive line anchored by Ryan Mickow, while Jake Lewin returns at quarterback after seeing limited action last season.
St. Thomas Aquinas’ secondary could be the strength of the Raiders’ 2022 defense, with names such as King Mack, Conrad Hussey, Kimari Robinson, and Ryan Mack all returning. The defensive front might be just as good, with Zakiah Saez and Jason Hammond both returning, and Tabias Meline, Nicolas Rodriguez, David Vadala, and Justin Coles all additional names to know in the front seven.
What to Expect
Few teams statewide had a more impressive season than St. Thomas Aquinas, the 2021 Class 7A state champions. As the Raiders prepare to defend that title, it’s clear from a look at the returning talent that they’ll again be one of Florida’s top teams. They’re the preseason team favorite in 3M-Region 3, and they certainly can be expected to contend for a state title, and boast an offense and defense that will be among the best in the state.
Prediction
St. Thomas Aquinas will win at least 13 games, and reach at least a state semifinal.
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