JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- When you think of nationally televised football, you think of the Jaguars, right? But these days it seems local high schools are seeing just as much of the spotlight.
For the second time this season, ESPN was in town, broadcasting a local game and showcasing local talent. Thursday night's Sandalwood game versus DeLand High School was nationally televised on the cable network.
Sandalwood coach, Adam Geis, wouldn't admit to feeling a little nervous, knowing all eyes are on his team. "I told the kids just to make sure they have a lot of fun tonight," he said.
All eye were on one player in particular, #44 DeMarcus Walker. The high school senior is watching is hard work pay off. He said, "It all started my sophomore year, working my way up. Spending extra time in the weight room, beach running."
Walker is #24 on ESPN's list of top 150 high school football players. Number 48 on that same list is Derrick Henry from Yulee High School. Our cameras caught him in Sandalwood's crowd Thursday, just weeks after his school was featured on ESPN.
In fact, there are eight players in our area on that prestigious ESPN list, proving North Florida and South Georgia is chock full of football talent.
Football father Will McClain says there's a good reason for that. "I believe that's Southern hospitality," he said.
ESPN has put together a list of the player rankings on its recruiting database on its website.
Walker has already made a commitment to play for Alabama next year.
