All-News4JAX football: Laython Biddle finds his home at Bartram Trail, top of the state rushing list

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Laython Biddle came to Florida not knowing quite what to expect.

By the time Biddle put a bow on his high school athletics career at Bartram Trail, he was a 2,100-yard rusher, the area’s first state rushing champion since Yulee icon Derrick Henry in 2012 and the All-News4JAX offensive player of the year.

“A lot of things go through my mind,” Biddle said of the accolade. “Definitely, like that’s great company to be in, especially being the only other one [since]. Like, me and Derrick Henry. …”

When Biddle’s family moved from Kansas to St. Johns before the start of his sophomore year, the changes were significant. Sports were different. Everything was faster. Players were better. That’s no slight to Kansas, but Florida athletes and the speed of the game weren’t comparable to what Biddle experienced his first year in high school. His father, Tyson, is in the Navy, and constant moves were a thing Biddle and his siblings were accustomed to. But a move early on in the critical high school developmental years wasn’t like a normal relocation.

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It was a challenge unlike any other for Biddle.

“It’s completely different as far as the skill, the speed, the size, everyone’s bigger. Florida is probably one of the best states to play in,” Biddle said. “And you can definitely tell that, especially playing in a different state and then coming here,” he said. “These kids are better. These kids are faster. But it makes you a better player, too. And I think your development really takes off when you get to a state like this.”

It wasn’t just that Biddle put up major numbers (2,198 rushing yards, 26 TDs), it was the level at which he did it. Bartram faced the state’s second-most difficult schedule, according to MaxPreps, a slate that included six playoff teams in the regular season, and three teams (Mainland, Mandarin, St. Augustine) that played for championships.

That schedule was more difficult than ones played by perennial powers Miami Central and Chaminade-Madonna and Aquinas.

More difficult than every state champ.

Only unbeaten national power IMG Academy, who Biddle and the Bears faced in Week 7, faced a more imposing schedule. Biddle rushed for 172 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the Ascenders in a game that Bartram put up 20 points in. IMG allowed just 79 points total in its other nine games.

Notable area rushing totals the last 15 years

That’s a result Biddle probably couldn’t have envisioned when he was leaving Kansas. There, Biddle was playing three sports at Lawrence Free State High School — baseball, football and wrestling — and thriving. Biddle was a wrestling region runner-up in his freshman year at 160 pounds, suffering his first loss of the season in that meet.

When he arrived in Florida, Biddle knew that he couldn’t maintain that three-sport, year-round schedule if he wanted excel in football. To be the best version of himself and refine the skills that would carry him to program record rushing status by the time he finished, Biddle had to lighten his load.

“Just one [sport]. Had to focus on it because they were so good [in football[],” Biddle said.

It didn’t take long for Biddle’s introduction to Sunshine State sports. He had two games as a sophomore where he surpassed 100 yards rushing, Mandarin and Buchholz. He clicked immediately with the Bears, becoming an excellent option behind Duke-bound back Eric Weatherly.

As a junior, that focus on football paid off as Biddle moved into the featured back role. He rushed for 1,515 yards and 29 touchdowns as the Bears went 12-1 and reached the regional finals. Bartram coach Cory Johns took over for longtime coach Darrell Sutherland last season and said that Biddle’s year was remarkable.

“To do what Laython did against the people that we played this year has been overlooked a little bit, to be honest. To do the things Laython did against the teams he did is unreal. I don’t think it’s gotten enough credit. A lot of the small things that Laython did get overlooked just because the sheer volume of the numbers,” Johns said.

“In protection as well, pass protection, which he was a vital part of, or overall, just being a great teammate. He never cared if he actually got the ball a lot. I really can’t say enough about him.”

All-News4JAX first-team offense

Pos., Player, School, Class

QB Locklan Hewlett, St. Augustine, Jr.

Missed three games due to shoulder injury but still had excellent numbers in 11 games. Went 10-1 as a starter this year and led Yellow Jackets to Class 3S title game. In the conversation along with Tramell Jones as the area’s top QB. Was 158 for 253 passing for 2,992 yards, 26 TDs, 5 INTs. Added 3 rushing TDs. Honorable mention All-News4JAX selection last season. Wake Forest commit.

QB Tramell Jones Jr., Mandarin, Jr.

Second-team All-News4JAX selection last year. Passed for 3,195 yards, 33 TDs, 7 INTs this season. He won’t catch area all-time leader De’Andre Johnson’s stratospheric numbers, but Jones (6,758 passing yards, 70 TDs) could move past Nease product Tim Tebow’s passing numbers next year (9,940, 95 TDs). Florida State commit. Class 4M player of the year finished seventh in Mr. Football balloting.

RB Laython Biddle, Bartram Trail, Sr.

All-News4JAX offensive player of the year. Remarkable final season. Rushed for 2,198 yards on 299 carries, 26 TDs against the second-most difficult schedule in the state. Only IMG Academy played a stronger schedule, according to MaxPreps. Two-time All-News4JAX selection. Rushed for 4,122 career yards, 58 TDs.

RB Devonte Lyons, St. Augustine, Sr.

Excellent final season for the Yellow Jackets. Rushed for 1,636 yards, 29 TDs during run to the Class 3S state championship game. Finished with 3,935 rushing yards, 57 TDs in four-year career. Second team selection last year. Florida International signee.

RB Tiant Wyche Jr., Mandarin, Sr.

Catalyst to the powerful Mustangs offense. Rushed for 1,812 yards, 26 TDs for 11-4 Class 4S state runner-up. Added 306 receiving yards, 3 TDs. Honorable mention All-News4JAX selection last season.

WR Jaime Ffrench Jr., Mandarin, Jr.

Amazing season for the five-star prospect. Had 1,247 receiving yards, 14 TDs, nearly doubling his output as a sophomore (671 yards, 5 TDs). Two-time All-News4JAX selection. Previously committed to Alabama.

WR Carl Jenkins Jr., St. Augustine, Jr.

On pace to be the best wideout in Yellow Jackets history. Breakout season for the rising star. Had 62 catches for 1,273 yards, 16 TDs as St. Augustine finished as Class 3S state runner-up. Has 1,714 yards, 23 TDs grabs in two seasons. Honorable mention All-News4JAX selection last season.

WR Maddox Spencer, Nease, Jr.

Emerged as a bona fide star this year. Had 68 catches for 1,348 yards, 16 TDs for 7-4 district champion Panthers. Honorable mention All-News4JAX selection last season.

TE Landon Okla, Ponte Vedra, Jr.

A true hybrid TE who combined lethal blocking with the ability to take over as a receiver. Had 299 yards on 21 catches, turning 8 of those into TDs.

OL Cole Anderson, Creekside, Jr.

The 6-3, 290-pound two-sport star was the headliner on one of area’s best offensive attacks. Ground attack produced 229 yards per game, 36 TDs.

OL Jake Guarnera, Ponte Vedra, Sr.

Two-time All-News4JAX selection. Graded out at 92%. Didn’t allow a sack in his final two seasons of football. Michigan signee.

OL Zach Marshall, Bartram Trail, Jr.

Bears’ top player in the trenches is a versatile player and excellent center and long snapper. Graded out at more than 90% and blocked for a ground game that racked up 3,673 yards.

OL Deryc Plazz, Mandarin, Sr.

The biggest piece of an offensive line that cleared the way for the area’s most lethal two-headed ground attack. Honorable mention All-News4JAX selection last season at Jackson.

OL Solomon Thomas, Raines, Jr.

Stabilizer on the OL for Vikings. Mega recruit in Class of 2025. Honorable mention All-News4JAX selection last season. Florida State commit.

K Alexander Hillyard, Episcopal, Jr.

Was an area-best 10 of 12 on field goals and 16 of 18 on PATs for Class 2M regional qualifier. Third-most FGs in the state. Also an excellent punter (37.6 yards per punt).

ATH Quory Ambrose, Oakleaf, Sr.

Versatile big man for the Knights who played guard, center and tackle this season. Had 54 pancake blocks and didn’t allow a sack. On defense, he was a problem for teams, too. Had 20 tackles, 3 sacks in 9 games. Signed with Presbyterian. Second-team All-News4JAX selection last year.

ATH Naeem Burroughs, Bolles, So.

Excellent second season. Had 1,019 yards, 15 TD catches. Up to 1,678 yards, 22 scoring grabs in first two seasons as Bolles reached the state semifinals for fifth straight season. Honorable mention All-News4JAX selection last season

ATH Tommy Offord, Palatka, So.

Breakout season for the Panthers underclassman. Passed for 1,042 yards, 12 TDs. Rushed for 1,155 yards, 17 TDs as Palatka went 7-4 and reached the playoffs.

Second team

Position, Player, School, Class

QB Colin Hurley, Trinity Christian, Sr.

LSU signee and Elite 11 player passed for 2,242 yards, 26 TDs (7 INT) in his final season. Added 5 rushing TDs for Class 1M state semifinalist. Threw for Trinity record 5,984 yards, 67 TDs in his career and won a state title as a freshman.

QB Rodney Tisdale Jr., First Coast, Sr.

Passed for 2,348 yards, 26 TDs, 8 INT and took the Buccaneers back to the state playoffs as a district champ. Rushed for 266 yards, 3 TDs. Signed with Western Kentucky.

RB Harrison Garrido, Creekside, Jr.

Developed into Knights’ No. 1 back. Rushed for 1,326 yards on 177 carries (7.5 ypc) and 15 TDs. Had nearly 2,000 all-purpose yards (1,989) and returned a kickoff for a TD, too.

RB Darnell Rogers, Trinity Christian, Sr.

Multi-year starter for the Conquerors. Rushed for 1,161 yards, 9 TDs in his final season, his third consecutive year over the 1,000-yard mark. Finished with 3,883 rushing yards, 40 TDs in his career.

RB Alan Woods III, University Christian, Sr.

The focal point of the UC offense, “Boogie” had 217 carries for 1,367 rushing yards, 16 TDs. Added 109 yards, 2 TDs receiving.

WR Miles Burris, Trinity Christian, Sr.

Career-highs in catches (46) and TDs (12) for the Class 1M state semifinalist Conquerors. Had 25 TD catches in 3 seasons for Trinity. Signed with Charlotte.

WR Trenton Jones, St. Augustine, Jr.

Had 65 catches for 1,157 yards, 8 TDs as part of the Yellow Jackets’ lethal receiving corps. Also returned a kickoff for a TD in the Class 3S state championship game.

WR Myles Simmons, St. Augustine, Sr.

Another of the Yellow Jackets’ big player wideouts. Had 48 catches for 897 yards, 12 TDs.

TE Corbyn Fordham, Bolles, So.

Big target (6-4, 205) racked up the receptions in the Bulldogs’ offense, pulling in 37 catches for 324 yards and a pair of TDs.

OL Gavin Barton, Mandarin, Sr.

Anchor was a huge part of the Mustangs OL (6-4, 290) who opened holes for a pair of 1,000-yard rushers. Two-time All-Gateway Conference selection.

OL Braden Cunningham, Fleming Island, Sr.

Florida Atlantic signee was an honorable mention selection last season. Helped keep QB Cibastian Broughton upright and the ground game moving.

OL T.K. Muex, Fletcher, Jr.

Big body (6-4, 315) on the Senators line is a rising star and one of the top returning blockers in the Gateway Conference.

OL Ethan Proffitt, Bishop Kenny, Sr.

Three-star interior player helped clear the way for Iowa signee James Resar. Signed with Florida Atlantic.

OL J.J. Sparks, Bolles, So.

Can play all three spots on the line. Graded out at 92% and had 62 knockdowns. Allowed just one sack as Bulldogs shook off rough start to make Class 2M state semifinals.

K Cooper Maurer, Creekside, Sr.

Went 9 of 11 on field goals and was 37 for 37 on PATs. Near automatic on touchbacks (88%). Solid at punting, too (36 for a 35.2 average) with 10 downed inside the 20.

ATH Cibastian Broughton, Fleming Island, Jr.

Bright spot in a difficult season for the Golden Eagles. True dual threat QB. Passed for 1,627 yards and 22 TDs. Rushed for 1,094 yards, 7 TDs.

ATH Thomas Jackson, First Coast, Sr.

Had 43 catches for 597 yards, 9 TDs to help lead the Buccaneers to another district title and playoff spot. Added 11 tackles and an interception as a corner.

ATH Dae’Jon Shanks, Bradford, Sr.

Passed for 1,360 yards and 18 TDs and seldom turned it over (2 INTs in 15 games). Rushed for 1,104 yards and 14 TDs. Also handled kickoff and punt returns for the 14-1, Class 2S state runner-up Tornadoes. Threw 34 TDs (3,004 yards), rushed for 2,026 yards (22 TDs) and caught 4 TDs during his career.

Third team

Position, Player, School, Class

QB DJ Moore, Bolles, Sr.: Passed for 2,206 yards, 26 TDs and rushed for 3 more TDs to lead Bulldogs through a challenging schedule and to 2M state semis. Coastal Carolina signee.

RB Brian Case, Ponte Vedra, Jr.: Rushed for 1,165 yards, 21 TDs. Added 253 yards, TD receiving as Sharks went 8-4 and a couple rounds deep into the postseason.

RB Dakota Fisher, Fort White, Sr.: Catalyst on the ground for the Indians. Rushed for 1,235 yards, 19 TDs for Class 1R regional finalist.

RB Marcus Mitchell, Flagler Palm Coast, Jr.: Rushed for 1,455 yards, 10 TDs and was the main spark for the Bulldogs.

RB Deshard Wescott, Mandarin, Jr.: Rushed for 1,172 yards, 6 TDs in Mustangs’ two-back system. Added 229 yards, TD receiving.

WR Myles Kendrick, Riverside, Jr.: Versatile for the Generals. Had 710 yards receiving on 40 catches, 9 TDs. Added a rushing TD. On defense, he had a 100-yard pick-six for 9-3 Riverside.

WR Julio Santiago, Tocoi Creek, So.: Favorite target of Toros QB Ryan Killmer. Had 69 catches for 790 yards, 7 TDs for the 5-5 Toros.

TE Trenton Williams, Palatka, Sr.: Had 381 receiving yards, 6 TDs as Panthers won 7 games and reached the playoffs.

OL Jaylen Booker, Trinity Christian, Sr.: The 6-5, 295-pound tackle was a stabilizing force on the line for the Conquerors. Signed with Bethune-Cookman.

OL Jimmy Huck, Bartram Trail, Jr.: Another big piece on the Bears line that faced the state’s second-toughest schedule. Helped Bartram grind out nearly 3,700 yards rushing. Graded out above 90%.

OL Ryan Ingram, Bolles, So.: Interior line player has good size (6-2, 270) and started all 14 games for the Bulldogs.

OL Cayden Ricks, Yulee, So.: Hornets center didn’t allow a sack over the course of 382 pass attempts as Yulee rang up nearly 4,000 yards of offense.

OL Brayden Wallace, Fletcher, Sr.: Big Senators mauler (6-5, 290) was a one-time commit to Tennessee Tech. Two-time All-Gateway Conference player can play tackle of guard.

ATH Sean Ashenfelder, Creekside, Jr.: Knights QB passed for 1,762 yards, 12 TDs, but produced more with his legs (582 rushing yards, 13 TDs). Rutgers commit.

ATH Omarr Dixon, Episcopal, Sr.: Had 863 yards, 8 TDs receiving on 39 catches for Eagles. On defense, he had 33 tackles, 2 INTs from his role in the secondary.

ATH Jett Hood, Providence, Sr.: Do-everything player for the surprising Stallions. Had 28 tackles, 5 passes defended, 2 INTs as a corner. On offense, had 501 rushing yards, 184 receiving yards, 6 TDs. Took a punt and a kickoff back for a TD.

ATH Trenton Klein, Union County, Jr.: Led Tigers in tackle (85), tackles for loss (25). Added 7 sacks from his LB position. As a QB, passed for 1,351 yards, 14 TDs and rushed for 501 yards, 6 TDs.

K/P Kaleb Robison, Middleburg, Sr.: One coach called him the best placekicker in the area since eventual NFL draft pick Caleb Sturgis. Area-best 54-yard field goal. Hit 5 of 6 field goals and all but one PAT. Averaged 46 yards punting, too.

Honorable mention

Atlantic Coast: TE Carter Ladd, Sr.

Baker County: OL Peyton Dugger, Sr.; DE Phillip Jackson, Jr.; RB Benny Lewis, Sr.; QB Hudson Register, So.; DB Tucker Thrift, Jr.

Baldwin: LB Octavious Barnes, Sr.; RB/WR Nashawn Jacobs, So.

Bartram Trail: WR De’Andre Caldwell, Jr.; S Sergio Lanzas, Sr.; DB Tamajh Mitchell, So.; OL Nick Spicer, Jr.; QB Riley Trujillo, Sr.; TE Connor Winn, Fr.

Bishop Kenny: LB/DB Nash Beenan, Sr.; WR/FS JP Donovan, Jr.; WR Kaleb Lampkins; RB Caleb Mattison, Fr.; OL/DL Nate Politano, Sr.; QB James Resar, Sr.; LB Gunnar Rogers, So.; K/P Gavin Salomone, Sr.

Bishop Snyder: QB John Bishop, Jr.

Beachside: WR Cohen Beebe, Sr.; LB Eddie Craig, Sr.; QB Edward Jordan, So.

Bradford: OL Jacob Ferguson; LB Devon McBride, Sr.

Bolles: WR Chase Collier, Jr.; RB Emmett Grzebin, Jr.

Christ’s Church: RB Kyree Wilson, Fr.

Clay: WR Payton Dykas, Sr.

Columbia: WR Camdon Frier, Sr.

Crescent City: WR/DB Lenatavious Keenon, Sr.

Creekside: DB Jaxon Earle, So.; ATH Kaleb Taylor-Burch, Jr.

Eagle’s View: QB Cameron Brunelle, Jr.

Englewood: ATH Anthony Brown, Sr.; RB/LB Malik Neely, Sr.; DB/LB Jalen Scarver, Sr.; ATH Tayshaun Solomon, Sr.

Episcopal: LB Matthew Jenkins, Jr.; DB/WR Cole Pennington, Sr.

Fernandina Beach: LB Joshua Modupe, Sr.

First Coast: RB Auston Harris, Sr.; DL Israel Lucas, Sr.

Flagler Palm Coast: DE Colby Cronk, Jr.

Fleming Island: WR Trace Burney, So.; DL Ladarius Jackson, Sr.

Fletcher: WR Troy Hillman, Sr.; DE Andre Jackson, Jr.; LB Owen Manuel, Jr.; LB Eysaw Parrish, Sr.; QB Marcelis Tate, Sr.; WR Anthony Vaglienti, Sr.

Fort White: WR/DB Garrett Brady, Sr.; DB Gavin Heaton, Sr.; QB Jayden Jackson, So.; DB/WR Tafari Moe, Jr.; WR/RB Najeeb Smith, Sr.

Hilliard: ATH Braydon Holley, Sr.; DB/WR Earl Moore, Sr.

Impact Christian: ATH Eliyjah Caldwell, So.; QB Hans Price, Fr.

Keystone Heights: RB Cartez Daniels, Sr.; OL Tyler Duncan, Jr.; P Connor Guy, Sr.

Mandarin: LB Israel Ratliff, So.

Matanzas: QB Dakwon Evans, Sr.; K Landon Grover, Sr.; ATH Cole Hash, Sr.; DB/WR Jordan Mills, Sr.

Menendez: QB Cash Downey, Fr.; DL Joseph Holliman, Jr.; Maddoxx Lehman, So.; LB/RB Joseph Soto, Jr.

Middleburg: DL BJ Carter, Jr.; OL Micah George, Sr.; ATH Jaydan Jenkins, Sr.; S Errick Fryer, Sr

Nease: OL Demarco Blackmon, Sr.; LB Jacob Curry, So.; QB Bryce Frick, Sr.; DB Cade Papineau, Sr.

Oakleaf: WR Michael Conner III, Fr.; RB Christopher Foy II, Jr.; OL/DL Akeem Neal, Sr.; ATH Jordan Price, So.; LB Neil Whyte, Sr.

Orange Park: LB Tyler Jackson, Sr.; DB Orlando Jackson, Sr.

Palatka: ATH Tay Valentine, Sr.

Parker: QB Tony Kennedy, So.; LB/RB David Smith, Sr.

Paxon: DB Tre’von Bell, Sr.; LB Ken Okor, Sr.; DB Isaiah Watts, Sr.

Ponte Vedra: LB Talan Babin, Sr.; QB Ben Burk, Sr.; DL Robbie Grieco, Jr.; WR Cole Madson, Sr.; DB Ridge Richardson, Sr.

Providence: OL/DL Ben Turner, Sr.; QB Mason Williams, Jr.

Raines: RB Mark Miller, Sr.; QB Ty’ren Randolph, Sr.

Ribault: LB/RB Jamel Bailey II, Jr.; DL Ge’Terius Brown, So.; QB Timothy Cole, So.; OL/DL Jordan Matthews, Sr.

Riverside: QB Glenn Foreman III, Jr.

St. Augustine: QB Dylan Cook, Sr.; OL Tarvarian Keenon, Jr.; LB Julian Quintero, Sr.; DB Ja’Ki Singleton, Sr.; K Logan Wandzilak, Sr.; DB Jimmie Wheeler, Jr.; DL Mike Wright, Jr.

Sandalwood: LB CJ Allen, Sr.

Suwannee: RB Marquavious Owens, Sr.

Tocoi Creek: OL Deshawn Blackmon, Jr.; DL Carson Collins, Sr.; RB Vincent Galella, So.; DB Micah Ragin, Sr.; DB Dakota Wright, Jr.

Trinity Christian: OL/LS Braden Forscutt, Sr.; DB/WR Jayke Jones, Sr.; LB Bryce Kazmierczak, Sr.; LB Lovell Vereen, Sr.; DL Michael Sterdivant, Sr.

Union County: DB Dayquan Diston, Sr.; ATH Gavin Jenkins, Jr.; DB/WR Blake McCoy, Sr.; DE Erich Seager, Sr.

University Christian: LB Isaac Colwell, Sr.; OL Kamari Perkins, Sr.; TE Brandon Riddle, Sr.; LB Luke Thomas, Sr.

Westside: ATH Crishaun Ashley, Sr.

West Nassau: RB Josh Bruton, Jr.; DB Stran Copher, Sr.

White: QB Jalen Pettway, Sr.; OL Paul Ruffin, Sr.

Wolfson: DB R.J. Grooms, Sr.

Yulee: TE/LB Rylan Hale, Sr.; DB LJ Jacobs, Sr.; P Braiden Shiver, Sr.; QB Nikao Smith, Sr.

Zarephath Academy: QB Jordan Durham, Jr.