Flying under the usual radars being outside Florida’s main hubs of Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville, Venice High School is one of the best around. Over the last five seasons the Indians have produced 58 wins with two 7A state championships and are taking aim at an 8A title with a squad loaded with D-I recruits.

The heavy-hitters along the recruiting trail for Venice are a pair of 2023 four-stars, defensive end Damon Wilson and cornerback Elliot Washington.

Damon Wilson just picked up his 16th offer with Ole Miss getting into the mix. With college programs able to contact 2023 recruits on Sept. 1, Alabama, Louisville, Miami, Texas, Florida, and Oregon were among the 50 college staffs to reach out. Wilson reports upcoming visits to Alabama, Miami, and UCF.

Washington’s recruitment has been in high-gear since the spring with 20 offers dropped. On Aug. 8, Washington tweeted out his Top 10 listing Indiana, South Carolina, Florida State, Michigan State, Maryland, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Ohio State, and Oklahoma. Over the summer Washington visited Michigan State, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, Ohio State, and Mississippi State. Game day visits are being lined up with Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Ohio State.

DaMrion Escort impressed scouts last season rushing for 587 yards with 10 scores while splitting snaps with then-senior Dylan Turner. The 6-2, 215-pound, back moves into the featured role during his senior campaign with another chance to showcase his skills. Offers have been handed out from Murray State, Army, Culver Stockton, and Yale. After the season, Escort plans on visiting Murray State, Mercer, and Army. The visit list may change with interest coming in from teams like UCF and USF.

Senior corner Myles Weston is another draw in the secondary for college coaches. Weston worked out for the Florida Gators and camped at Michigan State, Mercer, and Rice. Offers have come in from Army, Navy and Mercer. Weston plans on visiting Mercer this fall.

The 2022 Venice prospect that could get the biggest swing along the recruiting trail is quarterback Ryan Browne. Browne spent the summer displaying his arm talents camping at Florida, FAU, FIU, Nebraska, Stanford, Clemson, and Auburn. Getting his first run as the starting quarterback for the Indians, programs will be watching to see how he responds. For now, Northwestern is the Power 5 team to watch in Browne’s recruitment with Florida, FIU, Toledo, and Nebraska also showing interest.

The recruiting process for 2022 receiver Alex Perry is another one to watch. Perry fits the mold that all D-I offensive coordinators want, big and fast. Looking bigger than his reported 6-5, 185-pound, height and weight, Perry took an official to Purdue over the summer and unofficial visits to UCF and FAU. Time permitting, UCF looks to be Perry’s first visit this fall.

Recruiting is lifting off for senior tight end Austin Bray. Bray (6-6, 225) has interest from USF, Middle Tennessee, Austin Peay, and Arkansas State with an offer from Tennessee-Martin.

An up-and-comer in the 2023 class is defensive tackle Trenton Kintigh. Kintigh (6-2, 265) reports interest from Michigan State and Central Michigan.

Looking for one to watch? Indians’ head coach John Peacock is high on 2023 cornerback Deylen Platt.