- December 23, 2024
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Ashton Bracewell makes a diving tackle in a game against Spruce Creek last season. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Offensive lineman Drew Droste is one of three FPC players to sign with St. Thomas.
DZ Steward looks on from the sideline in a game against University last season.
Ben Laurore makes a tackle against Bartram Trail last season.
Landin Simmons runs with the ball in a game against Suwannee last season.
Ashton Bracewell in a game against Suwannee last season.
Six Flagler Palm Coast football players have signed letters of intent to continue their football careers in college.
Linebacker Ashton Bracewell passed on some scholarship offers to take a preferred walk-on offer with Florida State University.
Offensive lineman Drew Droste, cornerback DZ Steward and linebacker Landin Simmons signed with St. Thomas University, an NAIA-affiliated school in Miami Gardens.
Defensive back Ben Laurore signed with Division II Emporia State in Kansas. And defensive back Gerod Tolbert signed with junior college New Mexico Military Institute.
FPC coach Robert Paxia said Bracewell had an offer from Navy, and Lehigh University — a Division I Football Championship Subdivision school in Pennsylvania — made a late push.
"I think he wanted to play at Florida State, and he bet on himself that he would earn a scholarship," Paxia said. "There are so many transfers now, if you're a kid that deserves a scholarship, schools will want to take care of you."
Paxia said the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Bracewell, who also received a preferred walk-on offer from Florida, gained 40 pounds since the beginning of his junior year.
"FSU is an elite program that will invest in him nutritionally and in the weight room," Paxia said. "He's got a really high ceiling."
Paxia said St. Thomas coaches came in early and identified the players they thought could play for them.
"These guys had good visits when they went there, and they'll get to play in the state of Florida, which is a good thing," he said.
Emporia State is looking at Laurore to play safety and nickelback, Paxia said. Laurore played one season for the Bulldogs.
FPC has scheduled a signing ceremony on Feb. 22.
