From Friday Nights to College Lights: Brevard Athletes Making Their Mark
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – High school athletes across the nation dream of earning a chance to compete at the next level. But with less than 3% of athletes advancing to Division I athletics, only a select few ever make it.
For Brevard County, that select few has grown into an impressive group of former prep standouts now making their mark on collegiate football fields across the country.
Zane Garcia of the Friday Night Locker Room takes a look at these Space Coast homegrown talents—players who once filled local stadiums and are now representing Brevard on a national stage.
While five-star recruits often garner headlines on signing day, many local athletes quietly head off to college to develop behind seasoned upperclassmen. Some see early playing time, while others wait their turn. But all continue striving, and many are now breaking through.
Below is a snapshot of Brevard County athletes excelling at the collegiate level—freshmen, veterans, and graduate players who continue to elevate their game.
FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
Richie Leonard IV (Cocoa) – Redshirt Senior, Offensive Line
Leonard began his career at the University of Florida in 2020, starting every game for the Gators in 2023 before transferring to Florida State. After an injury limited him to four games in 2024, he returned strong this season—starting every game and anchoring one of the most productive rushing attacks in the nation.
Jayvan Boggs (Cocoa) – Freshman, Wide Receiver
One of the top high school receivers in the country, Boggs originally committed to UCF before following former Knights coach Gus Malzahn to FSU. As a freshman, he has logged five receptions for 47 yards and one touchdown.
Caziah Holmes (Cocoa) – Senior, Running Back
A highly recruited back in the class of 2020, Holmes began his career at Penn State before transferring to Florida State. His role has grown steadily; this season he has recorded 18 carries for 89 yards and two touchdowns.
FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
Josh Roberts (Eau Gallie) – Freshman, Defensive End
Known for his relentless tackling in high school, Roberts quickly earned playing time as a freshman. He has totaled 15 tackles (10 solo), one sack, and an interception.
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
Demetres Samuel Jr. (Heritage) – Freshman, WR/DB
At just 17 years old, Samuel reclassified to enter college early—and is already producing on both sides of the ball. He has one catch for 10 yards on offense, and on defense has notched 42 tackles, eight pass breakups, and an interception.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Brady Denaburg (Merritt Island) – Senior, Kicker
The former “Mr. Automatic” for the Mustangs spent three seasons at Syracuse before transferring to Minnesota, where he now handles kicking duties. He is 13-for-17 on field goals and a perfect 24-for-24 on extra points this year.
VIRGINIA TECH
Devin Alves (Melbourne) – Redshirt Junior, WR
A versatile high school athlete, Alves has developed steadily at Virginia Tech. This season, he has recorded a touchdown on two receptions.
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
Bryce Lovett (Rockledge) – Redshirt Freshman, Offensive Line
After redshirting in 2023, Lovett saw increased action last season and has now earned a starting role, anchoring the Gators’ offensive front.
Jamari Lyons (Viera) – Redshirt Junior, Defensive Line
A four-star recruit out of Viera, Lyons has seen consistent growth in playing time each year. In the 2025 season, he has tallied 14 tackles, including one for loss, and started five of Florida’s 10 games.
MISSOURI STATE
Jmariyae Robinson (Cocoa) – Junior, Wide Receiver
A standout in both football and basketball at Cocoa, Robinson has become a major contributor at Missouri State. He has 17 career touchdowns and has already racked up 456 yards and four touchdowns this season, helping lead the Bears to a 7–3 record.
James Blackstrain (Holy Trinity) – Senior, Wide Receiver
After beginning his career at Georgia Tech, Blackstrain has found a productive role at Missouri State. This season he has 17 catches for 176 yards and a touchdown.
LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY
OJ Ross (Cocoa) – Redshirt Junior, Running Back
The former Cocoa star has taken a long road—through Tennessee Tech and Arkansas–Pine Bluff—before emerging as Long Island University’s featured back. He has amassed 941 total yards (793 rushing, 148 receiving) and four touchdowns.
DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY
AJ Forehand (Eau Gallie) – Freshman, Defensive Back
A key part of Eau Gallie’s 12–2 defense last season, Forehand has appeared in four games for Duquesne, registering six tackles.
From Florida to Minnesota to New York, Brevard County’s football legacy continues to grow. These athletes—once Friday night stars—are proving they belong on Saturday’s biggest stages, carrying their hometown pride with them every step of the way.
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