Central Florida players turn out for Warren Sapp at Battle of the Pit 3

Jordan Ketron, Chancellor Barclay, Malachi Davey, Semaj Fleming, Christian Hudson among the individual winners

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – Central Florida players smashed through the competition in style last Saturday, winning big in Battle of the Pit 3.

Trophy winners in the one-day event were University High of Orlando running back Jordan Ketron, Lake Minneola offensive lineman Chancellor Barclay, Edgewater wide receiver Semaj Fleming, Apopka defensive back Malachi Davey, and Daytona Beach Mainland defensive lineman Christian Hudson.

Daytona Beach Mainland defensive lineman Christian Hudson (right) poses with former Apopka High, University of Miami and Tampa Bucs star Warren Sapp (center), and a youth winner after capturing MVP honors in Battle of the Pit 3 in Orlando / Photo courtesy of Lo Wood

Approximately 130 players turned out for the annual event at Central Florida Christian Academy, competing in various position drills before coaches like Warren Sapp, a former Apopka High and Tampa Bay Bucs star.

Battle of the Pit 3 was held in conjunction with the Orlando QB Shootout at CFCA.

“I thought the camp was great,” said event organizer Lo Wood. “I thought the coaches pushed it mentally and physically. The kids really focused on technique.”

Barclay, a 6-foot-4, 265-pound offensive tackle and rising sophomore, played a big part in Lake Minneola’s drive to the Class 4M regional semifinals last season as the Hawks finished with a 10-2 record. Lake Minneola rolled up more than 4,300 total yards of offense last fall.

Fleming, a rising junior, helped Edgewater go 12-1 and advance to the Class 3M regional finals last fall. The Eagles finished unbeaten in the regular season (10-0) for the first time since 1973.

Davey, a rising senior, had 43 tackles and three interceptions in leading Apopka to the Class 4M state championship game, where it fell to Miami Columbus, 16-13, in overtime in a brutal battle. According to Wood, Davey has at least 15 offers.

Hudson, a rising junior, helped propel the Mainland Bucs to the Class 3S state championship game last fall with more than 25 tackles. Mainland barely lost to Lake Wales, 32-30, in the state title game.

Wood said defensive linemen worked a lot on pass rush drills with Sapp.