Three senior football players from Southeast High School are set to embark on a significant journey as they prepare to leave home for the first time. Myreon Lowe, Caleb Steele, and LaDavion Johnson have signed letters of intent to play college football in Iowa, marking a major milestone in their athletic careers.
On National Signing Day, held on March 15, 2024, Lowe and Steele committed to William Penn University in Oskaloosa, while Johnson chose to join Clarke University in Dubuque. This decision will take them over 1,300 miles away from their hometown in Florida, opening up a new chapter filled with both challenges and opportunities.
New Adventures Await
The trio expressed their excitement about the upcoming changes. “It’s going to be a new adventure,” said Myreon Lowe, a linebacker. “See new things. Meet new people. Ultimately help me become a better player, better person.” For LaDavion Johnson, this move has already begun to feel like an adventure. “I saw snow for the first time,” he remarked, looking forward to experiencing the colder climate of Iowa.
Lowe and Steele have shared a close friendship since their freshman year in football, which influenced their decision to attend the same university. Steele stated, “I could’ve gone anywhere, but once I got the opportunity to play ball with my brother, I gotta take that.” This strong support system will be crucial for their emotional well-being as they navigate life away from home.
“We’ll hold each other accountable,” said Steele, highlighting their commitment to staying focused, especially during early morning practices. “If I don’t want to wake up, he’ll make me wake up.”
Guidance and Support from Coaches
Head coach Curt Bradley played an essential role in guiding their decisions, especially regarding financial considerations. “When it’s not a D-1 full scholarship, there’s lots to contend with – academic money, football money,” he explained. The players aimed to avoid financial pitfalls while pursuing their athletic goals.
Bradley expressed confidence in the trio’s capabilities. “It’s important for some of these young men to leave home, though it is quite a ways and cold,” he noted, smiling. “But they had 100% attendance in offseason workouts and regular practices. They’ve been raised in great families. They’re great kids. These guys are going to make it.”
As they transition to college football, the players will also face each other as competitors in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. Johnson commented on the upcoming rivalry: “That’s going to be fun. I’ll be in touch with them, see how they’re doing. But when that game comes? Gonna be a different story.”
Lowe echoed this sentiment, adding, “He’s going to try to run me over.”
In addition to the three football players from Southeast High, other athletes from the area also made their commitments public on National Signing Day, showcasing the talent emerging from the region.
Notable signings included:
– Jaeda Dean, State College of Florida (volleyball)
– Liam Fernandez, SUNY Maritime College (football)
– Jayden Fields, Webber University (football)
Athletes from other local high schools also celebrated their achievements, with notable signings at Parrish Community High School, Manatee High School, and Palmetto High School.
As the Southeast High trio prepares to leave for Iowa, their journey reflects not only their athletic ambitions but also personal growth and the excitement of new experiences. With strong support from their families and coaches, they are poised to face the challenges ahead with determination and camaraderie.
