Because it is never too late for a 2016 preview list. . .
Orlando had a very eventful 2015 season and we cannot fully predict what is going to come in the days and months ahead. The 2016 calendar year though is shaping up to be a very eventful one in Orlando too. Maybe not as eventful as the last year that saw a new team come into existence and the city continue to grow its sports profile both in the United States and internationally.
Orlando is becoming a great sports destination. And there will be some great moments upcoming this year and questions that need to be answered.
There will be plenty of players and figures who will impact the year in sports in Orlando. So here is a brief 85-person survey of who and what to watch in Orlando in 2016.
Why 85? Orlando was founded in 1885.
85. Andres Feliz, West Oaks Academy: The USF basketball commit has played big for West Oaks throughout the season so far, helping them win some big games so far this year. The Dominican Republic native has played well and made his name in the Orlando area.
84. Jean-Michele Tine, Orlando Christian Prep: The big man for Orlando Christian is averaging a double double and has Orlando Christian Prep among the best teams in the area.
83. Clayton Hughes, UCF: Donnie Jones’ top recruit in his incoming class of three, Hughes had offers from big schools like Butler, Ole Miss and Mississippi State before deciding on UCF.
82. Emmanuel Cook, Orlando Predators: The defensive back led Orlando in tackles last year with 95 and added three interceptions to boot. The Predators improved their defense with some pickups from the San Jose SaberCats, currently on hiatus with an ownership change, but Cook will still be a big part of the team and the secondary.
81. Carlos Rivas, Orlando City: Rivas is one of Orlando City’s three designated players. And the Lions will need to see more from all three. Rivas dealt with some injuries during his first year in MLS and struggled taking the step up. At 21 years old, it is hardly the time to give up on him.
80. McKinley Mitchell, Oviedo: Things have somewhat quieted on the three-star outside linebacker for the Lions. There is not much reporting on where he stands despite his securing several offers. 247 Sports has him likely to head to Texas Tech.
79. Kalyn Cenal, UCF: UCF should have big expectations on the softball diamond this year. The Knights return their top pitcher, their top hitter, their top RBI player and their top home run hitter. Cenal had a team-high 11 home runs last year. Her power will be critical
78. Jonathan MacCollister, Bishop Moore: The defending state champion Hornets return a healthy amount from its first title team since the 1970s. MacCollister is one of the biggest guys as a four-star defensive end on a stellar defensive line.
77. Marquis Haynes, Mississippi: Marquis Haynes will be leading the next generation of Land Sharks as the initial Hugh Freeze class prepares to graduate. Haynes had 10.0 sacks and 16.5 tackles for a loss. He will now have to step into a leadership role and provide even more for the Rebels.
76. DeMarcus Walker, Florida State: DeMarcus Walker turned in another stellar season for the Seminoles last year 10.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for a loss and 58 tackles. Walker will be expected to anchor the defense this year as a senior.
75. Linnea Goodman, UCF: Shelby Turnier will be the centerpiece to UCF’s softball run this year, but Linnea Goodman is probably going to be the one scoring all the runs. UCF’s leading hitter with a .356 batting average returns for a team with big tournament aspirations.
74. Cre Finfrock, UCF: UCF will be relying heavily on its pitching this year with the offense taking a step back and reloading this year. Finfrock is the top returning pitcher after going 7-5 with a 3.30 ERA. He had 73 strikeouts as he is likely to take over the ace role after Zach Rodgers’ departure.
73. Richie Laryea, Orlando City: It is a tough act to follow for sure. Cyle Larin winning rookie of the year in Orlando City’s first year would put a lot of pressure on any rookie. No one is expecting Laryea to have that kind of production. The midfielder though should get his opportunity to play some on the wings and maybe even a little in defense.
72. Tyrek Tisdale, Oak Ridge: Tisdale is the top high school recruit in the Orlando area according to Rivals that is still undecided. Tisdale has a number of options and is listed as an athlete after tearing up the high school circuit as a wide receiver. He is looking closely at Maryland and a few other schools after decommitting from Florida.
71. Eddie McDoom, West Orange: McDoom was all set to go to Oregon until earlier this month when he suddenly reopened his recruiting. The star wide receiver has big play ability and his commitment to Michigan should be viewed as a big catch for Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines.
70. Justin McBride, UCF: Before the year started, no one probably pegged Justin McBride as a major contributor for the Knights on the hardwood. McBride lost weight in the offseason and accepted his role backing up Tacko Fall. In the process, he has become a reliable offensive option and good team leader for the young Knights.
69. Jonathan Jones, Oak Ridge: Jones is one of the top linebackers in the area who is undecided and appears to be picking between traditional powers Notre Dame and Michigan on Wednesday. Jones is the No. 19 inside linebacker in the country, according to Rivals.
68. Chad Kelly, Mississippi: Chad Kelly put up some crazy number last year for Ole Miss as they won the Sugar Bowl for the first time since Archie Manning was quarterback. Kelly passed for more than 4,000 yards and had 31 touchdowns last year. With Lequon Treadwell leaving for the NFL Draft, Kelly will have even more pressure on him to lead Ole Miss right from the go in Orlando against Florida State.
67. Jamiyus Pittman, UCF: Jamiyus Pittman led the team with 4.5 sacks last year as a sophomore. The Knights will need more of him this year and will need him to grow into his role on the defensive line for the Knights to take a step up.
66. Larry Brackins, Orlando Predators: Larry Brackins found himself in the endzone often for the Orlando Predators last year. He had a team-high 29 touchdowns on 68 receptions for 756 yards as the Predators made the playoffs last year.
65. Jessica Ujvari, UCF: The Knights will need some offense to go with the stellar pitching they are sure to have in the diamond. UCF has a real chance to make noise in the softball tournament especially if Jessica Ujvari matches her .314 batting average and 38 RBIs from last year.
64. Wyatt Wilkes, Winter Park: Wyatt Wilkes has already turned heads around the area as perhaps one of the better true local prospects in Orlando. The junior can fill up a stat sheet as a forward both scoring, rebounding and dishing it and has interest from several schools including UCF.
63. Roman Reigns, WWE: WWE brought one of its premiere events to Orlando on Sunday with a new champion that fans have not quite gotten behind despite a considerable push. Reigns was the center of attention throughout the evening getting mostly ire. When he was finally eliminated, there was a great cheer and release of exasperation from the WWE Universe. It was clearly a story-setting day for the WWE. And a strong performance from the fans could get another WrestleMania to the Orlando Citrus Bowl.
62. Kyle Marsh, UCF: The Knights need some offense this year to make a run in the American after last year’s disappointing finish. And that means Kyle Marsh has to step up. The infielder hit .299 last year with 37 RBIs, the top returning RBI player. Unfortunately Marsh will miss the upcoming season with Tommy John surgery.
61. Kendal Thompkins, Orlando Predators: Kendal Thompkins is the Orlando predators top returning receiver after accumulating 1,188 yards and 17 touchdowns on 89 receptions. Thompkins will be expected to take a step up again this year as Orlando has bigger aspirations for the year.
Check back later today for part two of our list…
[…] Read Part 1 for Nos. 61-85. Read Part 2 for Nos. 36-60. Read Part 3 for Nos. 11-35. […]