The Booker High School football program is reeling after the sudden dismissal of head coach Carlos Woods, who spent only one season at the helm before being let go. The move has set off a chain reaction that has seen a sizable portion of the roster seek new homes.
Key transfers and destinations
Among those players, four‑star recruit Maleek Lee has drawn the most attention, announcing his commitment to Palmetto High where he will anchor a revamped defense. Lee’s decision is part of a broader exodus that has already involved at least sixteen other athletes.
The transfer list reads like a who’s who of recent standouts. Jordan Booker, a three‑star cornerback, and Nate Rodriguez, a defensive tackle, both chose Venice High, while forward‑thinking Mylin Brown and Imari Thomas opted for Cardinal Mooney. Their moves illustrate a pattern of local talent seeking fresh opportunities just beyond the city limits.
Other destinations include Sarasota, where four defensive players — Mykell Crawford and Ricky Platt among them — have joined the ranks, as well as Bayshore, which welcomed offensive lineman Jarrel Johnson, and Braden River, which secured defensive end Darrious Pompey. Southeast High has also added quarterback Mason Summer and line coach Jermaine Mckenzie, who himself left Booker to take on a new role.
The ripple effect extends beyond the field, with several players like Zion Lee and Ky'Mani Sellers also slated to bolster Palmetto’s defensive front, signaling a coordinated effort to reshape the local high school football landscape.