Xtra Point: Dear Denzel Houston: Read my open letter to the best high schoool player I've ever seen

Ormond Beach Observer
Sports

You spoiled me for the first three years of my journalism career. How many sports writers can say they began their career, covering someone of your caliber?

I first saw you, warming up just moments before your first quarterback start against DeLand in 2014. I'm not sure any of us imagined what you would accomplish. In that game you accounted for over 200 yards and three touchdowns. While a career night for some players, that became your typical stat line.

Think about this. For three full seasons, you accounted for at least two touchdowns in every game you played except the last one, because you got injured and left in the first quarter. That's exceptional.

Then, there's your gifted talent. You left so many defenses frustrated, thinking they had you boxed in for a sack, only to have you elude every defender for a game-changing touchdown run or pass. That never ceased to amaze me.

In all of my years, I've seen great high school players and championship teams. But, I've never seen such a mixture of talent that you exhibited on a weekly basis. You could've played in so many other positions — which you seldom did — and still would've been a star.

Instead, you starred at quarterback and accounted for 124 touchdowns in just three seasons. You led the Bucs to two undefeated regular seasons and 36 wins, including seven playoff victories.

Your most impressive victory may have come in the 2014 playoffs, when Mainland trailed Edgewaterr 21-0 at halftime. Once teams go down by at least 17, I always assume they're going to lose. With Mainland, I didn't take one factor into account: You were playing.

You led the Bucs to a 30-28 comeback victory, and I never doubted you after that.

While great players may arise in the next few years, I don't football coverage will be the same without you. I was guaranteed an entertaining performance from you, and you never failed.

I'm glad that you will be forwarding your playing career at the next level, but I hate you won't be playing quarterback. Nevertheless, I'm sure you will excel as a wide receiver.

With all of that said, Denzel Houston, thank you for three years of incredible memories and photographs, and I wish you nothing but the very best in your future.