WINK Sports High School Football Awards

The WINK Sports high school football Player of the Year is Naples senior Tyler Byrd. Byrd was a lockdown cornerback, big play wide receiver and a contributor on special teams as well.  “Honestly I wasn’t expecting it at all so it’s definitely a great accomplishment now that I see it and it’s in front of me. It’s an honor” said Byrd of being named Player of the Year.

Byrd helped the Golden Eagles reach the State Semifinals where their season was ended by Miami Central. Byrd had 36 catches for 641 yards and 9 touchdowns in addition to one carry for 20 yards. Defensively he had one interception while blanketing the opposing teams best receiver. Byrd also blocked a punt and averaged 27 yards on 8 kick-off returns.

Because Naples had so many lopsided wins Byrd rarely played into the fourth quarter of games. He will play cornerback at the University of Miami next year.

Naples was the top ranked team in the WINK Sports end of the season Team Rankings.

1.Naples 11-2

2. Charlotte 12-1

3. Fort Myers 9-3

4. South Fort Myers 8-3

5. Dunbar 9-3