WELLINGTON – This past season was more of a learning curve for Jonathan Paul.
The Wellington ‘26 quarterback finished the 2023 campaign as a sophomore with the following statistics in 10 games played:
PASSING
•87-for-175 in pass attempts
•1,211 passing yards
•10 touchdown passes
•14 interceptions
RUSHING
•42 carries
•74 yards
•2 touchdowns
TOTAL
•1,285 yards, 12 touchdowns
From here, it can – and likely will – only get better this year and beyond.
“We had a tough season last year,” the 6-foot-1, 175-pound quarterback said. “But we got everybody coming back.”
Paul is leading a team that has many players in the 2025 and 2026 classes, including the likes of RB Tyree Pearson (‘26), WR Davontey Oliver (‘26), and LB Noah Jean (‘25). And after the first week of spring practices ended on Saturday (May 4), it is safe to say that Paul’s crew will be better positioned for success this year due to them gaining experience on the field.
“We’ve had a great start to spring,” Paul said. “We got a strong chemistry with the team. It’s just a lot of energy. Everybody’s excited for spring. We’re ready to see what we could do.”
You can take a look below to see a bit of what Paul has been doing so far this spring.
Pearson spoke on his chemistry with Paul.
“Last year we started off as freshmen,” Pearson said. “We had to work together because we were second string on offense. We got to know each other more. And then now, we just got our chemistry up. Now we’re making plays on the field.”
Paul spoke on his personal growth from last year to now.
“I’ve gained probably 25 pounds in the offseason,” Paul said. “Got a little taller. Just working on throwing the ball, but also being able to take off and run and lower my shoulder when I need to.”
Paul showed his courage as he delved further into his growth process.
“Last year, starting as a sophomore, I put myself in uncomfortable positions,” Paul said. “It’s been really good. I felt like since last year to know, I’ve been able to grow tremendously as a leader, trying to make myself better while bringing up the people on our team.”
The next two weeks will be pivotal for Paul and the Wellington Wolverines. Two dates loom large for the program:
•Friday, May 10 – Blue vs. Grey Scrimmage at Wellington High School
•Friday, May 17 – Spring Football Jamboree at Glades Central in Belle Glade with Glades Central, Park Vista, and Port St. Lucie
In essence, Wellington’s spring football circuit will end on Friday, May 17 – which is only 11 days from today (May 6).
“We can look forward to some winning, Paul said. “We got a good mindset. We’ll prepare. We got energy. We’re looking forward to a really good spring.”
Paul was complimentary of Wellington head coach Ross Pryor, who will be entering his second season at the helm.
“He stepped in a hard position, but he’s done a great job at building our team and taking young guys in and building them to the position that we are,” Paul said. “It’s just looking great for the future.”
Wellington head coach Ross Pryor spoke on Paul in brief.
“My guy,” Pryor said. “Great player and kid.”
Paul, who has no offers at the time but has gained interest from Wake Forest, offered some advice for his fellow classmates and those who are younger than him.
“Don’t take anything for granted,” Paul said. “Don’t think that you got a bunch of time because time runs out fast. You gotta use your opportunities and make what you can out of it. You only got a certain amount of opportunities. You gotta do what you can when you can.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Jack Bartlett
Muck City Media Enterprises 
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