WEST PALM BEACH – Lincoln Graf is a high-character individual who prefers to allow his work to speak for itself.
The Atlantic (Delray Beach) 2025 quarterback was in command mode throughout the playoff rounds at the Keiser 7-on-7 Tournament this past weekend (June 29). His level and style of leadership helped propel the Eagles to their first 7-on-7 tournament win in at least recent history.
Graf threw four touchdown passes in the Keiser 7-on-7 title game against Cardinal Newman, two of which went to Atlantic 2025 wide receiver, Appalachian State verbal commit, and Tournament MVP Teddy Hoffman.
Graf’s scoring passes and conversions were integral in how Atlantic held off Newman to a 28-27 title game victory.
“We got here real early in the morning, started off slow, everyone just getting out of bed,” the 6-foot-1, 185-pound quarterback said. “Every game, especially on offense, we got better. In the playoffs, our defense started making stops for us.”
Graf on the legend of Teddy “Touchdown” Hoffman:
“People just don’t know about him,” Graf said of Hoffman. “I know what he’s capable of. When the ball’s in the air, it’s not even 50-50. If he was from down south (Broward or Dade), everybody would know him.”
One of Graf’s best passes to Hoffman was a one-handed two-point conversion during the semifinal round against Santaluces in a 23-8 win.
“He came over the sidelines and said, ‘I just did that because I felt like it. It wasn’t even necessary,’” Graf said. “He’s just able to do stuff most people can’t do.”
The title game against Cardinal Newman was a battle between Graf and 2026 athlete Jyron Hughley.
“We just got the ball first,” Graf said. “He’s a hell of a player. His offense went down and scored. Our offense went down and scored every drive. We just got an extra drive and we got a stop when we needed it at the end of the game.”
Graf on the game-winning interception caught in the final seconds by 2025 linebacker Solomon Edwards.
“That last play, they had everyone covered,” Graf said. “He came across his zone and caught the pick. Game over.”
Graf touched on what we can expect from him and his teammates for the second half of the summer offseason, which began today (July 1).
“Weight room, in our playbook, keeping our bodies ready, mentally ready going into the season,” the Atlantic quarterback said.
At this time, Graf has one verbal offer from Bethune-Cookman.
Other than that, nothing to speak of.
“I just gotta show people what I’m able to do every day,” Graf said. “Just being consistent with whatever I do. I just believe when my opportunity comes, it will come at the right time.
As a junior, Graf had some great moments to be proud of. Here are his statistics from 11 total games played with the Eagles.
PASSING
•151-of-249, 1,995 yards, 16 touchdowns, 8 interceptions; 60.6 completion percentage
RUSHING
•62 carries, 184 yards, 7 touchdowns
TOTALS
•2,179 yards, 23 touchdowns, 8 turnovers
BEST INDIVIDUAL GAME: Week 10 at Glades Central in 36-7 road win; 19-of-32 passing, 322 pass yards, 3 touchdowns passes; 329 total yards
“Statistically, it wasn’t great,” Graf said. “But we fought through some games and won some games. Our only regular season loss was to Newman (13-7 overtime road loss in Week 5), and that’s why we want to play them so bad. We’re just figuring out how to win games, how to do things the right way, play the right way, and treat each other the right way. It’s all going to fall into place if we do that.”
Graf’s main goal this upcoming season is to win the Class 5A state title. Beating perennial state champion St. Thomas Aquinas (five consecutive state titles; FHSAA-record 14 total state titles) in the Class 5A playoffs is a must if that is going to happen.
Put it simply: It’s state championship or bust at Atlantic.
“Just like these 7-on-7 tournaments, you gotta make plays and be in regular season form,” Graf said. “When the time matters, that’s when we gotta do what we do. That’s when we gotta step up. We gotta mentally know that we gotta win every game in the regular season. That’s our goal. But we gotta take it up a level when that time comes.”
VIDEO CREDITS: Shane Robinson / East Coast Exposure and Future Draft Style
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