Like most championship-caliber football teams, Plant has its share of stars. In fact, the Panthers, with two national recruits (QB Aaron Murray and WR/TE Orson Charles), have more than most. That said, Plant almost certainly wouldn't be in position to win the Class 4A state title if not for the contributions of others. A brief look at five of the Panthers' unsung standouts in 2008:
Marco Cobb, RB, Sr.: The diminutive Cobb (5-foot-5, 160 pounds), a quick and elusive back, has quietly rushed for 612 yards and six touchdowns on 90 carries. He has also caught 15 passes and has two receiving scores.
Bryant Jones, DL, Sr.: How good has the 5-foot-10, 235-pound Jones been at nose tackle? Well, after Plant's recent win over nationally ranked Armwood, he was named the team's defensive MVP for his performance against the Hawks.
Javonte Martin, DB/KR, Jr.: A possible future Division I-A cornerback, the athletic and physical Martin leads the rock-solid Panthers' D with four interceptions. It's no wonder his nickname is "Lockdown."
Tyler Rhodes, K, Sr.: The Panthers' third-leading scorer with 82 points (10 field goals), Rhodes has one of the better legs in the county. More than half his kickoffs have reached the end zone.
Justin Rudolph, WR, Sr.: Ranking third on the team in receptions behind Charles and Allen Sampson, the dependable Rudolph has 30 catches for 398 yards. He's the quintessential possession guy.
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