From names inspired by their play on the field to nicknames that have followed them since childhood, some of the Big Bend’s top football players are known as much by their aliases as their accomplishments.
With high school football season about a month away, we take a look at five standout nicknames attached to some of the area’s top talents. From “Waffle House” to “Turbo,” each has a story behind it — and now it’s up to fans to decide which one is the best.
Jamarin “Waffle House” Simmons, Godby
There are seven Waffle House locations in Tallahassee, but Godby star receiver Jamarin Simmons may be the most familiar “Waffle House” in town.
The nickname has nothing to do with breakfast food. According to Godby coach John Holston, Simmons earned it because, much like the restaurant chain, he is always open.
“Even if he’s guarded, he’s open. They never close,” Holston said.
The nickname fits one of the nation’s top receivers. Simmons, a first-team All-Big Bend selection, led the Cougars with 59 receptions for 932 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.
Defensive backs may spend all night trying to close the future Clemson Tiger down like a health inspector, but so far, “Waffle House” has remained open for business.
Trenten “Meatball” Barwick, Wakulla
Wakulla offensive lineman Trenten Barwick has gone by “Meatball” for as long as he can remember.
The 6-foot-3, 300-pound offensive lineman said the nickname came from his grandfather after seeing him speed skating as a toddler.
“When I was younger, I used to speed skate when I was 3, and my grandpa said I looked like a meatball going around the rink,” Barwick recalled. “Ever since then, it’s stuck with me.”
The nickname followed him from the skating rink to the football field, where he has become a force in the trenches. Despite the “Meatball” moniker, Barwick specializes in serving pancakes, recording a team-high 32 pancake blocks during his sophomore season.
His play has already attracted college attention. On June 18, Barwick received his first Division I offer from Georgia State, and more could be on the way as he enters his junior year.
For Wakulla fans, that would be a spicy meatball. Mwah.
Jamari “Soyel” Jones, Lincoln
Jamari Jones didn’t inherit his nickname — he created it himself.
Now known almost exclusively as “Soyel,” the Lincoln defensive back said the name originated during his AAU basketball days.
“Soyel started as a nickname I gave myself for the back of my shooting shirt for AAU in fifth grade,” Jones said. “I always liked to be an odd one out and do things my own way.”
What began as a personal nickname quickly grew into something bigger.
“It has become part of my identity, and most people recognize me by Soyel before they even know my real name,” he said.
Jones has the game to match the confidence. Last season at North Florida Christian, he recorded 36 tackles, five pass breakups, four tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.
At 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds, Jones has collected Division I offers from Jackson State and Alabama State on the HBCU side. Then Appalachian State and the Naval Academy at the FBS level.
After transferring to Lincoln, he’ll look to raise his profile even further during his senior year. If Jones has his way, more people across the country will soon know exactly who “Soyel” is.
Izayah “Turbo” Vickers, Florida High
Some nicknames are earned through speed, and few fit better than Izayah Vickers’ “Turbo.”
The Florida High standout said the nickname was given to him by his trainer, Travis Norton, after a memorable race during a middle school meet.
“He basically gives everyone who works out with him a nickname,” Vickers said. “During my seventh-grade year, I won the New Balance Nationals in the 100 (meters). He said it looked like I put it in an extra gear halfway through the race, and that’s how I got the nickname Turbo.”
That extra gear shows up on the football field, too.
As a sophomore, Vickers recorded 65 tackles, three tackles for loss, seven pass breakups and three fumble recoveries. One of the state’s top prospects in the Class of 2028, he has already received 20 Division I offers from programs including Florida State, Clemson, Florida, Miami, Georgia Tech and Notre Dame.
The four-star cornerback isn’t slowing down anytime soon. If anything, “Turbo” appears ready to accelerate.
Caden “Shady” Harrell, Maclay
Maclay’s Caden Harrell has a nickname rooted in childhood mischief.
According to the upcoming senior, “Shady” originated from trips to stores with his father.
“When I was little, my dad would take me to a store — Publix, Target, etc.,” Harrell said.
“He said I would leave his sight and come back with toys all the time. His friend said I was shady. They started calling me ‘Shady Cat Caden,’ and eventually it got shortened to Shady.”
These days, Harrell isn’t sneaking off with toys. Instead, he’s making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.
The 6-foot-4, 223-pound defensive end recorded 25 tackles for loss and six sacks last season, ranking second on the team in sacks. He also contributed as a blocking tight end in Maclay’s running game.
His nickname may suggest otherwise, but there’s nothing shady about Harrell’s production on the field.
The Verdict?
Whether it’s the always-open “Waffle House,” the powerful “Meatball,” the self-made “Soyel,” the speedy “Turbo” or the mischievous “Shady,” each nickname has become part of the player’s identity.
As kickoff draws closer, the Big Bend is loaded with talent — and memorable nicknames to match. Now the decision belongs to the fans.
Which football nickname is the best in the area?
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don’t hesitate to get in touch with him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: From Waffle House to Meatball: Which football nickname reigns supreme
Reporting by Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat | USA TODAY Network
