Sebastian River High School (SRHS) football standouts Ryan Marshall and Dominic St. John have been named players of the week, earning high praise from their coaches for their pivotal roles in driving the Sharks’ success both on and off the field.
Ryan Marshall #38
Ryan Marshall, a 5’11” high school kicker and punter, excels both on the football field and in the classroom. With a 3.76 GPA and a weighted GPA of 4.125, he demonstrates athletic prowess and academic dedication.
Marshall’s journey in football began in middle school, but his passion for kicking was sparked much earlier, at age 6, when he first laced up his cleats for soccer. That foundation in soccer has translated into a powerful and precise kicking game on the gridiron. His soccer background has given him a killer, spot-on kicking style in football. It’s landed him props as one of the top special teams guys out there.
Reflecting on his favorite football memory, Marshall recalls his freshman year when he sealed a thrilling victory against Okeechobee with a clutch field goal. Another great memory was making the extra point in his sophomore year to win the SSAA Atlantic Championship for his team.
As he continues to improve his skills, his combination of athletic ability, mental strength, and strong grades makes him a standout high school football player to watch.
He is currently enrolled in dual enrollment at Indian River State College. Upon graduation, he plans to complete his Associate’s degree at Indian River State College before transferring to Florida State University to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in his chosen field.
Outside of football, Marshall enjoys fishing, surfing, 4-wheeling, and spending time with his girlfriend and friends.
Ever since nailing that game-winning field goal his freshman year, Marshall’s kept grinding to get better, thanks to his non-stop hustle and solid advice from the coaches. With Coach Perry, Coach Jefferson, and Coach Snow in his corner, he’s jumped into tough workouts that build his skills and toughen his mindset. Their faith in what he can do has pushed him hard, turning him into a go-to player on the team and a real leader for the other guys.
“I would like to thank Coach Perry, Coach Jefferson & Coach Snow for believing in my abilities and giving me the opportunity to be the best player I can possibly be. They have taught me it takes hard work and determination, and their support and guidance have been helpful in my growth both on and off the field,” Marshall told Sebastian Daily.
Outside of football and school, Marshall attributes a significant portion of his success to his family. His mom, dad, and grandma—Nana Karen—have always been there for him, taking him to practice sessions and cheering him on at every match. Their constant push has been a significant part of how he’s grown, and Nana Karen’s fired-up backing made a huge difference that has stuck with him. Though she is no longer with him, Marshall holds onto her memory as fuel heading into the new season.
“I would also like to thank my parents and Nana for their continued support throughout the years, including taking me to camps and attending all my games. My biggest supporter was my Nana Karen, and I dedicate my season to her because I miss her a lot, but I know she is watching over me and cheering me on from above. Her love and encouragement have always been my driving force, and I hope to make her proud with my performance this season,” Marshall added.
Coach Perry has high praise for Ryan Marshall’s reliability and skill, noting his critical role in the team’s strategy as a kicker who thrives under pressure.
“Ryan Marshall is a 4th-year player who’s a threat anytime we cross the 30-yard line; he is an exceptional kicker and has been for the last 3 years. He worked to become one of the best kickers in the state. We will use every opportunity we can to give him a shot to get us on the scoreboard. It’s great having a weapon like him. He loves the big moments that give him an opportunity to give us an edge,” Coach Perry told Sebastian Daily.
Dominic St. John #28
Dominic St. John, known to teammates and fans as St. John, is a dynamic 6-foot running back and linebacker at SRHS. Balancing athletic excellence with a 3.0 GPA, St. John is a standout student-athlete with big dreams for the future.
St. John has loved football since he was eight, and that love has only grown stronger. He’s a key player because he can switch between running back and linebacker with ease. He says his coaches are the ones who’ve helped him become the awesome player he is now.
“The coaches have meant the most, and they have helped make me the best I can be,” he told Sebastian Daily.
One of St. John’s fondest memories is the camaraderie built during team trips. “My favorite memory is when we would spend the night at the hotels in the villages,” he added.
Looking ahead, St. John plans to attend college, where he aims to develop both academically and athletically. He is exploring opportunities to play football at the collegiate level while continuing his education. His drive is fueled by a strong support system, particularly his mother and friends, who have been by his side throughout his football journey.
“I am thankful to my mother for always being there for me and to my friends for having my back while I played football,” St. John said. “I also want to thank Coach Freeman and Coach Marki for helping me become the player and man I am today.”
With his skills, hard work, and thankful attitude, Dominic St. John is ready to make a big impact both on and off the field as he moves forward in life.
Coach Perry praised the amazing progress and influence of the committed athlete, Dominic St. John:
“Dominic St. John is the true definition of a consistent team player. As a three-year starter and a four-year player in the program, he has exceeded our expectations in every way. He has been a three-year outside linebacker for us; his development has been a huge success in our defensive success. We look forward to him being even better this year. His impact will show up greatly over the season,” Coach Perry said.
“Dominic had never turned down a challenge when his name was called, defensively or offensively. A true testament of his team-oriented philosophy of team first. Looking for great things this season,” he added.
Celebrating the versatility and dedication of a standout athlete, Coach Butler offered this endorsement of Saint John’s contributions:
“Saint J has been one of our most reliable playmakers in his 4 seasons here. He is always willing to work wherever he is needed. He has been a pleasure to coach at OLB, and I know he will do fine at the next level if he chooses to play beyond high school!”
The SRHS Sharks Varsity football team will play the University Titans of Orange City on Friday, August 22, 2025, with kickoff at 7:00 p.m.
