Sebastian River High School football coaches have named seniors Xavier “Buddha” James and Robert Wheat as the Spotlight Players of the Week. The duo was recognized for their dedication and hard work.
Xavier “Buddha” James #33
Senior Xavier “Buddha” James plays running back and outside linebacker for the Sharks. He began playing football at the age of 4 with the Sebastian Youth League.
After graduation, James plans to pursue a degree in Agriculture/Ranching or Engineering while continuing his football career.
A highlight of his high school football experience was winning the Sunshine State Athletic Association (SSAA) State Title last year.
When not on the field, James enjoys fishing and spending time with family.
“You can almost always find me fishing somewhere when I have downtime,” James told Sebastian Daily.
James expressed gratitude for the support he has received from his coaches, family, and friends.
“I want to say thank you to the coaching staff who have always been there for me and my family. Thank you to Coach Perry, a mentor who truly believes in me and is always looking out for me. I appreciate him more than he knows,” he stated.
“I want to thank my parents and family, along with everyone who believes in me. It’s because of them that I am the person I’ve become,” he added.
Coach Perry praised James’s character and athletic abilities.
“Buddha is one of the most unselfish players I’ve coached. He is a team-first guy, willing to do whatever it takes to make the team successful. Even though it’s his second year in our program, he bleeds blue through and through. Being a ball boy for us since his recreational days. Buddha has the unique ability to run through, around, and make defenders miss. Despite his size, he has developed into a complete back, with his ability to step up and pass block and good hands as a receiver out of the backfield, which has made him one of the better backs in the state. He has the natural attributes, energy, and leadership he brings to everybody, his teammates, and the fans, and you see it everywhere we play. Most of all, his teammates believe in his abilities. Which will make him have a more impactful year in 2024,” Coach Perry told Sebastian Daily.
Robert “Robby” Wheat #6
Robert Wheat is a tight end who began playing football for the Sharks at the end of his freshman season.
He carries a 3.5 GPA and is in the dual enrollment program. After high school, he plans to complete his business associate degree and see what life has in store for me.
When he’s not playing football, he enjoys golfing on the weekends, traveling, and hanging out with his parents.
Wheat expressed gratitude for the support he has received from Coach Perry and his family. “I would like to thank Coach perry for his endless support during my time playing football. I would also like to thank my mom, dad, brother, and sister for always being there and believing in me from the beginning,” he stated.
“I would like to thank Coach perry for his endless support during my time playing football. I would also like to thank my mom, dad, brother, and sister for always being there and believing in me from the beginning,” he stated.
Coach Perry had nothing but wonderful things to say about Wheat.
“Robby is the constant image for working hard pays off. He goes about his work with no complaints. He has been in our program for three years and has done nothing but trust our SHARK process. As a senior, Robby has worked himself into a starter for us. He has put in the work and earned the starter role. At 6-4, his size will be utilized more this season compared to last season, as he could be one of the top targets this season, Perry told Sebastian Daily.
The Sebastian River varsity football team plays a home non-conference game against Tradition Prep on Friday, August 30, 2024, with a kickoff at 7:00 p.m.
