Eau Gallie senior Amari Oquendo has experienced many different football programs throughout his high school career.
Oquendo began his career at Rockledge before joining Miami Northwestern for the 2025 season. The senior returns to Brevard County this summer looking to help Eau Gallie achieve a state championship.
“At first, it was going kind of slow (adjusting to Eau Gallie). I had to learn the defensive system that the coaches run,” Oquendo said. “After that, I took time out of my day to go call the coaches, ask questions and get to know the defense better. That’s what really helped me because doing that, that could help me move faster on the field.”
After recording 10 tackles his freshman season at Rockledge, Oquendo emerged as one of the best defensive backs in the state as a sophomore. He ranked second on the Raiders with 70 tackles to go with 5 pass defensed, 2.5 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries.
Oquendo transferred to state power Miami Northwestern last year, where he broke up at least 3 passes.
“I learned different culture systems. Different programs, different coaches,” Oquendo said. “Me going to Miami Northwestern, I learned different things from a coach that had been to the NFL. He could teach me what he did so I could be better and match his play style.”
The biggest thing Oquendo learned at Miami Northwestern was discipline.
“There was a lot of discipline because on days we couldn’t get together, the coaches told us to keep our head high, keep grinding and it’s all going to come together,” Oquendo said. “Week one, it all clicked. It’s all about patience and trust in the system and their coaches.”
When he first stepped foot on Rockledge’s campus, Oquendo said he thought he would be running back after playing at that position during his youth. Due to a full running back room, Oquendo switched to defensive back.
“As a DB, you can take the ball away, make big plays and get the crowd rocking,” Oquendo said.
Oquendo committed to FIU in June. He said the coaches visited him in the spring and expressed how much they liked him.
“I only had three offers at the time, so I was really grateful that he took that chance on me to evaluate me and trust me,” Oquendo said. “That really stuck out to me. I went to the school and really liked it. Mom liked it.”
Last season, Oquendo reached the state championship game where Northwestern lost by 1 point, 23-22, to Raines. He said he believes that Eau Gallie possesses the team to win a state title.
“I’m looking for a good, healthy season. Last year at Miami Northwestern, we lost by one point in the state (championship) game,” Oquendo said. “I’m really hoping that we get back to that game because a lot of people don’t get that game in their high school career. That game meant a lot to me when we lost, so with this group I feel like we can go accomplish that goal.”
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Dandy Dozen: Amari Oquendo looks to achieve state title goal