Independence Tigers Lean On Darionte Ginn In 2020 To Set Up Team's Bright Future

by Jace LeJeune

In 2020, the Independence High School Tigers did not have the season they wanted in terms of victories as the team went winless last season. However, 2020 was not all negative for the Tigers as one of their senior leaders in Darionte Ginn signed with the Co-Lin Community Wolves. At 6-6, 235 pounds, Ginn is a talented athlete with a big frame that can play multiple positions. Louisiana Football Magazine's recruiting guru Lee Brecheen believes that Ginn is one of the best athletes to have ever gone through the Tigers football program.

"Darionte Ginn has the ability to take over games for his program," Brecheen said before the season. "Ginn will also play some wide receiver and defensive end for the team along with playing quarterback."

That's right. Over his career, Ginn has played multiple positions including quarterback, wide receiver, running back, and defensive end. Still, it was not just his versatility that made him unique during his playing days at Independence, but it was also his athletic ability that also made a big difference according to his head coach Scott Shaffett.

"It was great to have Darionte because he was one of the few guys that has been there since I have been there," Coach Shaffett said. "I had him his sophomore year, junior year, and now, senior year. He has been a three year starter for us. When I got there, he was on the defensive side of the football, and then, we moved him to the offensive side of the football. He did really well for us there. I really wish this year would have been a little different because he brings a lot to the table, and we really didn't get to show it because he was missing some pieces to the puzzle, but other than that, he was just so athletic. For somebody that is his size and moves like he does, he has the potential to be great. Now, I know that he will work extremely hard and has the potential to maybe one day get in the league itself."

Ginn will hope to join the names of Antron Seiber (LSU) and LeBrandon Toefield (LSU/Jacksonville Jaguars/Carolina Panthers) as players that have made an impact athletically at Independence High School. It is also his leadership as one of the few seniors that will help set the Tigers for even brighter days to come.

"Not having some key players really hurt us this past season, but the positive is I have a phenomenal freshman class" Coach Shaffett said. "They are a really good freshman class, and this freshman class got to play a whole lot this past season. Throughout the season, I probably had at least seven freshmen on the field at all times. The future is really bright at Independence."

The future is very bright at Independence because of leaders like Darionte Ginn to set the tone and help Coach Shaffett as well as the rest of his coaching staff help to bring the magic back to Independence.

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Jace is from Addis, LA but resides in Port Allen, LA. Jace has graduated recently from Southeastern Louisiana University with a major in Communications. Jace has also broadcasted games as a play by play announcer for Southeastern’s football and basketball games on ESPN Plus. Also, Jace has anchored and reported on Southeastern’s award winning show “The Big Game.” This is Jace’s fifth year as Associate Editor at Louisiana Football Magazine. He is also a graduate from Catholic High School in baton-rouge where he was the editor of the school newspaper the “Bearly Published.” While at CHS, Jace also announced their football, basketball, and baseball games for the Bruin Broadcast Network which is the Catholic High’s streaming website for their events. On weekends, Jace is the PA announcer for his middle school football games. At home, Jace enjoys time with his family and friends. Besides being a huge football fan, Jace is also an avid NHRA drag racing fan.