5-star defensive back Charles Lester III transfers from Sarasota Riverview to Venice
SARASOTA, FLORIDA- It’s same area code, but new school for 5-star rated defensive back Charles Lester III.
According to SNNTV’s John Reynolds on Monday evening, Lester III has transferred from Sarasota Riverview over to rival Venice. The Indians in 2022 were the state runner-ups in Class 4S, losing 21-14 to Lakeland in the finals.
The addition of Lester III to Venice makes the Indians that much more of a favorite to return to the Class 4S title game and possibly in a collision course again with Lakeland. Lester III isn’t the only big time transfer that’s comes to Venice since the 2022 campaign concluded.
According to 247Sports, Lester III is the No. 4 ranked player in the Sunshine State and No. 16 nationally. Last season for the Rams, Lester III picked off five passes and caught 34 passes for over 340 yards on offense at receiver.
After the 2022 season, Jadyn Glasser transferred to Venice from South Plantation and Ryan Downes came over from IMG Academy. Both are in competition for the starting quarterback role after the graduation of Brooks Bentley.
Lester’s decision comes days after Sarasota Riverview defeated Lehigh at home in a spring game on Friday of last week. The Memorial Day news comes as the off-season begins and many teams will begin workouts on June 5th or June 12th.
Venice just defeated Naples 49-28 in the spring and kicks off the 2023 regular season on Aug. 25th at home against Armwood. The Indians are slated to play against opponents like defending Class 2S state champion Cocoa and Miami Northwestern.
Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.
