Dudley key to Belleview’s resurgence in 2021

Amarion Dudley, 17, a senior, a wide receiver for Belleview High School, poses for a photo on the field at Belleview High School in Belleview, Fla. on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

Home » News

Posted December 17, 2021 | By Joel Bronson

joel@ocalagazette.com

Belleview High School senior Amarion Dudley had quite the 2021 season.

An elite receiver, Dudley hauled in 50 catches for 971 yards and 10 touchdowns during the season.

Dudley’s totals broke the single-season school records for both receptions and touchdown catches, keys to the Rattlers’ regular season record (8-2) and playoff appearance.

Belleview head football coach Brady Ackerman credited Dudley and his contributions as key to the Rattlers’ success.

“It was a pleasure to coach Amarion this season,” Ackerman said. “He always had a positive attitude and showed up big in practice as well as in games on Friday nights. I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

Dudley praised Ackerman and wide receivers coach Shane Carr for a stellar 2021 season.

“My coaches taught me a lot,” Dudley said. “Coach Ackerman and Coach Carr did a lot for me, always supported me and helped me to stay positive.”

Colleges have come calling, attempting to court Dudley to their football programs. West Florida, Fort Hayes in Kansas, Valdosta State and Tusculum University in Tennessee have all expressed interest.

“Tusculum and coach (Jerry) Odom came by and are definitely interested,” Ackerman said.

“I took an unofficial visit to Valdosta State,” Dudley shared. “I like that school.”

Dudley was quick to thank his parents for their support and motivation.

“My dad taught me to never give up,” Dudley said. “And my mom taught me to do well in school.”

Dudley knows that football won’t always be there. So, what does Amarion want to be when he “grows up”?

“When I was younger, I wanted to be a trauma surgeon,” Dudley said. “But now I want to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business.”

Dudley wanted to make sure he thanked the offensive linemen that helped Belleview get to the playoffs, and all those catches, possible.

“Huge thanks to the big guys,” Dudley said. “Without them, none of our success is possible!”

It’s not hard to believe that wherever Amarion Dudley chooses to playing college football, his abundance of positivity and hard work will take him far.

That school’s record books may need some updating by the time he’s done.