LIVE OAK, Fla. — Suwannee receiver Jaquary Pratt has a simple message that he tells his quarterbacks.

“Throw it as far as you can and I’m going to go get it,” Pratt says.  

He’s been true to his word. 

Pratt has been the Bulldogs’ big-play guy since 2016 when he burst onto the scene as a sophomore, moving up to varsity at the end of the season. His outstanding speed was on display right away as he ran under some deep passes from the strong-armed Steven Anderson. 

Pratt continued to get better in his junior year as he finished with seven catches for 237 and two touchdowns. 

This season, with an aggressive offense that will look to get him the ball, the sky is the limit for Pratt. 

Rising to the top 

Pratt, also a track standout who qualified for the state meet in the 4×800 relay, seems to have an extra gear when he goes against some of the best teams in the state.

Playing against powerhouse Madison County last season, the eventual Class 1A state champions, Pratt had touchdown catches of 73 and 46 yards. 

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Against a vaunted Columbia defense last week, Pratt had a career-high five receptions and finished with 96 yards receiving.   

Confidence has played a big part in Pratt’s success. He also has a good time on the field, engaging in some back-and-forth banter with opposing players. 

“I feel like I’m the fastest,” Pratt said. “I tell other teams that too. They can’t stop me.”

He’s backed up the talk so far. 

In addition to making some great catches, Pratt has also created some big plays on the ground. In Suwannee’s Bowl win against Mosley last season, Pratt took a jet sweep for 37 yards. He ran for 11 yards on a reverse against Columbia last week.   

Just the threat of having Pratt on the field can cause problems for opposing defenses. 

“He’s a guy that is going to get a lot of attention because of his speed, playmaking ability,” SHS coach Kyler Hall said of Pratt. “That’s going to open things up for other guys.”

All-around athlete 

Look for Pratt to make an impact in all phases of the game this season. He’ll also line up as a defense back and return kicks and punts.