Joenel Aguero returning home for senior season at St. John’s Prep
DANVERS, Mass. (BVM) — Joenel Aguero’s hometown of Lynn, Massachusetts holds a special place in the heart of the St. John’s Prep junior. So much so, that the No. 2 safety in the country is returning home for his senior season.
“When people say my name, I want them to say he came from Lynn, Massachusetts not Bradenton, Florida,” Aguero said of his return home on Instagram after a year at IMG Academy. “So, you know, I had to come back and run it up for the last year.”
Aguero’s move back to St. John’s Prep will be a homecoming of sorts for the junior safety who played for the program to begin his high school career. The “freshman sensation” was part of the Eagles’ Super Bowl run in 2019, helping the team to a 21-14 win over Catholic Memorial.
Following close to a year-and-a-half with the Eagles, Aguero decided to try his hand down south, playing his junior season at IMG Academy. In his short time at IMG, Aguero would continue his rise through the recruiting ranks after showcasing his elite skill set in a crowded defensive back room.
IMG’s defensive backfield for the 2021 season included Iowa State commit Trevon Howard, Michigan commit Keon Sabb, and Florida commit Kamari Wilson at safety. The team also featured Georgia commit Daylen Everette and Michigan State commit Ade Willie at cornerback.
PICK SIX FOR @Joenel_33 🔥#National | #Brotherhood pic.twitter.com/sRabRgeyq9
— IMG Academy Football (@IMGAFootball) September 18, 2021
“It was pretty hard making the decision [to] move back home because I was going to leave many things at IMG that I learned,” Aguero told Ohio State Football on Lettermen Row. “I kind of wanted to play in front of my family for every game before I went off to college because it was hard for them to make it to every game so I wanted to play in front of my little brother and mom and dad every weekend.”
The Class of 2023 safety has racked up offers from almost all of the nation’s powerhouse programs with his current list narrowed down to 10: Boston College, Georgia Clemson, Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Florida, Michigan, Penn State and Miami.
Aguero seems to be close to making a decision but wants to make sure whichever school he picks is going to have a structure for the long haul.
“Probably where I feel most comfortable at,” Aguero said of what factors he will consider. “I know no matter wherever I go I’m getting my reps in. And probably just a good relationship with the coaches. If the coaches are going to be there during the time I’m in college, I don’t want a new whole coaching staff coming in. I want to make sure the guys that are recruiting me, that I’m with them throughout the whole process of college.”
Until he makes his decision, the 6-foot junior is ready to get back into the swing of things as he uses the upcoming months to prepare for his senior season. After getting a taste of a state championship as a freshman, Aguero is primed to return St. John’s Prep back to the top of Division 1.
“I’m ready to win a state championship next year at my old school,” Aguero said.
