TJ Harrell was already riding high Friday Night after Tampa Catholic’s 20-9 win over Zephyrhills’s in which, the two way star gained 75 yards in 4 carries including a 39 yard touchdown run.  Little did he know that the night was about to get even more exciting.  On the bus ride back to school his coaches informed him to contact Florida Gators Tight End coach Derek Lewis as soon as possible. After a spirited discussion with Coach Lewis, TJ was extended a verbal offer by the Gators.

“Amazed” was the word that TJ used to describe his feelings after the offer had been extended.  TJ is finally starting to see all of his hard work on the grid iron pay off. The Gators were the 2014 football recruits ninth offer and the second one to come from a SEC school (TJ also has verbal offers from Georgia, UCLA, Houston, Perdue, FAU, FIU, South Alabama and Massachusetts).

When TJ was a freshmen, former teammate and current Gator FB Hunter Joyner, took TJ with him numerous times to the Swamp. Back then TJ watched and dreamed of having the opportunity to play big-time D1 football and on Friday night that dream finally came to fruition.

TJ is currently being recruited as an athlete with most teams projecting him as a safety in college; however, he says that he will line up wherever his team needs him. As a junior, TJ already stands 6’1 and 205lbs. He also possesses an impressive 4.5 second 40 which gives him the ability to play running back, linebacker or safety on the next level.

Tampa Catholic is currently 2-0 on the year and TJ feels that the sky is the limit for the Crusaders. He is ecstatic about starting district play this week against St. Pete Catholic. TJ feels that the Crusaders are good enough to silence all doubters and challenge Berkley Prep and Clearwater Central Catholic for the district title. His ultimate goal for the season would be a State Semi-Final matchup with nationally ranked American Heritage

-Anthony Peace