Training Academy [DB, LB, OL, DL, WR]
Instruction and a mastery of the fundamentals of playing football at a high level, is the mission behind the Leverage Academy. Leverage is designed for 8th-12th grade students athletes who are seeking to improve every aspect of their game. Leverage provides one on one coaching by former division 1 and professional athletes at their respective position.
Fall Session Dates: TBA
Location: Middleton High (tentatively)
Each Session Will Include:
One hour and half of on the field training
30 minutes of board work or training film
About The Coaches
Preston Jackson (Defensive Backs) – “Coach Jackson” is a Tampa native, Hillsborough High School (Tampa, Fla) class of 2000…as a senior, he made 57 tackles and five interceptions in 1999 … helped his team to the region finals of the Florida Class 5A state playoffs … earned three letters in football … three-time all-county selection … made 41 tackles, seven interceptions and 15 pass breakups as junior in 1998 … a multi-purpose player who worked at cornerback and safety on defense, and at receiver, punter and holder … the 1999 team captain … helped Hillsborough to league titles as a sophomore and a senior … also played basketball, earning three letters and starting at point guard .
Jackson was part of a Hillsborough High 2000 football signing class which 5 members of the 1999 team, signed division1 scholarships (8 total signees). Jackson signed a letter of intent to play at the University of Notre Dame. While at Notre Dame, Jackson was a 4 year letterman and 2 year starter for the Irish, playing in both the Gator Bowl (2003) and the Insite.com Bowl in 2004. As a senior Jackson recorded 41 tackles, 14 pass break ups and 1 interception. Jackson earned pre-season all-Independent Conference prior to his senior season ending his Irish career with 3 interceptions including a game sealer against Pittsburg in 2002. Jackson never missed a game in 5 years, 4 playing seasons playing corner and special teams.
During the year of 2005-2010, Jackson served as the Defensive Backs Coach at Hillsborough High School, helping to develop several talented athletes into very talented football players.
College (University of Notre Dame)
4 x Notre Dame Monogram winner
Played in all 48 games of career
2 year starter
2004 Independent Conference Pre Season Selection
High School (Hillsborough High)
3 x All Hillsborough County Selection
2 x All Suncoast Selection
2 x All State Honorable Mention
Florida vs. California All Star Game selection
North Florida vs. South Florida All Star Game selection
Hillsborough vs. Polk County All Star Game selection
Coaching Experience (Hillsborough High – Tampa, FL)
2005-2010 as the defensive backs coach
Coached 9 defensive backs who played collegiate football (4 division 1)
Techoy Blount (Defensive Line)- Graduating from Dixie Hollins High school in 1997, Blount was a 3 year starter playing OLB, MLB, and OT. During his high school career, Blount’s team won three District Titles, State runner-ups in 1995. During his sophomore and junior year, he was selected 2nd team All State defensive team, 1st team All State defensive team as a senior and 1st team All Pinellas County during his junior and senior year.
Techoy was selected as a member of the St. Petersburg Times All Century High School Football Team in 2011. Blount received a full athletic scholarship to the University of South Florida. While at USF, he was a three year starter and led the team in sacks in 1999. Blount graduated from USF the spring of 2002. Blount has a total of 8 years coaching experience, 5 years coaching at Freedom High School and 2 of which as the Head Football Coach.
Blount has been married for 9 years and have 2 kids, a 12 year old daughter and a 7 year old son. When he is not coaching or personally training, he enjoys playing the Wii with his kids and spending quality time with his wife.
Keith Newman (Linebackers) – With the height of 6’3″ and weighing in at 210, Newman was recruited as a TE/DB out of Jefferson High School. He was named a Super Prep All American, 1st Team All County, 1st All Suncoast, 1st All Conference and 2nd All State as a senior. Newman was Honorable Mention, All State as a junior. One of his most prestigious honors was being awarded 1994 Guy Toph winner, which goes to the top player in Hillsborough County who excels on the field and in the classroom. Newman led the Dragons to two playoff appearances and a Bowl game in his three year career. Played in the North/South Shrine All Star Game and won the county scholar athlete award. Signed a scholarship with North Carolina and played 8 years in the NFL.
Joe Sipp (Offensive Line) – Teacher at Hillsborough High School since 2003. Sipp earned his Bachelor Degree in Physical Education from the University of South Florida, and he also earned a Master Degree in Educational leadership.
During his stay at the University of South Florida (1996-2001) he earned numerous awards:
Two year captain for the University of South Florida, while starting 44 games straight for the Bulls
1999 and 2000 named Offensive Lineman of the year for the USF, 1st team all Independent Conference and All-Academic Team. After his collegiate career, Sipp played Arena2 football for the Florida Firecats in 2001.
Coaching Experience
2002-2011 Offensive Line coach at Hillsborough High School
2006-current Head Boys Track Coach at Hillsborough High School
2007-2011 Won the Head Boys Track Coach of the Year for Hillsborough County
3x District Champion coach for the Terries, 2007-2011 Hillsborough Track team won the County Championship. 2007-2010 Regionals Champion.
JR Russell (Receivers) – JR Russell was a two sport star at Gaither High School. The 2000 graduate shined on the gridiron as well as the hardwood. On the basketball court, Russell was a four year starter who average 18 points per game over his career. As a wide receiver on the field, Russell towered over the smaller defensive backs and dominated the competition. His talents on the football field earned him an athletic scholarship to the University of Louisville where he was a key contributor from 2000-2004. Russell was drafted by the Bucs in the 7th round of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Louisville
Awards/Achievements:
Three-time letter winner in football and basketball at Gaither High
All-Tampa Tribune selection on the gridiron and hardwood as a senior
Averaged more than 21 points a game to finish fourth in Hillsborough County as a senior
Drafted 7th round by the NFL by the Tampa Bay Bucs