Ridge Community was pretty close to having a great first season in Class 8A in 2015. How close? They were a grand total of nine points from being 7-3 instead of 4-6, including a one-point loss, a two-point loss to Lake Wales and a six-point loss to state finalists Kissimmee-Osceola. The sting of those losses won’t be forgotten as the Bolts go through their paces this offseason, and one such leader on the team is going to make sure he can do all that is possible to turn those losses into wins this season.

Outside linebacker slash strong safety Kadarius Verneuil is from the Class of 2017 and has the ability to make a big splash this spring and fall. He’s been working tirelessly camping with BCP throughout his time at Ridge, and with a frame at 6-feet, 1-inch and 185-pounds and skills to play either position effectively, several colleges may want to take a closer look at once they make their way to eastern Polk County.

Although Verneuil was not in attendance at Ignite in January, he’ll be present and accounted-for this Sunday in Lakeland at e7; “I’m looking forward to all the challenges that I’ll have to face.” said Verneuil. “I know there’s going to be a lot of talent and a lot of other good players that I’m going to be up against. It’s a chance to show what I’ve got.”

Although they are in BCP’s coverage area, their geographical location puts them closer to Kissimmee and Orlando than it does to Lakeland or Tampa, but that doesn’t mean they’re without deserved credit for producing some serious talent. Guys like Vince Williams and Mike James call Ridge their alma mater while Derwin James comes from their rivals Haines City. Davenport and Haines City may be isolated from the metro areas on the western side of the state, but their galvanized in their spirit.

“Everybody’s connected. Basically we’re all for one-another out here. The community is split between us and Haines City and there’s basically two different sides of the city. I feel like when you come to Ridge, you know you’re going to be with family and that everyone’s going to take care of one another to try and make it as far as we can.”

And if you’ve never been to a Haines City-Ridge Community rivalry game, it’s one you should mark on your calendars. Although last year, it didn’t go so well for Haines City as they were forced to forfeit their game due to a lack of players on the roster stemming from suspensions. That doesn’t–and won’t ever–stop this game from being the biggest on each other’s schedule, and this season will be even-bigger for the Bolts since they were defeated by Haines City in 2014.

“It’s the biggest game of the year for both of us. The whole city comes out since we are just five minutes away from each other. That’s when you get to have bragging rights for the rest of the year. All week, people in classes and in the hallways are talking about it–all your friends that go to the “other” schools are talking about it–and everyone’s just clawing to get to the game on Friday night.”

Verneuil says he worked on his speed and his keys which helped him fly-around the field frequently last season as evidenced by his film. He can make plays from either the outside linebacker position or the strong safety position, so he’s good with either-or when it comes to the next level–as long as it’s structured in a particular way.

“It doesn’t really matter to me. I’d like to play outside linebacker, but a system that allows me to also play like a strong safety. I like being in the box, but I like to play cover as well, so a 3-4 or something like that.”

Either position seems to be good in terms of mindset since his favorite aspect of playing the position(s) is simple–“Because I get to hit people. I can just sit back and read it–then go.”

Growing up in that part of Polk County and the state has also influenced his choice of study when he gets to college as well. “When I go to college, I want to study Environmental Science. Really everything about it interests me. When I was in middle school, I took the class and that was one of my favorite classes getting to go outside and study about plants and the lakes and animals and all of the wildlife.”

Verneuil’s favorite players in college and the professional ranks have one major thing in common, plus several others if you are familiar with a particular school from up the road on I-75. “My favorite player right now is Jarrad Davis from Florida and in the pros–even though he’s not a linebacker, I’d say it’s Matt Elam who plays safety.” So you’re saying you’re a big Gator fan and they would be your dream school? –“Ha,ha! Yes sir.”

As far as actual contact from colleges is concerned, Verneuil has heard from a couple of schools up the eastern seaboard, but he isn’t going to dwell on how much contact or how big the names are contacting him. He’s simply going to stay focused. “I’m just grinding everyday until that day comes. So far, I’ve had contact with North Carolina Central and Delaware State and I’m hearing from other coaches on Twitter everyday and I’m determined. Whatever I put my mind on something, I know I’m going to get it done.”

Of course, that mentality will be more-than-needed when offseason conditioning aka “Iron Days” begin today. Those days are usually not welcomed by even the most-conditioned of athletes, but not Verneuil. “It doesn’t really bother me. I like being in-shape.”