Defensive stars that shined bright north of the big city
Jeff Odom – BCP Staff Writer
LUTZ – When it comes to Hillsborough County defenses, there is one place to look: north. Here is a look at some playmakers that aided in making the area known for hard hits, big plays and momentum shifts that only a defense can, above the city of Tampa. Players are listed by their first and last name, school attended and the year of graduation.
Top Three Difference Makers:
Vernon Hargreaves – Wharton – 2013
Hargreaves came onto the scene this year and left as one of the top names on defense in the state. The multi-threat athlete was a second team Big County Preps defensive player after putting up 31 solo tackles, a couple of picks and one sack. He also received an offer from the Ohio State Buckeyes earlier this month.
Josh Scarberry – Gaither – 2012
Any defensive star can earn accolades by making shutdown plays and forcing offensive errors, but Gaither senior Josh Scarberry did it all in a new position. The Cowboys’ outside linebacker, moved from the inside position his junior year, shredded through unsuspecting O-lines and led the way in Hillsborough County with 14 sacks. His other 118 tackles and constant ball vision earn him a top slot as one of the areas best players.
Alex Vega – Steinbrenner – 2012
Ever try playing both sides of the ball in one of the areas toughest districts? Steinbrenner senior offensive/defensive lineman and county all-star Alex Vega may know a little bit about that. Vega was forced to make the transition after an injury to Warriors’ DL Zack Boryla early in the season, and it paid off for the third year program. Vega was a force in the backfield with 40 tackles and six sacks stopping whatever came his way, while pancaking hapless D-lineman on the offensive side.
Pick Six – The best of the rest:
Logan Marshall – Gaither – 2013
The Cowboys’ linebacker was dominant in every aspect of the position during his junior campaign. Marshall led the way with 153 tackles, while dropping the quarterback twice.
Rocky Enos – Wharton – 2013
The Wildcats’ linebacker along with his counterpart Hargreaves, helped put Wharton football back on the map in 2011 while guiding the defense to a playoff appearance. Enos, a junior, put up 118 tackles with two sacks.
Andrew Feldhaus – Steinbrenner – 2012
The Warriors’ defensive back quietly put up some of the best numbers around the area with a team-high six interceptions while knocking eight passes out of the air. His presence intimidated receivers as he led all Steinbrenner defensive backs with 75 tackles.
Eddie Pastrana – Gaither – 2012
For a guy known more for his outfielding abilities on the baseball side of things, his only year of high school football paid off in big ways as he made strides to become one of the top defensive backs while putting himself into the state record book. Pastrana recorded five of his seven interceptions in one game against district rival Steinbrenner. Those five picks tied a Florida high school record.
Josh Black – Sickles – 2014
Black was the lone Gryphon on the Big County Preps list of county all-stars, where he ranked among the third-team defenders. The sophomore defensive end helped keep Sickles in the playoff talk early in the season with 26 solo tackles, 55 total tackles and a couple of blocked special teams plays. Black still has plenty of room to grow and will be a centerpiece in Gryphon Head Coach Brian Turner’s quest to lead his team back to the postseason.
Amiri Brown – Steinbrenner – 2013
Brown was a force as the Warriors’ second line of defense in the linebacker position. While compiling seven sacks, Brown was also one of Steinbrenner’s top tacklers with 93.
Honorable Mentions:
Carlin Scott (Chamberlain) – 9.5 tackles per game
Andy Embody (Carrollwood Day) – 68 total tackles
Dominiq Sicardo (Carrollwood Day) – 6.0 total sacks
Adekunle Olusanya (Sickles) – 9.3 tackles per game
Logan McKnight (Steinbrenner) – 7.0 total sacks
Tyler McClain (Steinbrenner) – 58 total tackles
Contact Jeff Odom at jeff.odom93@gmail.com or on Twitter @JeffOLutzNews