HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY RECRUITING SPRING CAPSULES THE BOX

Freedom: Patriots stand tall behind leaders

FREEDOM PATRIOTS

COACH: Todd Donohoe, formally of Strawberry Crest

2011 BY THE NUMBERS:
District play 2-3
Overall 2-8
Points scored 76
Points allowed 299

DISTRICT: Chamberlain, Gaither, Steinbrenner, Tampa Bay Tech. and Wiregrass

OBSERVATIONS
New, revived attitude. Lots of energy and organized program. Discipline and accountability are key as punctuality and an emphasis on the details were evident.

BLOW UP
Rising Junior Taylor King has the opportunity to be the biggest surprise at QB this season. Last season he split time at QB with departing senior Jon Economou and is cemented in to carry the Patriots to new life. Currently he is ranked as the #9 best pro style QB in our coverage area:

1 Pete Dinovo East Lake 2013
2 Chase Litton Wharton 2014
3 Tracy Johnson Lakewood 2013
4 Brandon Hawkins Alonso 2013
5 Alex McGough Gaither 2014
6 Cody Crouse Bloomingdale 2013
7 Zain Gilmore Blake 2013
8 Nate Mills Sickles 2013
9 Taylor King Freedom 2014
10 Darryl Richardson Armwood 2013

King stands an impressive 6 foot 2 inches and tops the scale at slightly under 200lbs. He has very polished mechanics for a young QB and throws an impressive tight spiral. In order for him to have a break out year, he will need a dependable run attack and some playmakers on the outside. That is where there could be a problem.

HOLE IN THE UNIT
As a team in 2011, the Patriots rushed 262 times for just 673 yards averaging 2.57 per carry and 61.2 yards per game. The leading rusher last season, Tyrell Nunn will be graduating in June; leaving the position wide open for the taking. Defensive Back, Nate Godwin was the team’s second leading rusher in 2011 (227 yards).

Right now, the run attack seems to need the most improvement and is in dire need of a playmaker. Anthony Hendry, 2015 (4×100 and 4×400 state qualifier) can be that guy. Great burst and overall speed, but will need to hit the weight room hard to carry the load at the varsity level. Could be a big year for this young man.

Zack Romp is the Wes Welker of the team. Versatile and sure handed. He will likely be the go to guy for King. The question arises…who else? Who else will be a perimeter threat for the Patriots? This is the other glaring question mark in the offense.

Overall, the defense will be tough and the offense has a chance to be good because of a big offensive line and experienced QB. Rising senior D1 prospects, LB Isaac Tanner and DB Nate Godwin return to command the defense. Tanner posted 75 total tackles last year and led the team in sacks with 7. Godwin is promising defensive back that can play any position in the secondary (43 total tackles and 1 INT in 2011).

NOTICABLE PROSPECTS
Isaac Tanner OLB 2013 6-0 210
Nate Godwin DB 2013 5-11 195
Brody Flanagin OLB 2013 6-1 185
Max Orr DE/OLB 2013 6-1 215
Shaquille Rhymer OLB 2013 6-1 185
Dillon Browne ILB 2014 6-3 220
Taylor King QB 2014 6-2 195
Scott Patchan DE 2015 6-3 200
Zach Romp ATH 2013 5-9 165
Titus Glover FS 2013 6-0 180
Anthony Hendry RB 2015 5-9 165