Just a little something to get you going and excited about spring football!
RECRUITING BUZZ
Dacorius Law, Haines City 2014 RB
“I have improved on my speed, agility, blocking and catching.” Our #1 RB prospect and #4 overall prospect is receiving plenty of recruiting attention from: Iowa State, Florida, South Alabama, Indiana, Miami and West Virginia.
Dedric Brinson, Lake Wales 2014 CB
“I have improved my footwork and my hip movement and speed and got stronger.” UCF, Alabama, Florida, Louisville, USF, Miami and Florida State are all showing strong interest. Brinson is our 10th ranked prospect and #1 CB prospect.
Nate Craig, Pasco 2016 WR received his first Big Ten offer yesterday from Ohio State. Craig is our #11 prospect and the only freshman in the top 15.
RISE IN THE NORTH
Has Sickles solidified themselves as the power program in Northeast Hillsborough County? The Gryphons defeated both Steinbrenner (pre season classic) and Alonso last season with quality wins over Hillsborough and Lakeland Kathleen. However, Both Gaither and Steinbrenner return both starting QBs with plenty of experience while the Gryphons and the Ravens will be breaking in new ones.
SOUTH SIDE PINELLAS
This year should be fun. Lakewood is saturated again with talent. Gibbs in under new management again and Boca Ciega has increased their win total by one game each year under their current head coach. South Pinellas will be a hotbed for competition and talent. Throw in St. Petersburg Catholic which has a number of underclassmen that will garnish recruiting attention.
HEADED NORTH
Is Pasco County really wide open and there for the taking? The favorite, Pasco lost a lot. The whole offensive backfield including Janarion Grant. Land O’ Lakes returns a lot including rising junior QB, James Pensyl. The team no ones is talking about is Mitchell. The team that started the season with a bang and then dropped the last three games of the season. The Mustangs will break in a new QB, but return all the running backs in the stable. Anclote, Fivay, Zephyrhills are all still a threat.
PROGRAMS THAT NEED TO SEE POSITIVE RESULTS FAST
JESUIT – Really? Yes missing the playoffs is not the Jesuit’s style. New head coach, Matt Thompson is more than capable of returning Jesuit to playoff contenders.
WIREGRASS – Have not won a game since 2010. Previous offensive coordinator and new head coach, Mike Lawrence has to have a strong spring performance from his bunch.
GIBBS – We know the story, new head man at Gibbs…AGAIN! Rick Kravitz will be the third head football coach for the Gibbs rising senior class. Program that is 15-26 in the past four seasons under the previous 2 head coaches.
CLEARWATER – If Donnie Abraham can show improvement, the kids will be less likely to jump ship to Clearwater Central Catholic, Countryside and East Lake. Clearwater, 5 wins in the last two seasons with recently retired head coach, Tom Bostic.
TENOROC – Have not had a winning season since the school opened in 2008. 1-9 last season. New coach and previous Blake head football coach for a matter of days, Michael Burns will need to get moving fast.