2:06p – Dixie Hollins High, St. Petersburg, FL
Arrived at Dixie and was welcomed with a brief shower. The Rebels were finishing up defensive walk thru and headed into defensive individual period. About 35 kids were present for the 1st day of practice, but the low numbers did not stop the coaches from coaching their tails off. Demandre Lambert, 2014, RB/OLB, caught my eye. He has a very athletic frame, mean look and moves well even with a small nagging foot injury. He stands about 6-0/190lbs. I think he can be a player.
4:02 – Boca Ciega High, Gulfport, FL
Nearly half of the school is being renovated. There were tractors, trailers and trucks everywhere. On arrival, I was slapped in the face with 15mins worth of rain and wind like a tropical storm was forming. The most glaring observation was the organization and structure of practice. All coaches were equipped with practice schedules, players knew where to be and when and everybody was in uniform. It was a pleasant surprise and I was excited to see the rest of practice. After a brief special team review and team flex, the Pirates quickly formed two neat lines and traveled from the game field to the baseball field. There was a lot of teaching. I went into practice looking for 8 listed prospects and left practice after adding two more kids to the list; Brandon Carter and Antwon Benjamin. Carter is a 6-1/225lbs DE who is projected as an inside linebacker. Great frame and moves well. Benjamin is a 6-1/180lbs OLB/FB with plenty of athleticism. Just like anyone else’s 1st day of practice, lots of walking and talking, but super organized and lots of teaching.
6:22p – Indian Rocks Christian, Largo, FL
I must admit, I knew absolutely nothing about TE/WR, Sean Culkin until about 3 weeks ago. After watching film, a few workouts and today’s practice, I think he is the real deal. He stands all of 6-5 and is very athletic. But, RB/Slot Ty Bates; DT/OG Davonte West and TE Spencer Adkinson were 3 kids who will make the BCP Watch List. Adkinson was the most impressive. Good speed for a 6-3/220lbs TE who runs good routes and catches the ball well. 32 kids were at practice today, but the staff did an excellent job coaching while I was there.