An 8-3 season lingers over the Sickles Gryphons. The 2012 season that seemed to slip right out of their hands.  Losses to Jefferson and Armwood ultimately kept the Gryphons out of the playoffs, having Sickles to look forward to the 2013 season.

It’s here now! 2013 is less than 48 hours away and one player who has worked for this senior privilege is Sickles DE/OLB Joshua Black. As a sophomore, Black was circled as a player who could be as disruptive on defense as James Wilder Jr. Physically gifted enough to become a big time college prospect and attract big time attention.

The recruiting took off later than expected for Black, but he is sitting in the middle of a good situation. It did not come by sitting on his butt during the offseason. It was a personal sacrifice and long hours during the offseason months. Now, Black feels his game is at another level, “I feel very confident that my game has elevated to the next level.” Last season, Black total 35 solo tackles and 70 total; 7 sacks and 2 cause fumbles.

Black’s speed, aggressiveness, agility and effort has lined up a number of verbal offers. He feels that Arizona, South Florida, Marshall, Florida International and Utah State have made strongest effort in recruiting him. His short list (Top Schools) of schools includes the same universities. The listed are the ones he has the most interest in and because they are showing him the most interest.

What have you done as a prospect to force college coaches to take notice of your play? “I have gotten bigger, stronger and faster. Also I play the game hard and physical. Going 100 percent and I keep my motor going to make big plays to change the game.”

Sickles travels to Robinson on Friday for the BCP Game of the Week.  Robinson was a 12-2 semi-final playoff team poised for another run. Sickles is scrappy, looking to return to the playoffs in their new district.  Josh Black will be one of the big names on the field and should play like a big time player.