TAMPA – While its record may not standout to many, Tampa Catholic has plenty of players on the roster that stand above the rest, including junior offensive/defensive lineman Dominic Bourne.
Bourne, a 6-foot-2 275 pound playmaker, finished with double-digit tackles, three fumble recoveries and an average of .4 sacks per game for TC.
He said that while the Crusaders didn’t finish the way they would have liked, there is still plenty of opportunity in the program.
“I’m thinking we’re going all the way (next season),” Bourne said. “A lot of the bigger schools think we’re small, but we have (a lot to prove).”
Prior to each game, Bourne makes sure his teammates are pumped for the game and maintains a solid leadership role.
“It’s all about leadership,” Bourne said. “I make sure (the guys) are ready. I have other teammates that help me too.”
The junior native of Ohio, who enjoys time with his younger siblings and family, competed in the Ignite Elite Showcase last month. And while a hip injury tripped him up a bit, Bourne said there’s always room to improve his times.
“My hip was hurting a little bit, I didn’t get the (40 yard dash) time that I would have liked, but I think I did well in the 1-on-1 though,” Bourne said.
Not only has Bourne shined under the Friday night lights, he has also been stellar in the classroom, maintaining a 3.2 un-weighted grade point average. He moved from Wharton to Tampa Catholic last season and said he instantly felt right at home.
Bourne has seen some interest from The Citadel and University of South Florida.
He attended USF junior day and said Bulls coach Skip Holtz made a big impact on him.
“At first, I wasn’t a big fan (of USF) but (Holtz) made a lot of sense when he was talking to us,” Bourne said. “It’s nice because they keep it in the backyard.”
For his senior year, Bourne has laid out numerous goals for not only himself, but the team too. They include playing basketball for the Crusaders, seeing more time on the defensive side of the ball, getting a scholarship offer and going deep in the postseason.
“(I want to get) bigger, faster and stronger,” Bourne said. “(We want to have) a good spring game, and go as far in the playoffs as possible.”
Aside from playoff glory, Bourne adds two words that define the general feeling around the locker room.
“Beat Jesuit.”
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