Absent from this event was a representative from Manatee, I'm sure there was acceptable reason why? There is a timeline you can reference to navigate to a particular team coach interview, if don't want to watch the entire 3 plus hour event.
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What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“We’ve been working a lot on unity, you know being your brothers’ keeper, trusting one another.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“I’ve been working on my speed my agility and overall toughness to finish the game at and elite level.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“10-0.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Escambia high school.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Ladarion Clardy.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Louisville, FSU, Gators, FAMU, Liberty, Georgia St, FIU, Austin Peay as to date.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Louisville.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, FSU, Texas A&M, Mississippi St, Kentucky, Tennessee to name a few.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“Went to Mississippi St. and FSU, got a lot of positive feedback.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Alabama.”

What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“We have been working this off-season in the weight room and on the field as well. We have competed in multiple 7v7 tournaments this off-season as well as a 3-day team camp at Kiser University.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“My mobility and size. Since the season ended I have put on 10 pounds and have been working with my speed coach, getting my 40 down to 4.7.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“Despite losing key pieces from our team last year, I feel we have some young talent that could give some spark.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Either Lake Gibson or Mitchell, both tough teams, and Lake Gibson gave us our only regular season loss last year.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Gage Nix at Clearwater. We were former 7v7 teammates so I know he’s the real deal.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I would like to play college football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I have been in contact with a couple D1 FCS schools but I only hold one offer from Stevenson University.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“See above.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“This summer I went to a couple different places in June: Mercer mega, Valdosta state, FSU and USF mega, Holy Cross, Brown, Dartmouth, Bryant. In July I attended the Citadel camp”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“See above.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college team growing up was the Miami Hurricanes, my dad is a huge Canes fan. So I took after him.”

What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“Our team has been really hitting the weight room hard since January. All of us have been working on our individual positions and developing more team chemistry for the season.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“I feel I have improved the most on being more comfortable in the pocket and staying calm under pressure. The Keiser camp our team went to really helped me out a lot.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“Our team has the potential to be great and I’m looking forward to it.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Our biggest competition this year is ourselves. In a lot of games last year, we were beating ourselves with fixable mistakes.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“N/A.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I hope to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“At this point in time it is hard to tell which colleges want me.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“N/A.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I’ve made a trip to Drake University in Des Moines and a Trip to Ave Maria.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“The camp at Drake went really well. I completed a high percentage of throws and had a very good day.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Growing up I did not have a favorite college team because both parents usually watched the NFL.”

What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“Our team has been having daily workouts every week working on strength and conditioning to be ready for the upcoming season.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“Something I have improved on overall since the end of football is my strength and the capability of using my feet when I block.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“I feel our team will have a really strong season noting that we have all put in the work to be successful.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“The toughest team on our schedule in my opinion is going to be Wekiva High School.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I personally don’t know anyone in particular that is on any of the teams we are facing.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes I would want to play sports in college, particularly football and track, either of them would satisfy what I want to do.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Some colleges that have been recruiting me are WCU, Columbia, Penn, and Yale.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“I don’t particularly think any school is recruiting me harder than any others.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have taken multiple unofficial visits to various Power 5 schools.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“I attended camps such as WCU, Duke, UNC, and various more, the camps overall went very well for me.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college growing up was definitely WCU because I grew up around it most of my summers.”

What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“I just transferred in so I just started working out with the team July 10.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“I improved my speed by going to the beach and running on the track.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“I feel we are going undefeated.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“The tightest team on our schedule in ATL.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Each and every one that wears green and white.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes I will be playing football and maybe baseball in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve been talking to a lot of schools.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“I feel all of them have been equal so far.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes made it down to Clemson, FSU, Bama and Auburn.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“I camped at Auburn, Bama, South Carolina.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“[My] favorite college growing up was Oregon.”

Find out what colleges are recruiting Marlon Huff, Burke Malmberg, Chase Enguita, Mason Labrecque, and CJ Nettles now!


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Q&A with Atlantic defensive end Marlon Huff​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes I will be playing football and maybe baseball in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve been talking to a lot of schools.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“I feel all of them have been equal so far.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes made it down to Clemson, FSU, Bama and Auburn.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“I camped at Auburn, Bama, South Carolina.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“[My] favorite college growing up was Oregon.”


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Q&A with Lecanto offensive center Burke Malmberg​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes I would want to play sports in college, particularly football and track, either of them would satisfy what I want to do.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Some colleges that have been recruiting me are WCU, Columbia, Penn, and Yale.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“I don’t particularly think any school is recruiting me harder than any others.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have taken multiple unofficial visits to various Power 5 schools.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“I attended camps such as WCU, Duke, UNC, and various more, the camps overall went very well for me.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college growing up was definitely WCU because I grew up around it most of my summers.”


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Q&A with South Fort Myers quarterback Chase Enguita​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I hope to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“At this point in time it is hard to tell which colleges want me.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“N/A.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I’ve made a trip to Drake University in Des Moines and a Trip to Ave Maria.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“The camp at Drake went really well. I completed a high percentage of throws and had a very good day.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Growing up I did not have a favorite college team because both parents usually watched the NFL.”


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Q&A with East Lake linebacker Mason Labrecque​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I would like to play college football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I have been in contact with a couple D1 FCS schools but I only hold one offer from Stevenson University.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“See above.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“This summer I went to a couple different places in June: Mercer mega, Valdosta state, FSU and USF mega, Holy Cross, Brown, Dartmouth, Bryant. In July I attended the Citadel camp”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“See above.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college team growing up was the Miami Hurricanes, my dad is a huge Canes fan. So I took after him.”


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Q&A with Pensacola Catholic running back CJ Nettles​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Louisville, FSU, Gators, FAMU, Liberty, Georgia St, FIU, Austin Peay as to date.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Louisville.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, FSU, Texas A&M, Mississippi St, Kentucky, Tennessee to name a few.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“Went to Mississippi St. and FSU, got a lot of positive feedback.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Alabama.”


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Find out what some of the top players in the state are saying about football and sports now!


......................................................................................................


Q&A with Atlantic defensive end Marlon Huff
What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“I just transferred in so I just started working out with the team July 10.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“I improved my speed by going to the beach and running on the track.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“I feel we are going undefeated.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“The tightest team on our schedule in ATL.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Each and every one that wears green and white.”

......................................................................................................
Q&A with Lecanto offensive center Burke Malmberg
What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“Our team has been having daily workouts every week working on strength and conditioning to be ready for the upcoming season.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“Something I have improved on overall since the end of football is my strength and the capability of using my feet when I block.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“I feel our team will have a really strong season noting that we have all put in the work to be successful.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“The toughest team on our schedule in my opinion is going to be Wekiva High School.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I personally don’t know anyone in particular that is on any of the teams we are facing.”

......................................................................................................
Q&A with South Fort Myers quarterback Chase Enguita
What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“Our team has been really hitting the weight room hard since January. All of us have been working on our individual positions and developing more team chemistry for the season.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“I feel I have improved the most on being more comfortable in the pocket and staying calm under pressure. The Keiser camp our team went to really helped me out a lot.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“Our team has the potential to be great and I’m looking forward to it.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Our biggest competition this year is ourselves. In a lot of games last year, we were beating ourselves with fixable mistakes.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“N/A.”

......................................................................................................
Q&A with East Lake linebacker Mason Labrecque
What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“We have been working this off-season in the weight room and on the field as well. We have competed in multiple 7v7 tournaments this off-season as well as a 3-day team camp at Kiser University.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“My mobility and size. Since the season ended I have put on 10 pounds and have been working with my speed coach, getting my 40 down to 4.7.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“Despite losing key pieces from our team last year, I feel we have some young talent that could give some spark.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Either Lake Gibson or Mitchell, both tough teams, and Lake Gibson gave us our only regular season loss last year.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Gage Nix at Clearwater. We were former 7v7 teammates so I know he’s the real deal.”

......................................................................................................
Q&A with Pensacola Catholic running back CJ Nettles
What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“We’ve been working a lot on unity, you know being your brothers’ keeper, trusting one another.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“I’ve been working on my speed my agility and overall toughness to finish the game at and elite level.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“10-0.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Escambia high school.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Ladarion Clardy.”

......................................................................................................

Article appeared in the Sarasota Herald Tribune this morning about the amount of time coaches had at their respective schools. One coach not covered was the current head coach at Manatee, now entering his 3rd full season. Unless Manatee wins at least 7 games this season, the current head coach will become only the 2nd coach at Manatee since the 1940's to have a cumulative losing record after 3 full seasons.

Greg C.

What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“Me and my team have been working extra hard in the weight room and putting in massive amounts of work to prepare for the fall.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“I have improved on my craft and technique in massive amounts, people were impressed last season. Wait until they see the new and improved me.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“I feel as if we really have a shot at winning state this year.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Probably IMG Academy Varsity squad or Lincoln will be our toughest ones.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Sam Robinson from Lincoln, a 3-star linebacker.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes I want to play college football and I will play college football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I have Ohio, Albany State, Alabama State, Papago, Georgia Knights, South Florida, A little UCF, NAU, MTI, Central GA Tech recruiting me as of right now.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“NAU most definitely, I am actually committed to them as of right now. Stay tuned for the future.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“YES, FAMU, and USF as of right now.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“Mercer, Troy, South Alabama, HBCU Mega, University of Alabama, and Kennesaw State.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Florida Gators have always been my dream college ever since I’ve laid my eyes on them.”

What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“We have been preparing with team lifts in the morning, team camps, linemen retreats, and many more activities to make the team one.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“Definitely on my run game and pass setting, my feet have never been this quick before but there is still room for improvement.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“We have a fairly young team this season but if we all buy in, I have no doubt in my mind we will make it to states.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Lake Gibson will be one of our more competitive teams that we will face but I strongly believe we will win.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Javon Williams, Defensive Tackle Pinellas Park.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Football without a doubt in my mind.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Right now I have Edward Waters University and Erskine College as my two offers.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Saint Anselm.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have made trips to Virginia, Saint Anselm, and about to take a trip to Charleston Southern.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“I have done camps at Mercer, Valdosta State, Dartmouth, FSU, USF, Virginia, and have the Citadel and Austin Peay.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Louisville was my favorite college because I was born and raised there.”

What have you been doing as of late with off-season workouts?
“I’ve been lifting weights and a lot of conditioning and agility work.”

What do you feel you have improved on most this off-season?
“I have improved on my hands and agility this offseason.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“I feel like the St. Augustine Yellow Jackets can win a state title.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I’d say our greatest competition is either Bolles or Bartram Trail High School.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I don’t know who will be the toughest to stop on our schedule individually.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes I would love to play football at the next level and if not football it would be weightlifting.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“No colleges have been recruiting me.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“No colleges have been recruiting me the hardest either.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes I have been on a couple college trips.”

Do you have plans for more trips soon?
“No, I don't have any plans on college trips, I'm just trying to work on my craft.”

Have you done any camps this off-season? How do you feel you performed?
“Yes I have been to a Miami Camp recently and I know I performed better than people at my position.”

Do you have any plans for camps ahead?
“No, I’m just going to put my head down and keep working on what I need to improve on before next season.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college growing up was actually University of Miami because of my father.”

What have you been doing as of late with off-season workouts?
“I’ve been working out this off-season.”

What do you feel you have improved on most this off-season?
“I have improved on my route running, getting in and out of my breaks.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“I feel like this season we are going to turn a lot of heads, we have a young team but if we play as a team and build chemistry and play as a team we are going to turn a lot of heads for sure.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“The toughest team on our schedule this season is Chaminade Madonna I would say.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“The toughest teammate I’ve been competing against every day I would say is Sam Brown, great player, great technique, great ball skills.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“In college I want to continue my football journey and do track and field if possible.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Toledo, Western Carolina, Middle Tennessee, and FIU have been recruiting me very hard.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“The school that has been recruiting me very hard is Toledo, they treat me like family and text me every day.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I took an unofficial visit to Toledo and FIU.”

Do you have plans for more trips soon?
“I have an official visit to Toledo on September 15th.”

Have you done any camps this off-season? How do you feel you performed?
“The camp I did this offseason was Central Michigan camp, and I feel like I performed great.”

Do you have any plans for camps ahead?
“No, I will not be attending any more camps this offseason.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college growing up is Penn State.”

What have you been doing as of late with off-season workouts?
“Working on getting stronger while increasing some of my mobility so I can be ready for the season.”

What do you feel you have improved on most this off-season?
“I say that I have gotten better on my understanding of coverage and man techniques.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“I feel like our team has the understanding that it takes 11 people to win a football game and we need to trust our teammates to do their job so no one is doing two jobs at once.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I feel it depends on how I mentally perceive the team to be in my head.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I feel it depends on how I mentally perceive the players on the team to be.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Howard, Virginia state, Stetson University, Wisconsin.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Howard University.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, Wisconsin and Howard.”

Do you have plans for more trips soon?
“Yes, my official visit with Howard.”

Have you done any camps this off-season? How do you feel you performed?
“In March I went to the Rivals camp and I was invited back for the 2nd day. In my open field tackling, I pushed, I felt my nose implant on a 4 star's chest and I made him fly back 4 yards and he had to sit up from being on his back. Then on my 1v1’s I was locking the RBs up coming out the backfield.”

Do you have any plans for camps ahead?
“Probably a camp at ASU (Alabama State).”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Howard University.”

Find out what colleges are recruiting Rufus Ferguson II, Edward Louis, Bryan Gardner Jr., Aiden Byrne, and Allen Collier Jr. now!


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Q&A with Sickles inside linebacker Rufus Ferguson II​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Howard, Virginia state, Stetson University, Wisconsin.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Howard University.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, Wisconsin and Howard.”

Do you have plans for more trips soon?
“Yes, my official visit with Howard.”

Have you done any camps this off-season? How do you feel you performed?
“In March I went to the Rivals camp and I was invited back for the 2nd day. In my open field tackling, I pushed, I felt my nose implant on a 4 star's chest and I made him fly back 4 yards and he had to sit up from being on his back. Then on my 1v1’s I was locking the RBs up coming out the backfield.”

Do you have any plans for camps ahead?
“Probably a camp at ASU (Alabama State).”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Howard University.”


......................................................................................................

Q&A with Dillard wide receiver Edward Louis​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“In college I want to continue my football journey and do track and field if possible.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Toledo, Western Carolina, Middle Tennessee, and FIU have been recruiting me very hard.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“The school that has been recruiting me very hard is Toledo, they treat me like family and text me every day.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I took an unofficial visit to Toledo and FIU.”

Do you have plans for more trips soon?
“I have an official visit to Toledo on September 15th.”

Have you done any camps this off-season? How do you feel you performed?
“The camp I did this offseason was Central Michigan camp, and I feel like I performed great.”

Do you have any plans for camps ahead?
“No, I will not be attending any more camps this offseason.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college growing up is Penn State.”


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Q&A with St. Augustine defensive lineman Bryan Gardner Jr.​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes I would love to play football at the next level and if not football it would be weightlifting.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“No colleges have been recruiting me.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“No colleges have been recruiting me the hardest either.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes I have been on a couple college trips.”

Do you have plans for more trips soon?
“No, I don't have any plans on college trips, I'm just trying to work on my craft.”

Have you done any camps this off-season? How do you feel you performed?
“Yes I have been to a Miami Camp recently and I know I performed better than people at my position.”

Do you have any plans for camps ahead?
“No, I’m just going to put my head down and keep working on what I need to improve on before next season.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college growing up was actually University of Miami because of my father.”


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Q&A with East Lake offensive lineman Aiden Byrne​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Football without a doubt in my mind.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Right now I have Edward Waters University and Erskine College as my two offers.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Saint Anselm.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have made trips to Virginia, Saint Anselm, and about to take a trip to Charleston Southern.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“I have done camps at Mercer, Valdosta State, Dartmouth, FSU, USF, Virginia, and have the Citadel and Austin Peay.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Louisville was my favorite college because I was born and raised there.”


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Q&A with Taylor County offensive lineman Allen Collier Jr.​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes I want to play college football and I will play college football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I have Ohio, Albany State, Alabama State, Papago, Georgia Knights, South Florida, A little UCF, NAU, MTI, Central GA Tech recruiting me as of right now.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“NAU most definitely, I am actually committed to them as of right now. Stay tuned for the future.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“YES, FAMU, and USF as of right now.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“Mercer, Troy, South Alabama, HBCU Mega, University of Alabama, and Kennesaw State.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Florida Gators have always been my dream college ever since I’ve laid my eyes on them.”


......................................................................................................

Find out what some of the top players in the state are saying about football and sports now!


......................................................................................................


Q&A with Sickles inside linebacker Rufus Ferguson II
What have you been doing as of late with off-season workouts?
“Working on getting stronger while increasing some of my mobility so I can be ready for the season.”

What do you feel you have improved on most this off-season?
“I say that I have gotten better on my understanding of coverage and man techniques.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“I feel like our team has the understanding that it takes 11 people to win a football game and we need to trust our teammates to do their job so no one is doing two jobs at once.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I feel it depends on how I mentally perceive the team to be in my head.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I feel it depends on how I mentally perceive the players on the team to be.”

......................................................................................................
Q&A with Dillard wide receiver Edward Louis
What have you been doing as of late with off-season workouts?
“I’ve been working out this off-season.”

What do you feel you have improved on most this off-season?
“I have improved on my route running, getting in and out of my breaks.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“I feel like this season we are going to turn a lot of heads, we have a young team but if we play as a team and build chemistry and play as a team we are going to turn a lot of heads for sure.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“The toughest team on our schedule this season is Chaminade Madonna I would say.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“The toughest teammate I’ve been competing against every day I would say is Sam Brown, great player, great technique, great ball skills.”

......................................................................................................
Q&A with St. Augustine defensive lineman Bryan Gardner Jr.
What have you been doing as of late with off-season workouts?
“I’ve been lifting weights and a lot of conditioning and agility work.”

What do you feel you have improved on most this off-season?
“I have improved on my hands and agility this offseason.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“I feel like the St. Augustine Yellow Jackets can win a state title.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I’d say our greatest competition is either Bolles or Bartram Trail High School.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I don’t know who will be the toughest to stop on our schedule individually.”

......................................................................................................
Q&A with East Lake offensive lineman Aiden Byrne
What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“We have been preparing with team lifts in the morning, team camps, linemen retreats, and many more activities to make the team one.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“Definitely on my run game and pass setting, my feet have never been this quick before but there is still room for improvement.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“We have a fairly young team this season but if we all buy in, I have no doubt in my mind we will make it to states.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Lake Gibson will be one of our more competitive teams that we will face but I strongly believe we will win.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Javon Williams, Defensive Tackle Pinellas Park.”

......................................................................................................
Q&A with Taylor County offensive lineman Allen Collier Jr.
What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“Me and my team have been working extra hard in the weight room and putting in massive amounts of work to prepare for the fall.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“I have improved on my craft and technique in massive amounts, people were impressed last season. Wait until they see the new and improved me.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“I feel as if we really have a shot at winning state this year.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Probably IMG Academy Varsity squad or Lincoln will be our toughest ones.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Sam Robinson from Lincoln, a 3-star linebacker.”

......................................................................................................

Hey all,
It's been a while since my last post. Quite a while, actually. I've backed off high school football the past couple of years. I hope to someday get back into it but if I ever do, I'm going to need some real help. I'm sure with the right people, we could really build something everyone could enjoy. But for the time being, it's just too hard to: track down all the scores, verify their accuracy and keep track of the schedules & results of the many make-up games related to our Florida storm season. College football is so much easier, especially as it relates to the stress of making sure all games and results are captured.
Anyway, here is some information derived from the 1852 interdivision college game results dating back to 2014 when the BCS went bye, bye.

FBS Power 5 vs FBS Group of 5

P5 679 wins 180 losses .790 Pct.
Average game point margin 18.02 pts

FBS Group of 5 vs FCS

G5 454 wins 51 losses .899 Pct.
Average game point margin 24.5 pts

FCS vs NCAA Division 2

FCS 262 wins 42 losses .862 Pct.
Average game point margin 23.8 pts

Division 2 vs Division 3/NAIA

D2 131 wins 33 losses .712 Pct
Average game point margin 16.0

HURRICANE IAN BOATS GONE BAD by Capt. Paul DeGaeta
Happy 2023 Hurricane Season!

Hurricane Ian's Boats Gone Bad is a 128-page, scattergun-fashion 6-month look at the ass-kicking Ian put on SW Florida's boats. Featured chapters cover Ft. Myers, North Ft. Myers, Ft Myers Beach, Bonita Springs, Naples, Pine Island, Sanibel/Captiva, Boca Grande, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Englewood, and Lemon Bay—SW Florida communities that faced the dragon Cat 4/5 Hurricane that was Ian. The book shows boats from 10-foot Kayaks to 100-foot world class yachts it hammered and left in the oddest places.

Five survivor stories are included: a rescue off a sinking shrimp boat; a sail boater who surfed the maximum 15-foot surge into the mangroves of Hurricane Bay and had to be rescued by USCG helicopter; and stories on the future of the San Carlos Shrimp Fleet from those in the San Carlos Shrimp Fleet (they don’t talk to just anybody). There are pages that deal with ICW landmarks like Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, Tarpon Inn, and South Seas Plantation; the book shows the fate of two landmark restaurants, the Bubble Room and Mucky Duck; and the state of the Sanibel Causeway and Lighthouse. There is a page of "You Loot, We Shoot" signs (nobody ended up shooting, but the signs are creative and funny). The book includes some spectacular damage shots of waterfront homes in the close to 800 color photographs.

Captions throughout come from the perspective of a 40-year career captain who has intimate knowledge of our coast, waterways, and marinas. He has also survived being inside the eye walls of four of the six SW Florida Hurricanes whose names have been retired. A great keepsake to remind you to exercise caution, particularly with storm surge.

Release June 1st, the opening day of hurricane season. Price: $35 per copy. PM me for ordering details.

This is just a tragedy. Condolences to his family as well as the Pirate family. A young man (only 27) is generational Charlotte County and played for the Pirates.
From Sun Preps:

"PREP FOOTBALL: Beloved Pirates football assistant Norus passes away​

• By Patrick Obley Sports Editor Jul 9, 2023

Port Charlotte Pirates offensive line coach Jace Norus, shown here directing linemen through drills during a 2018 football practice, passed away this weekend. He was 27.

• PHOTO BY TOM O’NEIL

Before coaching at Port Charlotte, Jace Norus was an offensive lineman for the Pirates. This is Norus going through drills during his senior year with the team in 2013.
PORT CHARLOTTE – The oft-injured kid didn’t stay away from Jordan Ingman’s football program for very long.
Just two years after graduating from Port Charlotte High, former offensive lineman Jace Norus returned. Still just a sophomore in college, Norus had no intention of waiting for graduation before launching his coaching career.
As the years passed, he climbed the ranks inside the Pirates’ coaching hierarchy. Once he graduated, he slid seamlessly into the PCHS staff directory, rising to assistant athletic director, as well as Ingman’s offensive line coach.

He turned down other, more lucrative and potentially higher-profile positions at other schools.

“He was self-made,” Ingman said. “Very impressive. But he was for us.”
Norus passed away over the weekend. He was 27. Memorial services have not yet been finalized.
“He was funny, he was authentic, he was a hard worker,” Ingman said. “He was everything you wanted to coach with. He was the total package.”
As the news slowly made its way through Pirate Nation on Saturday, waves of emotion washed over Ingman. With each call from shocked players, past and present, the heartache was renewed.

“They loved him,” Ingman said. “My phone has been ringing off the wall all day from his former players. His players just adored him. He was the coach that all the kids wanted to hang out with in the classroom because he was just so true. So pure.”
At any Port Charlotte football practice, Norus’ energy could be felt before it was seen. Unsurprisingly, the Pirates’ offensive line has been one of the deepest and most talented units in the program year after year under his tutelage.
Off the field, he earned his master’s degree at Florida Gulf Coast University and, earlier this year, he married his high school sweetheart, Nikole.
Coaching was a singular passion for Norus. Ahead of his senior year with the Pirates in 2013, Norus told The Daily Sun his only goal was to win a district title before giving up the game and turning his attention to coaching.
The Pirates did indeed win the district crown that season.
Norus was back on the Pirates’ practice field by 2015, and became a full-time coach as soon as he graduated from college a few years later.
“And not just coaching, but coaching here,” Ingman said. “He had been offered athletic director jobs. He had been offered better jobs, but he took a pay cut to stay at Port Charlotte High School. To be here. To coach these kids.

“He loved the school and he loved these kids. He was … he was everything.”"

What have you been doing as of late with off-season workouts?
“I’ve been lifting, doing a lot of conditioning with my team, and of course I’ve been putting in extra work with bettering my craft.”

What do you feel you have improved on most this off-season?
“I’ll say becoming a better teammate a better player. Fixing up all of the things on the field that I slacked with last season and perfecting the things I did good last year.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“I think we will have a successful season, everyone on the team working hard and motivating and pushing each other to get better every day and I think that’s going to help us in the long run.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Most likely I’ll say Clearwater. They are a big and physical team but if we play how we’re supposed to and do what we have to do we’re going to win.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“To be honest I don’t know, I just know whoever we play is going to try their hardest to beat us and we just got to come in there ready for whatever and play hard.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes I’d love to play a sport in college. I specifically want to play football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Schools like: University of Miami, Georgia State, Liberty, Syracuse, UMass.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“I’ll say University of Miami.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No not so far but I plan on taking some soon.”

Do you have plans for more trips soon?
“Yes.”

Have you done any camps this off-season? How do you feel you performed?
“No I haven’t this off season.”

Do you have any plans for camps ahead?
“Yes. I have Wake Forest, Penn, and Dartmouth.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Growing up I always enjoyed watching The U play so I’ll say University of Miami.”

What have you been doing as of late with off-season workouts?
“I have been lifting very extreme, and conditioning to have a breakout senior year.”

What do you feel you have improved on most this off-season?
“Something I feel like I improved on is my motor.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“Very successful winning district titles back-to-back.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“St. Andrews.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Teddy Hoffman.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I’m looking to play sports on the next level, mainly football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Mercyhurst University.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Mercyhurst University.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No.”

Do you have plans for more trips soon?
“None as of right now.”

Have you done any camps this off-season? How do you feel you performed?
“Yes I attended Mercer University mega camp, and Valdosta University mega as well, I feel I had performed great having a couple college coaches come speak to me after.”

Do you have any plans for camps ahead?
“No plans as of right now.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Yes Florida Gators.”

What have you been doing as of late with off-season workouts?
“We have summer practice and I do other weight room and field workouts after.”

What do you feel you have improved on most since last football season?
“I feel I improved on my change of direction, I got better at planting my foot and exploding out and my vision improved but there is still more work needed to be done.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“We will have another dominant season, with the work we’re putting in we will be ready to play.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I would have to say Santa Luces, they gave us a run for our money last year. I’m expecting a great game this time around.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Saint Andrews has a good WR we would have to watch out for (I don’t know his name).”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I plan on playing college football, I graduate 2024 so my time is coming soon.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I speak with a lot of coaches but I only have offers from Albany SWtate, Gardener-Webb, and Bryant University.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“I would say Gardener-Webb because the coach that gave me my offer, offered me at his previous school and that shows how much he really believes in my talent.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have been to USF, Georgia Southern, FAU, Miami, Mercer, and Valdosta. Some for camps, game invites, and academic reasons.”

Do you have plans for more trips soon?
“I plan on going on official visits, I don’t know where or when yet but I will get that together soon.”

What camps are you planning to do this summer?
“I did a few camps this June, I went to Mercer, Valdosta, USF, FAU/FSU, and Miami camps so far, I might go to more but I’m not sure yet.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Growing up my favorite college has always been Auburn University.”

What have you been doing as of late with off-season workouts?
“This off season I’ve been in the weight room, on the field and track to better myself athletically and physically.”

What do you feel you have improved on most since last football season?
“My coaches and I have seen improvement on my footwork, reaction time, ball skills and technique.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I think me and my team will do ok, we are building up to each other and building chemistry still.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I feel that Buchholz High School will be the hardest team we play this year.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Jordan Richardson from Buchholz High School.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I want to play football and run track if I can in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’m being recruited but they are more so interests and the college(s) knowing my name.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Warner University via NCSA.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes making/made an unofficial visit to Florida.”

Do you have plans for more trips soon?
“Yes, I do plan on making on making more trips.”

What camps are you planning to do this summer?
“Florida, USF, FSU, Under Armor Invite only camp, FAU, UCF.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college growing up was the University of Florida.”

What have you been doing as of late with off-season workouts?
“Lots of lifting, throwing, agility, stamina work and basketball as well.”

What do you feel you have improved on most since last football season?
“Footwork and arm strength. I feel like I can move easier in the pocket and throwing deep is smoother and less stress on the arm.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I feel like we will do great. We have improved over the off season with 7on7 and many more camps. We have some dawgs up front and some skills that are go getters.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“We've talked to coach about the schedule and we've said that Wekiva will most likely be the toughest.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“We don't know as of now but we definitely know they got some skills that can play.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Right now my main focus has been on keeping options open and seeing how far I can get in football as well as basketball.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“As of right now I have no recruitment. Just interest and looks.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“N/A.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have only attended visits and camps for basketball.”

Do you have plans for more trips soon?
“Next summer going into my junior year. I plan on doing multiple for both sports.”

What camps are you planning to do this summer?
“N/A.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Kentucky. Always loved the Big Blue.”