Adrian Sanchez’s odd practice method
By Kyle LoJacono
Zephyrhills defensive back and wide receiver Adrian Sanchez spends hours each week on the field, in the weight room and studying film to prepare for the grueling high school football season; that and practicing ballet.
The senior-to-be has been doing ballet since March and predicts the unique training will help him on the gridiron this season.
“It helps me in a lot of ways,” Sanchez said. “Flexibility, agility and with my hands, believe it or not. I’ve seen a huge difference in practice.”
Sanchez’s teammates are not as quick to try ballet.
“Adrian is an interesting guy,” said senior-to-be quarterback and wide receiver Jacob Smith while laughing. “He’s my brother and I love him, but that kid is so crazy sometimes. I’m not going to be doing ballet, but if it helps him, more power to him.”
Sanchez says their tune will change soon.
“They sometimes laugh about it, but they’ll see how much it helps me this season,” Sanchez said. “They’ll be begging to come and do ballet too.”
Sanchez played mainly defense and special teams in 2010, where he posted 350 return yards and nine tackles. He also had 20 catches for 331 yards and one touchdown.
Sanchez’s first ballet performance was at the Spotlight on Talent county show in March. He enjoyed it so much that he plans to continue in college.
“The University of Central Florida is where I really want to go,” Sanchez said. “I can perform and play football there. I love performing and dancing as much as football.”
Sanchez predicts his unconventional training methods will serve him well for his next big show — the Bulldogs kickoff classic contest at home against Central on Friday, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. Their first regular season game is against Land O’ Lakes at home on Friday, Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
“I’m going to take everything I’ve learned in ballet and unleash it in the first game,” Sanchez said with a laugh. “They won’t know what hit them.”
–All stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches.
