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Kansas City Chiefs

Looking to recruit 55 good men

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Super Bowl LV has put an international focus on Tampa during the past week — with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers claiming victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, at Raymond James Stadium.

The impact of the Super Bowl, however, goes far beyond football.

Heather Castle poses with Tyrone Keys. Now director of activities and training for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, Castle credits Keys for having a positive influence on her life. She wants her organization to have the same kind of impact on young people helped by her organization. (Courtesy of Heather Castle)

Beyond giving Tampa a chance to show itself off to the world, the event is a magnet for megastars and offers the experience of a lifetime for many spectators.

It’s also a chance to gain a huge audience for special causes.

That’s where Big Brothers Big Sisters Tampa Bay comes in.

The organization — which covers an eight-county area, including Pasco and Hillsborough counties — has been using Super Bowl LV as its platform to recruit 55 men to become Big Brothers to boys, ages 5 to 13.

Heather Castle, director of activities and training for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, said finding more mentors is especially important during this difficult COVID-19 time.

The push for 55 men is in recognition of the 55th Super Bowl, Castle said.

“The reason for the big push on men is because we have many Little Brothers on the waitlist and not enough male role models,” she explained.

She knows the value, firsthand, of having a mentor take an interest in her.

Heather Castle was 17 when she attended her first Bucs game, accompanied by her mom, Kathy. Tyrone Keys gave Heather the tickets to the game.

Tyrone Keys, a member of the 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl championship team, became Castle’s mentor when she a 15-year-old attending Gaither High School.

After his football career, Keys founded All Sports Community Service Inc., which aims to help youths pursue college scholarships.

That’s how he met Castle.

Keys worked with her to help her achieve her dream of playing college basketball, which she did at Saint Leo University.

“He took me under his wing. He believed in me. He sat down with me and said, this is what exactly what you need to do,” Castle said.

He also taught her about the value of community involvement, and helping others, whenever possible.

And now, Castle has come full circle in her current role at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.

“Because Mr. Keys equipped me with the tools, I am able to help them.”

Besides helping youths pursue their potential, the organization provides opportunities for new experiences and fun.

Heather Castle meets on the field with Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David and Litzy Maya-Nopal before the beginning of a Bucs game.

Now, Castle is able to take youths to their first Bucs football game, just like Keys did for her.

She said Keys gave her two tickets to a Bucs game when she was 17, and told her to invite a friend. She took her mom, Kathy Castle, because her mom was her best friend.

She still relishes the memory of that day, especially since her mom passed away five years ago.

While the Big Brothers Big Brothers of Tampa Bay’s current campaign focuses on drafting 55 men, the organization needs the help of women mentors, too, Castle said.

The need for help is obvious.

Her organization currently has more than 500 kids on its waiting list, Castle said, noting mentors can make a profound — and life-changing difference.

Anyone interested in learning more about getting involved can visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay’s website at BBBStampabay.org.

Published February 10, 2021

Super Bowl LV creates big memories

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans were delirious with joy, after the Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV.

Besides emerging victorious, the Bucs made history by becoming the first team in NFL history to play — and win — a Super Bowl game in its home stadium.

Heather Stegmeier had an awesome time at Super Bowl LV, enjoying the electric atmosphere and feeling special, to have her work as a health care professional honored and appreciated. She was one of 7,500 health care workers who received a free ticket to the game from the NFL. (Courtesy of Heather Stegmeier/AdventHealth

Both the season and the Super Bowl were altered considerably by the COVID-19 pandemic — which created a scene where 30,000 cardboard cutouts outnumbered the 20,000-plus fans at Raymond James Stadium.

The smaller crowd size didn’t diminish the experience in any way for Heather Stegmeier, of Wesley Chapel, one of the 7,500 vaccinated health care workers who received a free ticket to the game.

In a pregame interview on CBS with interviewer James Brown, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell explained why the professional football league provided the free tickets to health care workers.

“They’re our heroes,” Goodell said. “Today, the heroes are going to be sitting in the stands. Those heroes have been working day and night for all of us, and taking risks and showing us courage, and obviously being the incredible professionals they are, to keep us all safe.”

Goodell added: “We wanted to give them an opportunity to get away from all that for a day and just celebrate,” he added.

Stegmeier’s happy Super Bowl experiences began on Jan. 29 — when she received a surprise videotaped message from Rob Gronkowski, known as Gronk to football fans, personally inviting her to the game.

She was at work at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, when the invite came.

“I was told that I had a conference call at 9 o’clock. That was my 9 o’clock conference call,” she said, laughing, and noting she was shocked.

On game day — Feb. 7 — she went through a flood of emotions, as she put on her jersey and got ready to go, she said.

As health care workers arrived at the stadium, they received a warm welcome, she said.

“The staff that were greeting us were all cheering for us. It was very surreal. It made you feel like you were really, really special.

“It made me so proud to do what I do. That so many people respect and appreciate what we do on a daily basis,” said Stegmeier, the manager of infection control and prevention at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

She not only got to go to Super Bowl, but she had a primo seat, too — sitting close to the field, at the 50-yard line.

“I had a great view of pretty much everything,” she said.

The cardboard cutout near her, she said, was a “little kid Eagles’ fan.”

Also seated in her section were other health care workers — mostly from regional hospitals.

There were health care workers from all over the country, representing the NFL’s 32 teams, at the game.

The atmosphere was electrifying.

“You could feel the excitement. It never let down. You felt it from the minute you walked in, until the minute you left,” Stegmeier said.

The Super Bowl Bomber Trio flyover was impressive, she said.

“That whole part to me was very emotional. It was very loud. It was very cool, too.

“It was pretty powerful,” she said.

She enjoyed the performance of “America the Beautiful,” by H.E.R.; the rendition of the national anthem by Eric Church and Jazmine Sullivan; and, the halftime show, by The Weeknd, too.

And, of course, she was impressed by the Bucs.

“They did so well. They couldn’t have played better,” Stegmeier said.

The whole experience is something she won’t soon forget.

She said she enjoys watching football on TV, but being at the Super Bowl was entirely different.

“It’s not something I ever imagined being able to be a part of, but to be a part of that, is just — it’s mind-blowing,” she said.

And, like Goodell said, it was a great way to decompress.

“It has been a very trying — you know — year,” said Stegmeier, who joined the hospital’s staff a month before it opened its doors.

She’s not sure how she was selected to attend the game, but she is grateful.

“I was so happy just to be part of it. I was so blessed that I could be part of that. And, I’m just so thankful to the Bucs and the NFL and AdventHealth, that I was able to go.

“For me, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, and it’s definitely a highlight.

“Everything to me, yesterday, was just perfect,” she said.

Published February 10, 2021

Bring a mask, if heading to Super Bowl-related festivities

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As Tampa gears up to be on the world stage during Super Bowl LV, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has ordered the use of face coverings within specific outdoor locations to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

In a tweet, Castor said, “Let’s each do our part in keeping our community and visitors safe. Masks are the right defense. Masks and simple health habits will go a long way in ensuring a fun, safe #Super Bowl LV experience for all.”

Raymond James Stadium is gearing up for Super Bowl LV. There will be a few things different for this year’s game. For one thing, it’s the first time in NFL history that a team — the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — will be playing at its home stadium. For another thing, those attending big outdoor Super Bowl-related festivities will be required to wear a mask, at specific venues, to reduce potential spread of COVID-19. (B.C. Manion)

Besides being the host city for this year’s Super Bowl, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be the first team in NFL history to play the game in its home stadium.

The Bucs take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 7. Kickoff at Raymond James Stadium is set for 6:30 p.m. A host of activities surround the game, bringing large crowds to many venues.

In her executive order, Castor requires the use of face coverings within specific outdoor locations, within the City of Tampa — namely in areas defined as Event Zones and Entertainment Districts.

The Event Zones are defined as areas of downtown Tampa and surrounding Raymond James Stadium.

The Entertainment Districts include the Ybor City Historic District, the South Howard Commercial Overlay District, the Central Business District, and the Channel District.

The city also has a mask order in effect that requires that a facial covering be worn by anyone working, living, visiting or doing business in an indoor location — other than their residence — when not able to maintain social distancing from other person, excluding family members or companions.

There are some exceptions to the city’s mask ordinance, including children under age 5, people with health conditions and people working in a business that doesn’t require interactions with others, or allows social distancing to be maintained.

Masks are not required while people are eating or drinking.

Also, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced it will establish a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) to prohibit drones around Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 7, and around the Tampa Riverwalk for the NFL Super Bowl Experience during the days leading up to Super Bowl.

Drones will be prohibited within a 30-nautical-mile radius of the stadium up to 18,000 feet in altitude on game day, according to the FAA. The TFR will be in place from 5:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Drones also are prohibited for 1 nautical mile around Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. until the TFR for the game takes effect.

The FAA will restrict drone flights for roughly 2 nautical miles around Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park up to an altitude of 2,000 feet through Feb. 6, during event hours.

Pilots and drone operators who enter the TFRs without permission could face civil penalties that exceed $30,000 and potential criminal prosecution for flying drones in the TFR.

Drone pilots should check the FAA’s B4UFly app to determine when and where they may fly.

Published February 03, 2021

Tampa prepares for Super Bowl

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For Will Weatherford, co-chairman of Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl LV Host Committee, this has been familiar territory.

With the NFL’s big game headed to Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 7, it seems like Weatherford has spent a lifetime preparing for this moment.

Will Weatherford is co-chairman of Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl LV Host Committee. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will become the first team in NFL history to play the Super Bowl at its home stadium, when the Bucs take on the Kansas City Chiefs. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee)

After all, he’s primarily a football guy.

The effort has required an intricate game plan — with plenty of adjustments. Preparation has been paramount. It has demanded toughness, resilience and loyalty. In the end, a winning formula will be assured by teamwork.

“We have a gritty culture in our area,’’ Weatherford said. “We have faced lots and lots of challenges. But, we are very excited that our area will stage the best possible Super Bowl, a historic Super Bowl, and it’s going to provide a real lift for our entire nation.’’

Weatherford, 41, is part of a luminous Pasco County family, one with six football-playing brothers, all who competed at Land O’Lakes High School before heading off to various levels of college football.

Weatherford, a linebacker, played at Jacksonville University. He entered politics as a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2006-2014, serving as House Speaker during his final term. He then founded Weatherford Capital, a private equity firm, with his brothers, Sam and Drew.

“But, my heart for public service didn’t go away,’’ Weatherford said. “I always tried to find ways to serve. What way can you have a bigger impact on the community than showcasing your city during the Super Bowl? I have watched what past Super Bowls have done for our community and now I am thrilled to be part of this process.’’

Weatherford was recruited to the position by Rob Higgins, the Host Committee president/CEO who also is executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. Weatherford’s fellow co-chairman is Pro Football Hall of Famer and legendary former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Derrick Brooks.

“I was a linebacker in high school and college, and Derrick was my hero,’’ Weatherford said. “I was in middle school, he was at Florida State and he was my hero, and that continued to the NFL. To co-chair something significant with a childhood hero, I don’t have the words to describe what that means.

“Yes, he’s a Hall of Famer, but he’s a better person. The legacy he’s leaving in this community goes way beyond football. He’s always on point. His actions is where his leadership comes from. He leads a life of excellence in all things.’’

Brooks returned the compliment.

“We are very fortunate to be working with Will on this Super Bowl,’’ Brooks said. “He brings so much to the table. He’s so knowledgeable and he’s great at building relationships. Being part of this with him has really been a great experience.’’

The experience, of course, has been much different than what Weatherford and Brooks could have anticipated.

It’s the Pandemic Super Bowl.

COVID-19 has changed almost everything — from the lead-up activities to the events (some will disappear, some will go virtual) to the game itself (only a small percentage of fans is expected inside the stadium).

But, for television viewers in 180 countries, it’s still the Super Bowl. It’s still Tampa Bay’s vistas and attractions being front and center for an event that has become an unofficial American holiday.

The virus will severely limit the economic impact and hotel occupancy. But, the area will receive a huge boost from the $2 million “Forever 55’’ social legacy initiative ($1 million in corporate donations was matched by the NFL). It focused on local programs to aid the stated pillars of early childhood education, food insecurity, families, health and wellness, sustainability and systemic justice.

“Florida has been hit exceedingly hard by the virus and economic factors, but we’ve always found a way to rise up,’’ Weatherford said. “I don’t think this will be any different. Hopefully, people will visit us and see how much the Tampa Bay area has changed since our last Super Bowl.

“None of this happens without businesses and the community and the public sector getting on board. We’ve had five Super Bowls, absolutely amazing (only Miami, New Orleans and Los Angeles have had more). The NFL knows when they come to Tampa Bay that we’re going to give it our all and put on a great show. Of course, there have been challenges. But, I’m confident that when it’s all done, we’re going to look back and be very proud of what our community has done. I’m so happy to be part of it.’’

Super Bowl Experience Presented by Lowe’s
NFL’s interactive football theme park will return to Tampa for Super Bowl LV from Jan. 29 through Jan. 31, and from Feb. 2 through Feb. 6, along the Tampa Riverwalk.

The Super Bowl Experience will offer fans the opportunity to virtually meet-and-greet with current NFL players and Legends, participate in games, and shop merchandise from the NFL Shop presented by Visa.

The Experience also will feature photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, a 40-yard dash and vertical jump against NFL players on LED screens, and a Super Bowl rings display showcasing all 54 Super Bowl rings.

Fans can attend the Super Bowl Experience Presented by Lowe’s free, every day.

To attend, fans must register for the NFL OnePass app and book a session time. Fans also should bring their favorite face covering and prepare to maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance from others.

To reserve your session time, download the NFL OnePass app at NFL.com/OnePass. If the session date/time that you are looking for is not available, there will be a standby queue available for walk-up fans at Julian B. Lane, but fans will still need OnePass to access.

There is limited capacity to the Super Bowl Experience, so entry is not guaranteed.

For fans without a smartphone, Technology Managers will be at the exterior of Julian B. Lane to assist.

Hours of Operation:
​Jan. 29: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Jan. 30: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Jan. 31: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Feb. 3: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Feb. 4: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Feb. 5: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Feb. 6: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Additional information about health guidance and prohibited security items can be found at NFL.com.
Source: nfl.com

‘No Drone Zone’ during Super Bowl LV
Raymond James Stadium in Tampa is a “No Drone Zone” for Super Bowl LV on Feb. 7, and drones also are prohibited around the Tampa Riverwalk for the NFL Super Bowl Experience during the days leading up to the event.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced it will establish a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) on game day that will prohibit drones within a 30-nautical-mile radius of the stadium up to 18,000 feet in altitude. The TFR will be in place from 5:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., EST.

Drones also are prohibited for 1 nautical mile around Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. until the TFR for the game takes effect.

The FAA will restrict drone flights for roughly 2 nautical miles around Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park up to an altitude of 2,000 feet from Jan. 29 to Feb. 6, during event hours.

Pilots and drone operators who enter the TFRs without permission could face civil penalties that exceed $30,000 and potential criminal prosecution for flying drones in the TFR.

Detailed information for general aviation and drone pilots is available on the FAA’s Super Bowl LV web page.

Drone pilots should check the FAA’s B4UFly app to determine when and where they may fly.

By Joey Johnston

Published January 27, 2021

Pasco High gets new football coach

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Pasco High School will have a new head football coach roaming the sidelines, for the first time in more than a decade.

The school recently announced its next head coach is Jason Stokes — a coaching mainstay in the Tampa Bay area, most notably at Gaither High School.

Jason Stokes has been named Pasco High School’s football coach. (File)

Stokes, 43, replaces longtime Pasco coach Tom McHugh, who was relieved of his coaching duties following four consecutive losing seasons, including a 2-8 mark this past year.

Stokes most recently coached at Lake Region High School, in Polk County. The perennially struggling program went winless in his lone season there.

Stokes has achieved coaching success elsewhere, however.

In 2017, he served a season as offensive coordinator at Indian Rocks Christian High School, which went 9-3 and reached the 2A regional finals.

He’s best known for his time at Gaither, from 2011 to 2016 — steering that program to playoff appearances in each of his first three seasons. (He later resigned in the middle of the 2016 season after reports surfaced about using ineligible players, which led to three games forfeited that year.)

Before that, Stokes was the head football coach at Bloomingdale (7-5 in 2008) and Middleton (10-10 combined record in 2009-10) high schools.

In taking over for McHugh, Stokes undoubtedly has big shoes to fill.

McHugh compiled an 86-50 mark in 12 seasons, winning six district titles (2007-12) and two regional titles (2008, 2011).

He is the county’s fifth winningest coach in public schools, behind John Benedetto (195 wins at Land O’ Lakes), Tom Fisher (124 wins at Zephyrhills), John Castelamare (103 wins at River Ridge, Mitchell) and Scott Schmitz (94 wins at River Ridge, Mitchell).

McHugh also coached a trio of Pasco players who would go on to the NFL— Josh Johnson, a former San Diego Charger and Jacksonville Jaguar cornerback who now plays for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League; Janarion Grant, a wide receiver currently on the Baltimore Ravens practice squad; and, Joey Ivie, a defensive tackle currently on the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad.

Yet, the Pirates have struggled in recent years under McHugh, going a combined 10-30 the past four years. Moreover, the program suffered four straight defeats to crosstown foe Zephyrhills High School in the annual 9-Mile War rivalry game, losing those games by an average margin of nearly 40 points.

Despite the difficulties of late, the Pirates do have a young roster stocked with promising players.

That includes linebacker Gabriel Barnes, tailback Malcolm Gibbs, receiver Darrion Robinson and lineman Savion Spaights, who will all be juniors next season, as well as rising seniors in quarterback Desmin Green, defensive back Jordan Mclaughlin and offensive/defensive tackle Cody Rand, among others.

New Sunlake football coach Trey Burdick, left, pictured with former Sunlake all-star linebacker Adam Jarvis. (Courtesy of Trey Burdick)

Meanwhile, Pasco isn’t the only local school to undergo a coaching change this offseason.

In early December, Sunlake High School named assistant Trey Burdick as its next head coach, to replace the now-retired Bill Browning, the only head varsity football coach in the school’s history.

Burdick, 36, has been an assistant at Sunlake since 2008, where he’s coached linebackers, tight ends, special teams, and served as the team’s recruiting coordinator; he’s also been the school’s head track coach for six years, a role he’ll continue as head football coach.

Prior to Sunlake, Burdick was an assistant for two years at Tallahassee Godby High School, working under Florida Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Famer Shelton Crews. He also played football for Tallahassee Lincoln High School, where he was a member of the 1999 6A state championship team.

Sunlake is coming off back-to-back 4-6 marks. Before that, from 2010 to 2016, the Seahawks strung together seven consecutive winning seasons and four playoff appearances.

Published January 16, 2019

Locals make 2018 NFL rosters

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The NFL season is underway and a handful of athletes from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area wound up making rosters, proving themselves worthy throughout training camp and preseason action.

Here is a look at the locals now playing at football’s highest level:

Janarion Grant
(Courtesy of the Baltimore Ravens)

Janarion Grant, receiver—Baltimore Ravens
College: Rutgers University (Piscataway, New Jersey)
High School: Pasco High School; graduated in 2013

The 5-10, 173-pound shifty athlete overcame the odds as an undrafted rookie—and nagging injuries his last two college seasons—to make the Baltimore Ravens’ 53-man roster.

His prowess on special teams was a big reason why; penciled in as the team’s starting kick and punt returner.

Grant, 24, showcased that skillset in Week 1, with a field-flipping 51-yard return in the Ravens 47-3 home win over the Buffalo Bills, breaking several tackles, and utilizing his agility and straight-line speed.

Path to the pros
Grant’s path to the NFL wasn’t without some hardship, particularly in regard to staying healthy.

While at Rutgers, Grant suffered an ankle injury early in 2016 that forced him to miss all but four games and later gain a medical redshirt. He also battled ailments the following year as a fifth-year senior, able to play in just seven contests.

Despite limited action his final two collegiate seasons, Grant wound up becoming Rutgers’ all-time kickoff return yardage leader (2,857 yards) and tied for the NCAA record for combined kick return touchdowns (eight).

Meanwhile, Grant left a lasting legacy at Pasco High School, where he was a four-year starter and still holds the county record for most career touchdowns (77) by a skill player. The two-time All-State selection also tallied over 5,000 career all-purpose yards in his prep career.

Joey Ivie
(Courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs)

Joey Ivie, defensive tackle—Kansas City Chiefs
College: University of Florida
High School: Pasco High School; graduated in 2013

The 6-foot-3, 295-pound defensive tackle is now on his fourth NFL franchise since being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round (228th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Ivie, 23, was recently signed to the Chiefs practice squad after brief stints with the Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks, respectively.

He spent most of the 2017 regular season on the Falcons’ practice squad after being waived by the Cowboys before the start of that season.

Though he’s not yet seen any regular season action as a practice squad player, NFL teams seem to value his motor, energy and overall athleticism. Lack of desired mass and power as a run-stopper has been a knock, however.

Path to the pros
Ivie was a strong contributor to the Florida Gators since his freshman year. His best campaign came as a senior in 2016, starting 10 of 11 games while battling a thumb injury (26 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks).

Like Janarion Grant, Ivie himself shined for Pasco High School, where he posted a combined 142 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, and 20 sacks as a junior and senior. The skillset and production on the line helped him become a prized four-star recruit, with more than 20 Division I scholarship offers. Meanwhile, the Pirates went a combined 36-3 mark and captured three district titles in the three seasons Ivie spent on varsity.

Alex McGough
(Courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)

Alex McGough, quarterback—Seattle Seahawks
College: Florida International University
High School: Wesley Chapel High School (freshman year only), Gaither High School; graduated in 2014

Selected by the Seahawks in the seventh round (220th overall) of this year’s NFL Draft, the

6-foot-3, 214-pound signal-caller proved himself worthy of making the team’s practice squad roster after showing signs of potential throughout the preseason — completing 58 percent of his passes for 416 yards, three touchdowns and an interception, and rushing for 59 yards.

The Seahawks certainly seem to like the 23-year-old McGough, considering he’s the NFL’s third-highest paid practice squad player, according to NFL.com reporter Tom Pelissaro, earning $28,235 per week, totaling up to $451,760 for the entire season. (The minimum amount a team can pay their practice squad player is $7,600 per week totaling up to $120,000 for the regular season.)

McGough is one of three quarterbacks on the Seahawks roster, behind four-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson and fourth-year veteran Brett Hundley.

Path to the pros
McGough became FIU’s most decorated passer and set numerous school passing records across four years as a starter.

For his career, he completed 807 of 1335 passes (60.4 percent completion rate) for 9,091 yards, 65 touchdowns and 37 interceptions. He also rushed for 535 yards and 16 touchdowns.

McGough, surprisingly, was rather under-looked coming out of Gaither High School — where he tallied nearly 5,000 passing yards and more than 50 passing touchdowns in three varsity seasons — earning just two college scholarship offers (FIU and Colgate University, in upstate New York).

He’s certainly proved any doubters wrong, becoming just the fifth player from a Hillsborough County high school to be drafted as a quarterback in the last 50 years. The others are Robinson’s John Reaves (1972), Leto’s Gary Huff (’73), Chamberlain’s Dean May (’84) and Plant’s Aaron Murray (2014). (McGough transferred from Wesley Chapel High School to Gaither following his freshman year.)

Locals placed on NFL injured reserve for the 2018 season:

TJ Mutcherson, safety—Seattle Seahawks
College: University of Central Florida, Iowa State
High School: Freedom High School

Trey Johnson, cornerback—Pittsburgh Steelers
College: Villanova University (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
High School: Steinbrenner High School

Locals cut during the course of NFL preseason training camp

Jacob Pugh, linebacker—cut by the Seattle Seahawks
College: Florida State University
Schools: Godby High School (Tallahassee); Jefferson County High School (Monticello); Pasco Middle School (Dade City native)

Shaheed Salmon, linebacker—cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
College: Samford University (Homewood, Alabama)
High School: Land O’ Lakes High School

Published September 19, 2018