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Hanukkah begins Dec. 22

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The eight-day Jewish festival known as Hanukkah or Chanukah, this year runs from the evening of Dec. 22 to the evening of Dec. 30.

The celebration, also known as the “festival of lights,” commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem in second century B.C., where according to legend, Jews had risen up against their Syrian Greek oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.

Each year, Chabad at Wiregrass holds a Hanukkah celebration and menorah lighting at The Shops at Wiregrass. The synagogue will host the event on Dec. 29. (File)

As the story goes, once the Greeks were run out of the city, Maccabees took possession of the temple, and worked to purify it from the invasion. A menorah was required to burn throughout the night every night, but there was only a day’s supply of olive oil available — and it would take a week to produce more. Yet, the oil somehow lasted eight days, creating a “miracle” that has been celebrated ever since.

Hanukkah is celebrated toward the end of the Jewish month Kislev, which usually falls in November or December of the common calendar.

Jews today acknowledge the holiday by lighting a menorah (a candelabrum, also called a Hanukkiah) for eight nights, adding a candle each day until all eight, plus a head candle, are lit together.

The holiday is celebrated with traditional foods, such as pontshkes and latkes (jam-filled doughnuts and potato pancakes), along with gift exchanges, songs and melodies, prayers, and a recounting of the miracle. The holiday is also a time for kids to play games with a dreidel, a four-sided spinning top with a Hebrew letter on each side.

Hanukkah events

Where: Congregation Kol Ami, 3919 Moran Road, Tampa
What: Annual Congregational Hanukkah Party, including food, games, music and dancing, and outdoor lighting of the Hanukkiah.
When: Dec. 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Event is free and all are welcome
Info: Call (813) 962-6338, or email .

Where: Congregation Mekor Shalom, 14005A N. Dale Mabry Highway
What: Seventh annual Light Up the 1st Night Hanukkah Party. The celebration will include a communal lighting (bring your own Hanukkiah), latke bar, sweets, dreidel spin-off and sing-a-long, and storytime and crafts (for children under 8 years old). Event also will include a white elephant gift exchange for Mekor Shalom youth in grades seven through 10.
When: Dec. 22 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Info: Call (813) 963-1818, or visit MekorShalom.org.

Where: Trinity Community Park, 11530 Trinity Blvd., adjacent to the Pasco Sheriff’s District Office/Pasco Fire Rescue Station
What: Chabad of West Pasco presents its Grand Chanukah Celebration. The event will feature Blaise Ryndes’ Bubble Show, seen on America’s Got Talent; also, Chanukah crafts for kids, latkes and doughnuts, face painting, music, balloon sculpting and appearances from local dignitaries.
When: Dec. 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Event is free and open to the community.
Info: Call (727) 376-3366, or email .

Where: Congregation Beth Am, 2030 W. Fletcher Ave., Tampa
What: Chanukah Potluck Supper and Menorah Building Contest. Attendees are encouraged to bring a Chanukiah and a dairy or vegetarian dish, as Men’s Club potato latkes will be provided. Attendees also are encouraged to participate in Beth Am’s annual menorah-building contest. The candles should all be at the same level to be considered kosher. The contest is limited to one entry per family or person, and there will be prizes. Event also will feature singing with the Cantor and an opportunity to participate in Shabbat.
When: Dec. 27 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Info: Call (813) 968-8511, or email .

Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, in front of Dillard’s
What: Chabad at Wiregrass will host its annual Chanukah Street Fair, a family friendly event that will feature an obstacle course, live DJ rock climbing, 3D Chanukah video game, criss-cross race, face painting, balloon twisting, latkes and doughnuts, a stilt walker, Chanukah crafts, raffle and more. Reko, from the American Ninja Warrior television series, also will make an appearance and provide live entertainment.
When: Dec. 29 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Event is free and open to the public.
Info: Call (813) 642-3244, email , or visit ChabadatWiregrass.com.

Where: AdventHealth Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel
What: Young Israel of Tampa’s 15th annual Hanukkah on Ice. The event will feature the lighting of a large ice sculpted menorah, ice skating, Jewish music, kosher food stand, arts and crafts, latkes and a raffle.
When: Dec. 29 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Admission is $5 and includes ice skate rental.
Info and RSVP: Call (813) 832-3018.

Where: Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Veranda C tailgate
What: Celebrate Chanukah with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, featuring a pre-game concert from the Big Picture Band and a menorah lighting with team owner Bryan Glazer. Kosher lunch, latkes, doughnuts and dessert also will be served.
When: Dec. 29 at 11 a.m.
Cost: Game ticket and pre-game tailgate packages start at $60. Pre-game tailgate for season pass members is $10.
Info: Visit Buccaneers/com/JHD.

Published December 18, 2019

Youth league blends football, life lessons

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In this youth football program, life lessons are just as important as fundamentals of tackling, blocking or catching.

Winning is nice and all, but the Keystone Bills youth football and cheerleading organization is more about developing tomorrow’s leaders, officials say.

Coach Jermaine Clemons shares pointers on blocking techniques with several of his offensive players during a recent practice at Keystone Park in Odessa. In addition to coaching, Clemons also serves as the current athletic director for the Keystone Bills Youth Organization. (Christine Holtzman)

“We’re really trying to build young men and young women,” said Bills president/athletic director Jermaine Clemons, who’s in his fourth year with the group.

“It’s bigger than just football,” said Bills U14 varsity coach Juan Long, who’s been with the organization for 13 years.

That theme is emphasized in the organization’s three pillars — respect, community development and education.

The Bills offer flag football, tackle football, and cheerleading for ages 5 through 14. The organization was established in 1976, serving northwest Hillsborough County and Odessa.

It currently has about 160 players across five youth divisions, plus dozens of cheerleaders.

The organization has enjoyed its share of success in recent years, especially at the higher levels.

Under Long’s watch, the Bills won Tampa Bay Youth Football League (TBYFL) varsity titles in 2013 and 2017.

The team of 13- and 14-year-olds is enjoying another solid season, with a 6-2 mark.

While holding onto a roster, Coach Dave Saunders observes his offense players run individual drills, as they perfect their deep routes. Saunders was an all-conference receiver at West Virginia University in the late 1990s who went on to play nine years of arena ball. He is currently the varsity wider receiver coach for Gaither High School in Tampa.

“Juan really coaches it,” Clemons said. “He coaches his players up, and he’s very detail-oriented. He runs a defense almost like a college team. They run an offense almost like a college team. It’s not, ‘Line up and run right, run left.’ There are small details.”

But Long, also an assistant at Steinbrenner High, isn’t out there simply to win ballgames.

“I really don’t care about a trophy,” he said. “I care about if (kids) want to come back because they had a great experience, a great time with us.

“Every year I tell the parents, ‘My job is to make them better brothers, better sons, better husbands for the future.’ That’s the main goal, to establish more of the characteristics of these kids, as opposed to just being a football player. I know if we’ve done the other things correctly, we’ve done our job.”

Parent volunteer Jennifer Green witnesses it first-hand with her three sons, who each play for the Bills.

Green explained Bills coaches stay on players about their schoolwork and even offer tutoring sessions before regular Tuesday and Thursday night practices at Keystone Park in Odessa. Coaches also require players to face their teammates if they miss a practice or game due to a behavior or off-the-field issue.

“They’re 100% not just here to make your child a better football player,” she said, “They’re here to build men.”

It’s something 14-year-old Tre Wilson has grown to appreciate.

On the field, Wilson about has it covered, as a versatile athlete who can play running back, receiver, quarterback and returner. The Gaither High freshman also has the bloodlines, as father Eugene Wilson II is a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots who also played for the Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an eight-year NFL career between 2003-2010.

But, it’s the mentorship from coaches that sticks out most to the younger Wilson.

Cheerleaders with the Midget Cheer Squad practice an extension pyramid, under the direction of Midget Head Coach Melissa Lindstrom. The squad is made up of girls, ages 11 and 12.

“They’ve shown me experiences about life, as I’m growing up,” he said. “Over the years, they’ve taught me not only about football, but being the best on and off (the field).”

Aside from life lessons of course, Bills coaches impart their fair share of football advice.

They’ve got the pedigree to do so.

Clemons was a running back at the University of South Florida in the late 1990s under head coach Jim Leavitt.

Long was a linebacker at Mississippi State University in the early 1990s, and had a brief stint in the NFL and played several years in the Arena Football League.

Another coach, Dave Saunders, was an all-conference receiver at West Virginia University in the late 1990s who has the third-most receiving yards in school history. He went on to play nine years of arena ball, including four season with the Tampa Bay Storm (2002-2005).

The experience resonates with players and parents alike, said Green, whose boys spent time in other youth football leagues in the Tampa Bay area.

“We’ve been drawn here by the level of coaching that is available,” she said. “The level of coaching here is a lot more intense. To have that level of experience out there, not every person can bring that out.”

The diverse and decorated football backgrounds help get kids to heed coaches’ principles, Long explained.

“You don’t need to be a former player in order to get credibility,” Long said, “but, at the same point in time, especially with today’s generation, you do at least get their attention.”

“We have that experience, so we can relate to the kids from that standpoint. They know, ‘Hey, these guys have been there and done it, they’ve seen things at the highest level, then maybe we should listen to them, because they’re trying to steer us in the right direction.’”

Published October 23, 2019

Bishop McLaughlin hires football coach with NFL pedigree

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It’s not often a former NFL and NCAA Division I coach comes knocking on the door of a local high school wanting to coach youth football.

But, that’s what happened at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School.

Joe Vaughn

Joe Vaughn spent the last seven seasons — from 2012 to 2018 — as an assistant strength and conditioning coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Before that, from 2006 to 2011, Vaughn served a similar role for NCAA Division I FBS (Football Ball Subdivision) University of Kansas – also his alma mater where he earned All-Big 12 and offensive team MVP honors playing center in the early 2000s.

The latest addition to his resume: Bishop McLaughlin Hurricanes head football coach.

Since exiting the Buccaneers franchise this offseason, the 36-year-old Wesley Chapel resident has continued training professional athletes at The Clinic, a sports and fitness performance center in Tampa. His clientele includes Carolina Panthers (and former Buccaneers All-Pro) defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, as well as current Buccaneers — linebacker Kwon Alexander, offensive tackle Demar Dotson and tight end O.J. Howard.

In addition to personal training, Vaughn figured it to be a prime opportunity to dive into the prep football ranks and help teach the game to youth — at a school where his friend and co-mentor, Rex Desvaristes, is the new athletic director.

“We got to talking and he wanted me to join his staff and I told him I would help him out, and it wound up just getting an interview for the head coaching job,” Vaughn said.

“It just came at the right time,” he said.

Vaughn was officially named Bishop McLaughlin’s new football coach on July 2, less than two months before the prep season gets underway.

Vaughn’s hiring “was a no-brainer,” said Desvaristes, who previously served as athletic director at Citrus Park Christian School in Tampa.

New Bishop McLaughlin Hurricanes head football coach Joe Vaughn, center, offers some instruction to youth during a recent football camp at the school. Vaughn spent more than a decade as a strength and conditioning coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and NCAA Division I FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) University of Kansas. (Courtesy of Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School)

The Hurricanes athletic director explained Vaughn “stood out” from other applicants in the coaching search and interview process. He cited Vaughn’s experience and passion, combined with his football knowledge and teaching ability.

Said Desvaristes: “We wanted to see an improvement in our football program and I definitely think with Joe, it brings the energy to our school that we needed to jolt this football program and this athletics program in that direction. For him to be in our program, it’s a true blessing, so we’re excited to have him here.”

He continued, “At the end of the day, we want to be able to give these kids coaches like coach Vaughn — coaches that are able to teach them so they can learn. I think that’s what kids nowadays need, is somebody they can learn from who’s played the game, who’s coached the game at the highest level.”

Vaughn takes over a football program that has faced struggles in recent years.

The Pasco County private school finished 4-5 last season under former coach Tico Hernandez and hasn’t experienced a winning season since 2012, when the Hurricanes went 6-5 under coach Derrick Alexander, an ex-NFL defensive lineman who at one time worked in the Cleveland Browns front office.

Overall win-loss records aside, the new coach believes the program has tools in place to win —  encouraged by what he’s seen in watching returning players’ game film from last year, from talent to effort levels.

“We’ve got a few athletes — I think more than a few athletes. The positive is the guys play pretty hard…and I can tell they care about football,” he said.

To put his spin on the program, Vaughn said he plans to instill “a winning mentality” and have the team “play within their skillset.”

“We’re going to be assignment sound,” the coach said. “We’re going to know what we can do, what we cannot do, we’re not going to overextend ourselves, and we’re going to stay simple, but focused, and I believe when you stay simple and you stay focused then you’re much more effective than when you’re trying to do something that’s not in your skillset or over the top.”

The coach said that all begins with hitting the weight room and getting back to the basic fundamentals of running, form tackling, ball pursuit and more.

“Once we do the little things, that’s building a foundation and then we can build on that,” he said.

Without venturing too deep into Xs and Os, Vaughn offered up a little glimpse into the style of play the Hurricanes will employ in 2019: “We’re going to run the ball at Bishop, our D-line’s going to come off the ball, those are our focus points right there. Coming off the ball, the other things will come.”

Meantime, in just a few short weeks on the job, the veteran NFL and college coach already feels comfortable in his new role. He pointed to the immediate embrace he’s received from school administration.

“I like how just everybody seems very supportive at Bishop,” Vaughn said. “It’s been a warm situation going into…so it just makes you want to do the very best that you can. I think winning programs also have great support systems, and I think Bishop has that, all around.”

Published July 31, 2019

Land O’ Lakes standout finds home in new pro football league

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Not too long ago, Shaheed Salmon was making thumping defensive stops as an All-State linebacker all over the gridiron of John Benedetto Stadium at Land O’ Lakes High School.

He’s still doing the same — now, as a professional football player.

The 2014 Land O’ Lakes High graduate is a backup linebacker in the American Alliance of Football’s (AAF) Birmingham Iron franchise.

The league is about the closest level to the NFL as you can get.

Former Land O’ Lakes High standout Shaheed Salmon is now playing professional football in the Alliance of American Football’s Birmingham Iron franchise, where he’s a reserve linebacker. Salmon graduated from Land O’ Lakes in 2014, then went on to star at Division I FCS Samford University. (Courtesy of Birmingham Iron)

It features numerous NFL veteran players and coaches, plus dozens of big names from the college football ranks.

Salmon’s team alone includes one of the league’s most recognizable faces — running back Trent Richardson, a former NFL first round pick and two-time BCS National Champion and All-American at the University of Alabama.

“The competition — it’s great,” Salmon said in a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News. “You look to your left and you’re playing with someone who played at Alabama, at the highest level, even in the NFL.”

The AAF launched this year by television producer Charlie Ebersol and Hall of Fame NFL general manager Bill Polian.

The eight-team, 10-game season league is an unofficial complement to the NFL by showcasing developing talent.

Play began in February, with games broadcast on CBS, CBS Sports Network, NFL Network and other properties.

Salmon played collegiately at Division I FCS Samford (Homewood, Alabama), where he developed into an All-Conference standout as one of the nation’s most productive tacklers.

Post-college, the 6-foot-2, 227-pound Salmon signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in May.

He was cut three months later after suffering an ankle injury.

Salmon admittedly was unsure what the future held for his football career, as he worked to rehab his injury and get back into playing shape.

“There was definitely a week or two I was kind of confused of what I was going to do next with my path,” Salmon said.

Salmon said he considered entering the Canadian Football League, but “luckily I got a contract to come to the Alliance.”

Salmon made the 52-man Iron squad following a league-wide training camp back in January.

Salmon has, like other AAF players, a non-guaranteed contract worth $250,000 over three years, with additional bonuses tied to performance, statistics and fan engagement.

Shaheed Salmon lettered all four years at Land O’ Lakes, earning All-State, All-Conference and All-County nods. The linebacker registered 261 career tackles and 20.5 sacks, including 117 stops as a senior. (File)

While not NFL money, it’s still a good chunk of change by most standards.

Moreover, Salmon gets to play in a city that’s just a stone’s throw away from his old college stomping grounds.

“You know, I feel real comfortable here in the 205 (area code),” Salmon said, “because I look at the fans and I see a lot of familiar faces, just coming to support me and stuff, so it’s really neat to be back in Birmingham.”

He’s quickly made a name for himself as a pro.

Salmon received some national attention when he made a pivotal play in the Iron’s Week 2, 12-9 win over the Salt Lake City Stallions on Feb. 16.

In a nationally televised broadcast on TNT, Salmon recovered a fumble — forced by teammate Jamar Summers on a punt return — in the end zone near the end of the third quarter, shifting momentum the Iron’s way as it fought back from a deficit.

Recognition followed on national television, sports websites and social media.

Salmon remains humble about the moment.

“I was just grateful for the touchdown. Jamar made an excellent play, and I just kind of did my job and I was at the right place at the right time,” he said.

Besides the fumble recovery for touchdown, Salmon has one assisted tackle through three games, playing mainly in a reserve role.

Like others in the AAF, Salmon dreams of getting to the NFL someday.

The AAF is regarded as a farm system of sorts for the NFL.

In fact, the league has an “NFL out” written into its player contracts, allowing players in the league to sign with an NFL team if given the opportunity.

“That’s everyone’s goal in this league; everyone’s trying to get back to the NFL,” Salmon said.

Salmon acknowledged that widespread goal brings an added layer of competitiveness and intensity to the startup league.

He explained: “Everyone that’s in this league was pretty much told no (by NFL teams), so it kind of makes them hungry, so that everyone’s a competitor.”

Salmon’s more immediate target, however, isn’t on the NFL.

Instead, it’s striving to do the best he can for the Iron.

“I’m just trying to perfect myself in this defense that we’re playing in,” he said. “I’m just focused right now on this team.”

Meantime, Salmon reflects fondly on his days at Land O’ Lakes.

He lettered in football all four years, collecting 261 career tackles and 20.5 sacks, including 117 stops as a senior in 2013.

The pro footballer said his favorite year as a Gator was as a wide-eyed freshman on varsity in 2010.

(That team finished 9-2, but later had all its wins forfeited after being found guilty of recruiting violations by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA).)

“I was on varsity, so it was just an exciting feeling (as a freshman),” Salmon said. “We were pretty good, too, so I just soaked up all the knowledge I could from the older guys and stuff, so that experience was pretty cool.”

Salmon can next be seen in action March 9, when the Iron hosts the Orlando Apollos. Game start is scheduled for 2 p.m., ET on B/R Live. The game can be streamed online at Live.bleacherreport.com.

Published March 6, 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

McGough, other local athletes get NFL shots

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The 2018 NFL Draft has come and gone, and one athlete from The Laker/Lutz News Coverage area had the privilege of hearing his name called during the three-day event from April 26 to April 28 — Gaither High School product Alex McGough.

McGough was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round (220th overall) as a quarterback out of Florida International University.

Florida International University/Gaither High quarterback Alex McGough was selected in the seventh round (220th overall) by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2018 NFL Draft. (File)

A four-year starter, the 6-foot-3, 214-pound McGough cemented his legacy as FIU’s most decorated passer, completing 807-1335 passes (60.4 percent completion rate) for 9,091 yards, 65 touchdowns and 37 interceptions. He also rushed for 535 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Last season, he guided FIU to an 8-5 record — the program’s third-ever winning season and first since 2011 — a mark achieved in Butch Davis’ first season as FIU head coach.

“I couldn’t be happier for Alex,” Davis said, in a released statement on McGough’s draft selection. “His passion, leadership and performance last year was incredible. He played a huge role in our team’s success, and he has absolutely earned this opportunity to play in the NFL.”

In a post-draft media conference call, McGough said he’s “beyond grateful” to get chosen by the Seahawks, adding he’s “ready to get to work.”

Said McGough, “I wanted to come into the draft just kind of open-minded, and obviously, whatever happened, happened…The only thing I could control was the work I put in. I’m very happy with what I put in, and Seattle saw that and they took me.”

Though he didn’t earn an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine in March, many NFL draft analysts viewed McGough as a late-round sleeper, spotlighting his physical tools, poise, and red zone accuracy, while also spotlighting his limitations.

An ESPN.com draft analysis characterized McGough as “a good athlete with a good frame, though his hands (9 1/8 inches) are on the smaller side. His 30:19 touchdown-to-interception ratio over the past two seasons isn’t ideal.”

Seattle brought McGough in for a private workout a few weeks prior to last month’s draft. During his visit McGough said he developed a connection with quarterbacks’ coach Dave Canales and came away overall impressed with the organization.

“It’s an organization full of great people, and they want to win bad,” McGough said.

McGough was one of 13 quarterback prospects taken in this year’s draft and the

first by the Seahawks since Russell Wilson was selected in the third round of the 2012 draft.

Besides Wilson, Seattle’s starting quarterback and a four-time Pro Bowler, the roster includes two other quarterbacks — seven-year veteran Austin Davis and second-year player Stephen Morris.

McGough likely will have to beat out one of those backups in training camp and preseason to solidity a roster spot.

“I’m a competitor that wants to win and I’ll do everything to win,” McGough said. “I just want to play football and succeed.”

Though he’s facing a relative uphill battle, McGough is no stranger to perseverance, nor proving doubters wrong.

He most recently underwent a full recovery from a broken left collarbone he suffered in the Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl in December.

And, despite a noteworthy high school career — amassing more than 5,100 career passing yards and 52 touchdown passes in four varsity seasons — McGough was rather under-looked. He earned just two football scholarship offers (FIU and Colgate University, in upstate New York). He went on to achieve instant success at FIU, setting numerous school passing records and then becoming the program’s eighth player to be drafted in its 14-year football history.

Meanwhile, McGough joins rare company as 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.)

Besides McGough, a handful of other athletes with ties to The Laker/Lutz News coverage area have been given shots with various NFL teams, signing as either priority undrafted free agents or invited tryout players.

Each will have an opportunity to stick with their respective teams at rookie mini-camps, which run from May 11 through May 14.

Here’s a closer look at the others:

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

(File)

When healthy, the 5-foot-9, 177-pound receiver was one of the most electrifying offensive playmakers in college football, chiefly in the return game. But, Grant struggled to stay on the field of late, playing in a combined 11 games the last two seasons, dealing with an ankle injury and other nagging ailments. Despite limited action in 2016 and 2017, Grant

became Rutgers’ all-time kickoff return-yardage leader (2,857 yards) and tied for the NCAA record for combined kick return touchdowns (eight). That skill on special teams perhaps gives him a leg up on other tryout players the Ravens signed.

Before college, 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. He was also a two-time All-State selection.

Also notable, Grant is the grandnephew of Lacoochee native Jim “Mudcat” Grant, a 14-year MLB veteran and two-time All-Star, who, in 1965 became the first black pitcher to win 20 games in a season in the American League and the first black pitcher to win a World Series game for the American League.

Trey Johnson, defensive back—Pittsburgh Steelers (priority undrafted free agent)
College: Villanova University (Villanova, Pennsylvania)
High School: Steinbrenner High School; graduated in 2013

(Courtesy of Villanova University Athletics)

A standout defensive back at a small school in the FCS ranks — 45 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one interception and 13 pass break-ups in 2017 — Johnson further landed on NFL scouts’ radars after showcasing elite athleticism at Villanova’s Pro Day in late March. At the sanctioned workout, the 5-foot-11, 177-pound Johnson touched 36 inches in the vertical jump, reached 10-foot-8 in the broad jump and posted a sizzling 4.37-second 40-yard dash.

Johnson becomes the first Steinbrenner High graduate to sign an NFL contract. There, Johnson earned four varsity letters in football, as well as three in basketball and two in track. He was also inducted into the National Honor Society.

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

(Courtesy of Florida State University Athletics)

A decorated high school player and highly-touted blue chip prospect who won state championships at two different north Florida programs, the Dade City native never seemed to fully blossom at Florida State, where he posted a combined 108 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, seven sacks and two interceptions across four seasons.

Solid numbers, sure, but a bit anticlimactic considering Pugh was named an Under Armour High School All-American and widely viewed as one of the nation’s top five linebacker prospects in the 2014 recruiting class.

Blessed with length, agility and athleticism in a sturdy 6-foot-4, 246-pound frame, Pugh has moldable traits to stick on an NFL roster.

Pugh attended Pasco Middle School before his family moved to the Panhandle, where he began, and ended, his prep career.

His ties to east Pasco run deep. His uncles, Darren and Troy Hambrick, led Pasco High to the county’s only state championship (1992) before spending five years each in the NFL. He’s also related to Pasco High alums Janarion Grant (Rutgers) and Josh Johnson, a former NFL who now plays in the Canadian Football League. Pugh is also cousins with fellow Auburn wide receiver Nate Craig-Myers, a Dade City native who attended Tampa Catholic, where he was one of the most prized football recruits to come out of the Tampa Bay area in years.

Shaheed Salmon, linebacker—Tampa Bay Buccaneers (mini-camp tryout invitation)
College: Samford University (Homewood, Alabama)
High School: Land O’ Lakes High School; graduated in 2014

(File)

The 6-foot-2, 232-pound outside linebacker solidified himself as one of the most dominant tacklers in the FCS ranks the last two seasons, racking up a combined 202 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks in 2016 and 2017. Though an undrafted player from a lower-level division of college football, a path to the NFL isn’t out of the question for Salmon, as more than 150 FCS players made NFL active rosters in 2017.

At Land O’ Lakes, Salmon was a four-year starter and an All-State selection as a senior. He also competed in basketball and track.

Published May 9, 2018

New Land O’ Lakes football coach embraces program’s traditions

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Chad Walker, a veteran college football assistant, is bringing his experience to Land O’ Lakes High as its new head varsity football coach.

He is replacing Brian Wachtel, who resigned in November after a combined 25-42 mark in seven seasons. His only winning season was in 2013, when the team went 8-3.

Walker, was among 40 applicants for the position.

The Pennsylvania native was selected from a field of 11 applicants interviewed for the job, according to Land O’ Lakes High School athletic director Michael Frump.

Chad Walker has been named Land O’ Lakes High School’s new varsity head football coach. The 33-year-old has a decade of coaching experience, primarily at the postsecondary level. (Courtesy of Chad Walker)

At 33, Walker is relatively young. But, he doesn’t lack experience. He’s coached at the postsecondary level for about a decade.

His stops include Division II Pace University in New York, where he served as offensive coordinator/quarterback coach; Bridgton Academy in Maine, as head coach; Division III Kenyon College in Ohio, as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach; Division I FCS Lafayette College, coaching linebackers, tight ends and special teams; and Randolph-Macon College in Virginia, as defensive line coach.

Several of those roles required rebuilding and transforming losing programs into stable ones, Walker said.

He looks to do the same at Land O’ Lakes.

“I coached at Kenyon College, where we hadn’t won a game in four years. Pace University, the same sort of thing. So, I’ve always been a part of these turnaround jobs. I’ve really kind of learned what works, what doesn’t work,” Walker said in a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News.

Walker’s playing career also is notable.

Groomed as a tight end, he earned four varsity letters at Lafayette from 2002 to 2005 and was a Patriot League All-Conference selection in 2005.

He later played professionally for two years in NFL Italy as a player/coach and the European Federation of American Football in Sweden. A knee injury ended his playing career and routed him to coaching.

“Football’s my passion,” Walker said.

For the past year, Walker has served as director of football operations/quarterback coach at Tampa-based Applied Science and Performance Institute (ASPI), which provides advanced training to elite athletes and pro football hopefuls. He now is overseeing logistics for nearly 50 football players, as they gear up for the NFL Combine.

At APSI, he’s gotten to work alongside former Tampa Bay Buccaneers like Yo Murphy, Reidel Anthony, Booger McFarland, Todd Washington and others.

“Being around these former NFL players, seeing how they relate to the guys, seeing as how they coach on the field during position drills and different things — it’s really continued to help me grow, not only in the football side of things, but also in life,” Walker said.

While he balances his duties at APSI, Walker has been familiarizing himself with the Gators program.

He’s met with current and prospective players and assistant coaches, and has observed offseason workouts and weightlifting sessions.

He’s also spent time watching film of the 2017 season, evaluating returning players and their skillsets, while scouting team opponents.

He’s also in the process of filling out the rest of his coaching staff.

“One thing that caught my eye about Land O’ Lakes was the tradition,” Walker said. “Obviously, there’s some things to be done, but there’s some tools in place,” he added.

Walker becomes Land O’ Lakes’ fifth head football coach since the program started in 1975. In addition to Wachtel, previous head coaches were Matt Kitchie, John Benedetto and Dan Sikes.

For many years, Land O’ Lakes had one of the top football programs in Pasco County, earning a string of 14 straight playoff appearances from 1997 to 2009 under coaches Benedetto and Kitchie.

However, the recent success of other programs in the county — as well as an ever-challenging district — have made winning consistently a tall task.

Despite taking over a Gators program in the midst of four straight losing seasons—and a 4-5 mark in 2017— Walker is optimistic about the future.

Said Walker, “I don’t necessarily think there’s an overhaul that needs to be done or a complete cultural change because I do think there’s a foundation there that you currently don’t see at a lot of places when people talk about, ‘Well, there hasn’t been success in the past.’

“I think Coach Wachtel laid a pretty sturdy foundation with that, and now it’s just to try and take it to the next level, and obviously get guys to buy into what my philosophy is and what our foundation’s going to be, and just learn to compete and to grow,” Walker said.

Part of that starts with encouraging more Land O’ Lakes athletes — such as the school’s basketball players — to join the football team.

“There are definitely athletes in the school right now I think can benefit not only the football program, but could benefit them as well,” Walker said, adding he went to see a Gators varsity basketball game within the first few weeks of being hired.

The new coach is mum on the types of schemes he plans to implement on offense and defense, but described it as “something that I’ve been successful with, and something I think the kids will enjoy as well.”

He added: “At the end of the day, it’s about the kids and bringing back some excitement in the Land O’ Lakes football program. We’re going to be, I think, fun to watch on Friday evenings.”

Playbooks aside, the Gators should have budding talent to work with — on both sides of the ball — in 2018.

Leading rusher Kyle Leivas, who tallied 1,050 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2017, is expected to return for his senior season, teaming up with a promising quarterback, Ethan Forrester, who will be a junior this season.

On defense, the Gators are expected to return its top three tacklers in linebackers Myron Bloom (76 tackles, two sacks) and Clayton Hendriksen (75 tackles, 1.5 sacks), and safety Nate Howard (66 tackles, one interception).

Meanwhile, Walker’s experiences — especially as a college coach — may yield additional recruiting and scholarship opportunities for some of those Land O’ Lakes players.

“I do think one thing that is beneficial that I do bring to the high school level is the understanding of recruiting,” the new Gators coach said.

That includes such things as “how to market yourself to a college coach” and “how to market yourself to an admissions office academically,” he said.

There are also other things that need to be addressed, including community service and “growing yourself as a young man to put yourself in the right position,” Walker said.

NOTE: Spring practices begin in Florida on April 23; the first allowable day of contact practices is April 28.

Published February 21, 2018

Cypress Creek football coach earns weekly honor

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Elsewhere in the Pasco County prep football scene, Cypress Creek head football coach Mike Johnson recently earned Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coach of the Week honors for his team’s Week 1 win over Gulf High on Aug. 25 — the school’s inaugural regular season football game.

The honor means Johnson will receive a $2,000 grant to help maintain and upgrade the Cypress Creek football program.

Cypress Creek head football coach Mike Johnson earned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coach of the Week honors for his team’s Week 1 win over Gulf High on Aug. 25. (File)

At the conclusion of the season, a Buccaneers High School Coach of the Year will be selected and earn an additional award from the pro franchise.

Candidates are chosen based on coaches that have led their schools to an impressive victory, and demonstrated a commitment to fundamentals, player safety, sportsmanship, academic development and community engagement.

Johnson, in his first year as a varsity head coach, has no seniors on the roster, as only underclassmen from Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass high schools were rezoned to Cypress Creek. The school, at 8701 Old Pasco Road, has about 1,500 students in grades six through 11 this year.

The first-year program also was at a disadvantage when it had limited participation in spring drills and no spring game, as most players were occupied with other sports and activities at their former schools.

Johnson previously coached at Stuart Middle School and served as an offensive line coach at Wesley Chapel High School, under former head coach Ben Alford.

Johnson, who also was a former defensive back at Division III Eureka College in Illinois, bases his coaching foundation on what he refers to as the “5Cs”— Commitment, Consistency, Courage, Communication and Compassion.

Published September 13, 2017

Facility upgrades highlight Leaguerettes 2017 season

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Coming off a calendar year of fast-pitch softball, the Lutz Leaguerettes have taken another step forward.

The girls recreational softball league recently announced the completion of several new capital improvement projects at both Oscar Cooler and Nye parks.

Some of the highlights:

  • Field refurbishments, including new clay and magnetic break-free bases on all five fields
  • Outdoor batting turfs and mats for hitting cages
  • New remote-operated scoreboards
  • Updated concession area with a sound system
  • Remodeled board room with new carpet and paint job
  • Park security cameras

Hillsborough County owns both parks, but the Leaguerettes have a field-usage agreement, and work closely with county’s parks and recreation department.

New clay surfaces are one of the many facility upgrades for the Lutz Leaguerettes 2017 spring fast-pitch season. The girls recreational fast-pitch organization plays its games at both Oscar Cooler Park and Nye Park. (Courtesy of Mike Cook)

Mike Cook, president of the Lutz Leaguerettes, said the additions were made gradually during the past 18 months to two years.

He estimates more than $40,000 in upgrades were made via a combination of donations, league funds and various sponsorships.

“We try not to skimp on equipment, because it gets used every day,” Cook said.

Affiliations with local professional sports teams (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Lightning, USF Bulls) and other businesses (Disney World, Great Clips, Publix) also helped make the upgrades possible, he said.

“We work with a lot of different organizations,” Cook said. “We work with whoever we can.”

Though he’s unsure of a timeline, the league president said he’d eventually like to install CCTV video cameras for each field; the cameras would allow players’ families and friends to live stream Leaguerettes games through a computer.

The announced upgrades, meanwhile, follow what was an eventful 2016 for the organization.

Last January, the Leaguerettes announced they were offering a recreational fast-pitch league for the first time in its 37-year history.

Just six months later, the Leaguerettes discontinued their slow-pitch leagues altogether, citing dwindling registration figures and an overwhelming preference for fast-pitch.

(Other softball programs — the Brandon Leaguerettes, North Tampa Leaguerettes, Tampa Bay Velocity and FishHawk Miss Tampa Bay Softball — all transitioned exclusively to fast-pitch over the past few seasons.)

For the Leaguerettes, the exclusive move to fast pitch has been a success thus far.

The 2016 fall fast-pitch season reportedly had about 160 players.

That figure, Cook said, was about three times as many as previous slow-pitch fall leagues, which typically drew “40 or 50 players.”

“We were pleasantly surprised to get as many registered players as we did,” Cook said of the fall season. “I think a lot of that has to do with the upgrades to the field…and the word spreading of moving over to fast pitch.

“I’m really happy with the turnout.”

Meantime, the 2017 Leaguerettes spring season is just around the corner.

Registration is open through Jan. 21, with the season slated to kick off in February.

The spring league is limited to the first 300 players that sign up, due to available field space and resources; about 130 players were registered, as of Jan. 11.

Cook said six divisions will likely be offered, for girls ages 4 to 18.

They include: t-ball (ages 4-5), 8U (ages 6-8), 10U (ages 8-10), 12U (10-12), 14U (ages 12-14), 16U (ages 14 to 16) and 18U (ages 16 to 18).

Despite “some growing pains” in the initial transition to fast pitch, the second full season should be smoother, Cook acknowledged.

“We’ve had a lot to learn—a lot of meetings and a lot of different ideas,” Cook said. “We had to learn the rules of fast pitch compared to slow pitch.”

In fact, the organization brought in a few fast-pitch experts, training Leaguerettes coaches and players via skill clinics. League board members, too, spoke at length with high school coaches and athletic directors, learning the nuances of the game.

In general, the offensive strategy differs between fast pitch and slow pitch.

In fast pitch, the general offensive approach is to play ‘small ball,’ where bunting, slapping and hitting singles are heavily relied upon to generate runs. Conversely, offensive players in slow-pitch softball are often taught to hit the ball as far as possible, due to the relative ease at making contact.

More protective gear, such as facemasks, is also required in fast pitch.

“We’re at the point where we’re pretty sufficient in our knowledge of the game; a lot of people are happy about fast pitch,” Cook said. “We’re continuously evolving,”

The league president also noted there aren’t too many requests for slow pitch anymore.

“I think we’re at the point where everybody realizes we’re completely fast pitch, and now we’re just in the process of growing the league.”

Even so, the league’s “ultimate objective” remains the same — create a family based atmosphere in a community setting.

And, let the youngsters have fun. The Leaguerettes are a PONY (Protect Our Nation’s Youth) Softball affiliate. For more information, visit LutzSoftball.com.

Published January 18, 2017

Former Wharton standout back in Tampa Bay

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It’s not often a local high school football star is drafted in the NFL.

It’s even less likely for a prep star to be drafted his hometown NFL franchise in the first round of the draft.

But that’s what happened when former Wharton High cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III was picked 11th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2016 NFL Draft on April 28.

Hargreaves, who graduated from Wharton High in 2013, still reminisces the three years he spent on the Wildcats’ varsity football team, playing for longtime Wharton head coach, David Mitchell.

Wharton High alum Vernon Hargreaves III was drafted in No. 11 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2016 NFL Draft on April 29. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Wharton High alum Vernon Hargreaves III was drafted in No. 11 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2016 NFL Draft on April 29.
(Courtesy of Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

“Those were great,” Hargreaves said about his Wharton playing days, during a recorded media conference. “You know, Coach Mitchell’s a great coach. …He taught me how to work hard, he taught me how to be a great player, how to be the best and I’m excited to be back home.”

The opportunity to “be back home” was a dream come true for Hargreaves, who played three collegiate seasons with the Florida Gators before declaring for the NFL Draft.

“It’s surreal. It was the best thing I ever could have asked for,” the two-time All-American said. “It doesn’t get better than to get drafted by your home team. …I’m 40 minutes away from the facilities and it’s great. I can see my mom (Jackie) when I want to now, it’s awesome.”

Hargreaves, the son of Vernon Hargreaves Jr. — a linebackers coach at the University of Arkansas — believes he has the skillset and football acumen to make an immediate impact for the Bucs as a rookie.

“Playing in the SEC (Southeastern Conference) gave me the experience and the opportunity to cover guys of that (NFL) caliber. Seeing them already…gives me a place to start on how I can slow these guys down,” he said.

“I’m very confident in myself, very confident in my abilities.”

Listed at 5-foot-10, some pundits feel Hargreaves lacks the desired height to succeed against taller receivers at the next level.

Jason Licht, Bucs general manager, disagrees with those sentiments.

“There have been a lot of Pro Bowl corners – a lot – that have been his size: 5-10 and a half,” Licht said during the media conference. “Great players come in a lot of different sizes and different packages. We feel that his thickness and his build, he’s a sturdy player, he can press, he can tackle and he’s very quick and athletic and has good ball skills. Vernon is a guy that we feel brings a lot of versatility.”

“I’m just an overall good football player,” Hargreaves said. “Love to play ball, can adapt to any type of defense, any type of receiver. I’ve covered them all. I can play bump-coverage, can play man-coverage. All of that is in my game.”

At Wharton, Hargreaves was widely considered one of, if not, the best high school cornerback in the nation for the 2013 recruiting class. During his time in a Wildcats varsity uniform, Hargreaves racked up 203 tackles and nine interceptions. He was also a standout track athlete, where his long jump (22’ 3.50) ranks second in school history, and his 100-meter dash (11.17 seconds) ranks fifth in school history. His natural athleticism, combined with his on-field football prowess made him a consensus five-star recruit boasting more than 50 college scholarship offers, before he chose the University of Florida.

Though he’s just months removed from his college career and a few years removed from his high school career, Hargreaves isn’t shy about stepping into the NFL spotlight.

“It’s going to be exciting,” he said. “I’m ready to showcase my skills.”

What experts are saying about former Wharton High standout Vernon Hargreaves III:

“He has as many tools and attributes for long-term NFL success as any defensive back in the (2016) draft class: speed, range, aggression, good hands and short-area quickness. If he is able to dial back his more passionate tendencies, avoid thinking too much about contact and focus on his assignment more often, Hargreaves could easily show up as an perennial Pro Bowler and a legit No. 1 shutdown guy.” –Doug Farrar, Sports Illustrated.com

“He’s the best corner maybe I’ve seen in two or three years. Now he’s only 5-foot-10, but he’s thick. Great feet and change of direction. He finds the football in the air.” –Mike Mayock, NFL.com

“Hargreaves is an undersized cornerback who is one of the most instinctive and natural man coverage cornerbacks in the 2016 draft class. …Overall, he has the football intelligence, the movement skills and the willingness in run support to develop into a quality starting cornerback outside the hashes or become one of the better nickelbacks in the NFL.” –Kevin Weidl, ESPN.com

“Hargreaves plays with a decisive reactor to maintain proper positioning and make plays on the ball (38 career passes defended), but his timing and spacing have room for improvement. Although he has only ordinary size, Hargreaves is above average in three main areas for the position: play speed, instincts and competitive toughness.” –Rob Rang, CBSSports.com

“He does it all—tackles, passes defensed. He has the hands to flip the field and create turnovers. But, what I like most about him is his explosion and agility on short routes. He takes away targets…and I think he’s going to be a playmaker because of that in the NFL.” -Matt Miller, BleacherReport.com

Published May 11, 2016