• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Videos
    • Featured Video
    • Foodie Friday
    • Monthly ReCap
  • Online E-Editions
    • This Week’s E-Editions
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
  • Social Media
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
  • Advertising
  • Local Jobs
  • Puzzles & Games
  • Circulation Request

The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

       

Click to join our weekly e-newsletter

  • Home
  • News
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills/East Pasco
    • Business Digest
    • Senior Parks
    • Nature Notes
    • Featured Stories
    • Photos of the Week
    • Reasons To Smile
  • Sports
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills and East Pasco
    • Check This Out
  • Education
  • Pets/Wildlife
  • Health
    • Health Events
    • Health News
  • What’s Happening
  • Sponsored Content
    • Closer Look
  • Homes
  • Obits
  • Public Notices

Football Championship Series

Hometown kids shine in 2019 college football season

January 15, 2020 By Kevin Weiss

The college football season has come to a close, and it was one in which many players with ties to The Laker/Lutz News coverage area showcased their skills.

Dozens of area athletes are a part of programs at the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and Football Championship Series (FCS) levels, as well as Division II, Division III, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and junior college ranks.

Here is a look at some of them.

Noah Ruggles
College: University of North Carolina, sophomore kicker
High School: Steinbrenner High (Odessa native)

Steinbrenner High product Noah Ruggles (Courtesy of University of North Carolina Athletics)

The Steinbrenner product appears entrenched as UNC’s long-term answer at kicker, as he enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign, converting 19 of 27 field goal attempts, including a long of 49 yards, and converting all 45 of his extra-point attempts.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Ruggles was nearly automatic on kicks inside 40 yards, but struggled on some longer kicks, including going 0-for-3 on attempts of more than 50 yards.

Arguably, his most defining moment came when he kicked the game-winning field goal in a 20-17 home win against conference rival Duke University on Oct. 26. It was a just week removed from UNC head coach Mack Brown benching Ruggles, after he missed two overtime field goal attempts in a road loss to Virginia Tech.

While at Steinbrenner, Ruggles developed into one of the nation’s most coveted kicking prospects, ranked as the No. 9 kicker by 247sports.com and the No. 12 kicker by ESPN.com for the 2017 recruiting class.

Chris Faddoul
College: Florida A&M University, junior punter
High School: Wiregrass Ranch High (Wesley Chapel native)

Since he stepped foot on FAMU’s campus as a freshman in 2017, Faddoul’s leg has been put to good use.

Wiregrass Ranch High product Chris Faddoul (File)

A three-year starter, Faddoul again earned consecutive All-American honors after another banner season for a team that went 9-2 and undefeated in conference.

His average of 46 yards per punt ranked second in Division I FCS (Football Championship Series). The 5-foot-11, 210-pound specialist tallied 40 punts for 1,841 yards, with 19 punts placed inside the 20-yard line, 16 punts of 50 yards or longer, and only five touchbacks. He also registered a career-long punt of 72 yards in an Oct. 20 overtime win over nationally-ranked North Carolina A&T State.

At Wiregrass Ranch, Faddoul was something of an athletic unicorn, playing football, soccer, tennis, and also competing in track and field. His senior year on the gridiron, Faddoul guided the Bulls to a state playoff appearance in 2016, as the team’s starting quarterback, kicker and punter.

Michael Penix Jr.
College: Indiana University, redshirt freshman quarterback
High School: Tampa Bay Tech/Pasco High (Dade City native)

Dade City native Michael Penix Jr. (Courtesy of Indiana University Athletics)

The Dade City native got off to a roaring start as Indiana’s starting signal-caller in 2019, helping guide the Big Ten program to its best start since 1993, up until he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in November that required surgery.

Indiana was 5-1 in games played by Penix, who completed 69% of his throws for 1,394 yards, 10 touchdowns and four interceptions, and tallied 119 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

The 6-foot-3, 203-pound lefty made history by becoming the first freshman quarterback to start an opener for the Hoosiers since Antwaan Randel El in 1998.

While Penix seemingly has a bright future ahead, injuries have become a concern. He also suffered a season-ending ACL injury in 2018 as a true freshman.

For his prep career, Penix played his first two seasons at Pasco High, then transferred to Tampa Bay Tech, finishing with 6,986 total yards and 76 touchdowns. He is something of a Pirates legacy, as his father was an All-State tailback/defensive back at Pasco High in the early ’90s; his uncle played there, too.

Donovan Jennings
College: University of South Florida, sophomore left tackle
High School: Gaither High (Tampa native)

Gaither High product Donovan Jennings (Courtesy of University of South Florida Athletics)

The 6-foot-5, 328-pound Jennings has established himself as a reliable and consistent protector for USF quarterbacks’ blindside, playing in a combined 22 games his freshman and sophomore seasons. He began the 2019 season at right guard, before moving to and finishing the season on the left side of the offensive line.

The Gaither High product this past season was USF’s highest-graded offensive lineman by Pro Football Focus (66.9), a website that focuses on thorough analysis of the National Football League and NCAA Division I football.

Jennings has been lauded by coaches for his pass protection skills and effectiveness in the run game, because of combination of quick feet, balance and strength. He often was tasked with blocking opponent’s top pass-rushers in one-on-one situations last season.

Jennings is actually a late bloomer to the gridiron, as he didn’t begin playing football until his freshman year of high school because he exceeded the size limit for youth football leagues. He instead turned his attention to basketball, where he played four years on varsity at Gaither.

His future, however, was found in football.

He developed into an All-State player and a three-star prospect, earning scholarship offers from Central Florida, Virginia, Marshall, Old Dominion and Toledo universities.

Nate Craig-Myers
College: Colorado State University, redshirt junior wide receiver (Auburn transfer)
High School: Tampa Catholic/Pasco High (Dade City native)

Dade City native Nate Craig-Myers (Courtesy of University of Colorado Athletics)

After transferring from Auburn early in the 2018 season, the Dade City native and former blue chip prospect put together his most productive college season, becoming Colorado State’s fourth-leading receiver in 2019, hauling in 23 receptions for 329 yards and a touchdown, in nine games.

Before his transfer, Craig-Myers seemed like a star-in-the-making for the powerhouse SEC (Southeastern Conference) Alabama-based school.

He posted 16 catches for 285 yards and three touchdowns for Auburn’s 2017 squad that went 10-4 and reached the SEC Championship.

The 6-foot-2, 202-pound athlete was expected to break out for Auburn in 2018, but a lack of targets in the early going led him to seek opportunities elsewhere. His half-brother and former Pasco High standout, Jayvaughn Myers, also left the team around the same time.

Craig-Myers wasted no time making an impact with Colorado State this past year, making five catches for 88 yards in his first game against Toledo on Sept. 21. He followed that up with strong showings in his next two games against Utah State (three catches, 97 yards) and San Diego State (four catches, 68 yards, touchdown), respectively.

In the prep ranks, Craig-Myers spent two seasons with Pasco High before finishing his career at Tampa Catholic High. He was one of the nation’s most touted football recruits, a consensus four-star prospect with more than 40 scholarship offers, including from the likes of Ohio State, Florida and Florida State universities, among others.

Other notables

  • University of Miami redshirt senior defensive end Scott Patchan (IMG Academy/Freedom High) finished with a career-high 33 tackles, including six tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, in 13 games and six starts.
  • Florida State University junior tight end Tre’ McKitty (IMG Academy/Wesley Chapel High) collected 23 receptions for 241 yards, in 11 games.
  • Samford University redshirt sophomore tailback Antwione Sims (Zephyrhills High) racked up 108 all-purpose yards, in 11 games.
  • Florida State University redshirt sophomore DeCalon Brooks (Gaither High) tallied 15 tackles, in 11 games.
  • Florida State University freshman defensive back Isaiah Bolden (Wesley Chapel High/Jacksonville Bartram Trail) collected eight tackles, two pass breakups and an interception, in 12 games.
  • Morehouse College freshman defensive back Cartrell Strong (Zephyrhills High) registered 15 tackles, three pass breakups and an interception, in eight games.
  • University of Cincinnati freshman safety Ja’quan Sheppard (Zephyrhills High) had five tackles, in four games.

Locals shining in college football

September 27, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

With the college football season in full swing, dozens of players from Pasco County can be seen showcasing their skills on Saturdays throughout the fall. Nearly 50 players from east Pasco are a part of various programs at the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and Football Championship Series (FCS) levels, Division II, Division III National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and Junior College.

Three to watch:

(Courtesy of Rutgers University)

Janarion Grant; Rutgers University; senior wide receiver
The former Pasco High School star has proved himself a dynamic all-purpose playmaker at the Division I level ever since stepping foot on the Rutgers campus. Besides one of the program’s receiving leaders this season (12 receptions, 113 yards through three games), the fifth-year senior is tied for the NCAA all-time record for kick/punt return touchdowns with eight. At 5-10, 178 pounds, Grant is often praised for his elusiveness and straight-line speed — qualities that may make him a highly sought special teamer priority in the NFL.

The speedster was granted a medical redshirt for this season after he underwent broken ankle surgery last September and missed the final eight games of the 2016 season.

Grant had an illustrious career at Pasco High School, where he set the county record with 77 career touchdowns. In his final two prep seasons, Grant was part of Pirates squads that reached the Class 5A state final four in 2011 and made a regional final appearance in 2012.

(Courtesy of Samford University)

Shaheed Salmon; Samford University; senior linebacker
Salmon was one of 97 players selected in July to the STATS FCS Preseason All-America Team. Thus far, the sturdy 6-foot-2, 232-pound Land O’ Lakes High School product has lived up to the hype, ranking among the nation’s leaders in tackles per game (10.3).

That production has some outlets coining him a legitimate NFL prospect.

He had his breakout campaign last season, where he started 11 games at linebacker and finished second on the team with 93 tackles, including 50 solo stops.

Salmon graduated from Land O’ Lakes High in 2014. He led the Gators in tackles (117), tackles for loss (21.5) and sacks (8.5) as a senior, and earned third team All-State, and first team All-County and All-Conference honors.

(Courtesy of Charleston Southern University)

Shane Bucenell; Charleston Southern University; sophomore quarterback
Bucenell earned Charleston Southern’s starting quarterback out of camp after he went 6-2 as a starter last season, passing for 1,100 yards and a Big South Conference-leading 15 touchdowns. Besides arm talent, the 5-foot-11, 190-pounder redshirt sophomore also is a viable threat with his legs — he rushed for 325 yards and four touchdowns in 2016.

In three games this season, Bucenell has passed for 396 yards and three touchdowns, with a 52 percent completion rate.

Bucenell graduated from Wiregrass Ranch High School in 2015. He became the school’s career touchdown passing leader, and set school records for passing yards and completions in a single game. He also was a standout in baseball and track throughout his high school career.

Here’s a running tally of known Pasco County players from The Laker/Lutz News coverage currently competing at the next level:

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School

  • Patrick Beatty (defensive back) — Luther College (Decorah, Iowa)
  • Scott Edwards (defensive back) – Luther College
  • Marc Herrera (linebacker) — Malone University (Canton, Ohio)
  • Joe Mastrino (wide receiver) – Lyon College (Batesville, Arkansas)
  • RJ Perciavalle (defensive back) — Washington and Lee (Lexington, Virginia)
  • William Potosky (tight end) — University of Southern Mississippi
  • Luis Valentin (wide receiver) – Ave Maria University

Land O’ Lakes High School

  • Joshua Brown (cornerback) – Warner University (Lake Wales)
  • Spencer Childress (quarterback) – Lyon College
  • Andy Dowler (punter/kicker)— Geneva College (Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania)
  • Jordan Ferrante (linebacker/defensive lineman) – William Jewell College (Liberty, Missouri)
  • Liam Heaney (tight end)— Black Hills State University (Spearfish, South Dakota)
  • Dylan Hothenthaner (kicker) – Indiana State University
  • Cedric Lowe (linebacker) – Huntingdon College (Montgomery, Alabama)
  • Shaheed Salmon (linebacker) — Samford University (Homewood, Alabama)
  • Larenz Scroggins (running back) – Jacksonville University
  • Quentin Smith (wide receiver/running back) – Malone University
  • Ethan Weilant (wide receiver) — William Jewell College

Pasco High School

  • Janarion Grant (wide receiver)— Rutgers University (Piscataway, New Jersey)
  • Jayvaughn Myers (defensive back) – Auburn University (Alabama)

Sunlake High School

  • Tommy Berrios (defensive back)—Southern Virginia University
  • Joseph Jean-Baptiste (defensive back) – University of West Florida
  • Tyler Peretti (wide receiver)—Southeastern University (Lakeland)
  • Chris Williams (defensive back)— Ohio Wesleyan University
  • Austin Yeloushan (linebacker)— Jacksonville University

Wesley Chapel High School

  • Ellrie Allen (safety)— Florida A&M University
  • Kyle Brown (defensive back) — Beloit College (Wisconsin)
  • Davon Henry (wide receiver) — Missouri Valley College
  • Angel Ramos (linebacker) – Missouri Valley College
  • Na’im Smith (offensive lineman) — North Park University (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Jacob Thomas (quarterback) — Mars Hill University (North Carolina)

Wiregrass Ranch High School

  • Taylor Bleistein (wide receiver) — Hanover College (Indiana)
  • Elijah Brooks-Davis (defensive lineman)—Sewanee University (Tennessee)
  • Dylan Bryan (wide receiver/linebacker) — Ave Maria University
  • Shane Bucenell (quarterback) — Charleston Southern University (South Carolina)
  • Chris Faddoul (punter) — Florida A&M University
  • Vinnie Haider (offensive lineman/defensive lineman)— Sterling College (Kansas)
  • John Harris-Scott (safety) — Trine University (Angola, Indiana)
  • Evan Hogan (offensive lineman)—Keiser University (Fort Lauderdale)
  • Mark Hutchinson (wide receiver) — Florida International University
  • Brandon Mosley (defensive back) — Feather River Community College (Quincy, California)
  • Jason Winston (defensive lineman) — Stetson University (Deland)

Zephyrhills High School

  • Jaylen Pickett (linebacker) — Eastern Michigan University
  • Antwione Sims (running back/safety)— United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, Maryland)

Zephyrhills Christian Academy

  • Serion Bellamy (running back) — Shorter University (Rome, Georgia)
  • Mykh’ael Chavis (running back) — Minnesota State College
  • Matt Iovine (quarterback) — Minnesota State College

Published September 27, 2017

Primary Sidebar

Search

The Recap Presents…

Sponsored Content

Affordable Living At Club Wildwood

July 26, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Older adults in central and east Pasco County are discovering the charming manufactured home community of Club Wildwood … [Read More...] about Affordable Living At Club Wildwood

Jolie Smiles Helps Patients Rediscover Their Confidence

July 26, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Jolie Smiles, a denture and implant studio in Odessa, provides state-of-the-art dentistry and permanent solutions for … [Read More...] about Jolie Smiles Helps Patients Rediscover Their Confidence

More Posts from this Category

What’s Happening

08/08/2022 – Afterschool snacks

The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will host Chef Yamira Lee Johnson on Aug. 8 at 6:30 p.m., for a demonstration on easy, healthy recipes kids and parents can make for an afterschool bite. This is an online program for all ages. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org. … [Read More...] about 08/08/2022 – Afterschool snacks

08/09/2022 – Butterfly gardening

The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will host a master gardener presentation on butterfly gardening on Aug. 9 at 2 p.m. Registration is online at PascoLibraries.org. … [Read More...] about 08/09/2022 – Butterfly gardening

08/09/2022 – Coffee with a deputy

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office will host “Coffee with PSO” on Aug. 9 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Wawa, 25155 Maren Way in Lutz. Deputies will be on hand to answer questions and to get to know the community. … [Read More...] about 08/09/2022 – Coffee with a deputy

08/09/2022 – Native Plant Society

The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society will meet on Aug. 9 at 7 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. There will be showing of the 2018 American documentary, “The Serengeti Rules,” directed by Nicolas Brown and based on the book by Sean B. Carroll. The film explores the discoveries of five pioneering scientists: Bob Paine, Jim Estes, Anthony Sinclair, John Terborgh and Mary E. Power. Popcorn will be provided. For information, call 813-469-9597. … [Read More...] about 08/09/2022 – Native Plant Society

08/09/2022 – Transportation stories

The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will present story times on the topic of transportation on Aug. 9 and Aug. 10. Toddlers can attend at 10:15 a.m., and preschoolers at 11:15 a.m. The 45-minutes sessions will include songs, stories and movement. Register online at PascoLibraries.org. … [Read More...] about 08/09/2022 – Transportation stories

08/11/2022 – Food distribution

Farm Share, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Pasco Sheriff Charities, The Gentlemen’s Course, and the Pasco County NAACP will host a free food distribution on Aug. 11 starting at 9 a.m., at the Big Lots parking lot, 4840 Allen Road in Zephyrhills. Food will be handed out rain or shine, on a first-come, first-served drive-through basis, until the items run out. … [Read More...] about 08/11/2022 – Food distribution

More of What's Happening

Follow us on Twitter

The Laker/Lutz News Follow

Your home for weekly news that impacts your life and community. Serving Land O' Lakes, Lutz, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Dade City.

LakerLutzNews
lakerlutznews The Laker/Lutz News @lakerlutznews ·
8h

Happy #InternationalCatDay!

To celebrate, here's our adorable feline friends who have been featured as our Pet of the Week this year 🐱

Do you have a kitty you'd like to submit for Pet of the Week? Send a photo of them, along with a short blurb, to

3

Reply on Twitter 1556701943510228993 Retweet on Twitter 1556701943510228993 Like on Twitter 1556701943510228993 1 Twitter 1556701943510228993
Retweet on Twitter The Laker/Lutz News Retweeted
whartonbaseball Wharton Baseball @whartonbaseball ·
7 Aug

This guy right here! He keeps grinding ⚾️💙💪🏼 @DrewEhrhard @UT_Baseball @WhartonBoosters https://twitter.com/officialccbl/status/1556010951840866307

Cape League @OfficialCCBL

Drew Ehrhard (@UT_Baseball) absolutely crushes the ball to left for a Home Run!

Top of the 1st:
@CotuitKettleers - 0
@harborhawks - 3

Reply on Twitter 1556235095786373120 Retweet on Twitter 1556235095786373120 3 Like on Twitter 1556235095786373120 6 Twitter 1556235095786373120
Retweet on Twitter The Laker/Lutz News Retweeted
sandeferrussell Russell Sandefer @sandeferrussell ·
6 Aug

I am very excited to announce my commitment to Saint Leo!!

Reply on Twitter 1555777190888972288 Retweet on Twitter 1555777190888972288 11 Like on Twitter 1555777190888972288 54 Twitter 1555777190888972288
Load More

Archives

 

 

Where to pick up The Laker and Lutz News

Copyright © 2022 Community News Publications Inc.

    Doc