By Andy Warrener
The Laker/Lutz News Correspondent
The graduation of long-time cornerstone Deuce Gruden left two major voids for the Carrollwood Day School (CDS) football team.
Gruden, who became the first player in program history to sign with a college when he inked with Lafayette College, was not only the Patriots’ quarterback the last two years but also the unquestioned leader. He completed 74-of-144 passes for 1,466 yards and 17 touchdowns last season while adding 507 yards on 105 carries and four scores.
If the offseason has been any indication, the leadership and talent voids have been filled.
Senior Dominiq Sicardo was set to take over at quarterback. His 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame gave him an advantage, but he was learning the position from scratch.
Enter Robinson transfer Vidal Woodruff, who started six games for the Knights last season. Now Sicardo moves back to tight end and Woodruff takes over as signal caller.
“Vidal has played quarterback all his life; he knows how to make his reads,” said coach Lane McLaughlin.
While the 6-foot-1, 180-pound Woodruff is the starter, opponents will see Sicardo under center in 2012.
“We don’t lose much when Dominiq steps in at quarterback,” McLaughlin said.
McLaughlin pointed out Sicardo’s 200-yard, three touchdown spring game against Cardinal Mooney as indication of what he can do.
“Who knows, maybe we will line up with two quarterbacks,” McLaughlin said.
Woodruff (564 yards, 10 touchdowns) is happy to find a place to play for his senior year after being dismissed from Robinson’s squad during the 2011 season.
Getting special assignment to another public school would be difficult and there was no chance to continue playing at Robinson. However, CDS was not an improvised option.
“I’ve always wanted to play here,” Woodruff said. “I am good friends with Nate (Lewis) and Robert (Davis). This was one of the first options I considered.”
Woodruff said he feels like he has to show he’s worthy of the position.
“No one thought I could play for CDS, and I am,” Woodruff said. “Now, no one thinks I can win at CDS. I definitely have something to prove.”
Woodruff said having a backup like Sicardo takes pressure off him while making sure he stays focused.
“It helps me because I know if I screw up there’s somebody ready to step in for me,” Woodruff said.
The only hang up is CDS does not accept senior transfers. Woodruff was left with no choice but to apply for athletic eligibility as a home-schooled student. He now takes classes online.
“I didn’t have much other choice,” Woodruff said. “I just wanted to play.”
Sicardo’s move to tight end is not solely for receiving purposes.
“We really need his size and blocking skills on the offensive line,” McLaughlin said. “We lose something without him at tight end.”
Sicardo seems fine with the move. He has been garnering interest from some Division I and II schools as a tight end. Additionally, working in tandem at quarterback has accelerated his learning curve.
“Both coach McLaughlin and Vidal have helped me learn so much more about the position,” Sicardo said.
The Patriots have an extraordinary number of senior skill players for a Class 2A school.
Running back Robert Davis is less than 2,000 yards from Hillsborough County’s all-time rushing record. Andy Embody has emerged as a top receiver and defensive back.
Nate Lewis will be one of the factors in the Patriots’ potential success in 2012. He can line up most anywhere on offense and defensive secondary.
CDS opens up district plays at home against Keswick Christian on Sept. 7 at 4 p.m.
–Stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches
