Gaither alum plays big role in USF ad campaign

If you haven't run across the USF football program's "Can U Feel it?" ad campaign, which the school has blasted the Tampa Bay area with in recent weeks to boost its season ticket drive, you've either been out of town on vacation or hiding under a rock. One player with local ties appears in one of the ads.

Gaither grad Carlton Mitchell.

A standout wide receiver for the Bulls, you can find Mitchell's contribution to the campaign on the home page at gousfbulls.com. But just in case you don't have the energy to produce one more click, here's what the ad looks like ...

Pretty sharp, huh?

A 6-foot-4, 197-pound sophomore, Mitchell set USF freshman records for receptions (37) and receiving yards (537) last fall. He was one shy of tying the touchdown record of five.

While at Gaither, Mitchell was rated as the area's 19th best player by the Times.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Tonight, on Catch 47

If you're not one of the lucky ones tucked somwhere inside Tropicana Field for tonight's Rays-Red Sox game, Catch 47 has something for you.

The Beef O'Brady's High School Scoreboard (6, 8 and 10 p.m.) takes a look inside Sirchauncey Holloway's attempt to transfer from Plant City to Armwood (read Keith Niebuhr's story on Holloway's ineligibility). There are interviews with Holloway and his dad, Armwood coach Sean Callahan and the FHSAA senior associate executive director Sonny Hester.

In addition, the show has interviews with Gibbs coach Yusuf Shakir and new Spoto coach Dale Caparaso.

-- IZZY GOULD
izzygould@gmail.com

 

Lakewood names finalists

Lakewood, moving quickly to find a new football coach to replace Otis Dixon, has whittled its list of 41 applicants to 16. They will be interviewed on July 8-9 by a committee made up mostly of school members according to athletic director Javan Turner.

"It was a difficult decision to get to this position," Turner said. "We have a lot of great candidates. Unfortunately, only one can be hired. But we're confident we'll find a great coach."

Ernest Givins is the most recognizable name on the list. A former Spartans star in the 1980s, Givins already is in the school's hall of fame. He was a two-time Pro Bowler with the Houston Oilers and is the team's all-time leading receiver.

Todd St. Louis is the only former head coach from the county on the list. He helped guide St. Petersburg Catholic, Indian Rocks Christian and St. Petersburg to the playoffs during his tenure.

Dieter Brock, a former star in the Canadian Football League who started for the Los Angeles Rams during the 1985-86 season and led them to the NFC title game,  is among the candidates from outside the county. Brock has been coaching the spread offense the past 17 seasons and was an assistant last season at Smith's Station High in Alabama.

Two new offers for Fitzpatrick

King forward Toarlyn Fitzpatrick, a rising senior, began last week with scholarship offers from Florida State, Miami and Tulane. Well, you can add two more school to the list: Hofstra and Mercer, both of which also are Division I programs.

The 6-foot-8 Fitzpatrick probably won't make a decision until next year. But for now, he calls Tulane the leader. "I think I like their coach the best," he said. "He calls the most. He's a real cool guy. I think I'd play more as a freshman there."

Fitzpatrick has had a busy summer.

In addition to competing in the Southeast Basketball Academy Summer League, he played at an event in New York and participated in a camp at Stetson. Later this month, he'll play in Las Vegas, and there's a chance he might also compete at an event in Georgia.

He also has a summer job. Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Fitzpatrick works as a waiter at a retirement home near Tampa's University Mall.

"They're pretty nice," Fitzpatrick said of the elderly at the home. "They make weird comments every day like, 'How's the air up there?'"

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Brown receives first offer

Pasco lineman Mylon Brown received his first scholarship offer last week from Vanderbilt. The Commodores already had offer Pasco senior Josh Johnson. Brown also visited N.C. State over the weekend while Johnson canceled his visit for unspecified reason, Pirates coach Tom McHugh said.

Vanderbilt discovered Brown during a visit to one of Pasco's spring practice sessions. The Commodores requested more video of the 6-foot-5, 290-pound nephew of the late Jerome Brown.
Mylon Brown is noted for his quick feet, 7-foot reach and striking resemblance to his late uncle.

"He doesn't even have a driver's license yet," McHugh said. "He's a good student in the classroom. He works hard. He's gained 40 pounds of muscles (since last summer)."

McHugh said Brown and Johnson plan to wait awhile before making any oral commitments. Brown visited N.C. State last weekend while Johnson, who also has an offer from Purdue, did not make the same scheduled visit.

* Cornell has taken interest in Pirates linemen Trevor Lane and Zach Faza.

-- IZZY GOULD
izzygould@gmail.com

UT grad lands Canterbury coaching position

Canterbury Josh Tebbe as the school's new varsity boys basketball coach, according to athletic director Dave Smith. Tebbe, 23, spent last season as an assistant on the middle school boys basketball team.

Tebbe is a graduate of Parkway North High School in St. Louis and the University of Tampa, where he played baseball from 2003-2005. Tebbe also is the middle school football coach at Canterbury and a varsity baseball assistant.

"We're going to be very young this year," Tebbe said. "We have no seniors, two juniors, one sophomore and a bunch of freshmen. There's going to be a lot more teaching of basics and fundamentals on my part, but I'm excited. We have a great group of kids."

Tebbe replaces Smith, who led the Crusaders to two playoff appearances (2001, 2008) and a 101-86 record during his nine-year tenure. He will continue as Canterbury's athletic director. In March, Smith resigned as Canterbury's volleyball coach after nine years.

-- BRYAN BURNS

Prestate meet Oct. 18 at Little Everglades Ranch

Pasco County will host two of the state's largest high school cross country meets this fall.

Wiregrass Ranch recently stepped up and agreed to host a prestate meet at Little Everglades Ranch, the Dade City site where the state meet also will be held. Flrunners.com once hosted a prestate race at Little Everglades, but financial difference prompted Flrunners CEO Jason Byrne to move the race back to Ed Radice Park in Tampa.

Money, it turns out, is not a problem for Wiregrass Ranch, which pounced at the chance to host a huge meet in its backyard.

"The mission of the meet is to make it as much of a run through as possible," Wiregrass Ranch coach Chris Loth said. "That includes runners and spectators."

Teams can register at flrunners.com for a cost of $50 per team, or $90 for two teams. Loth said about 30 teams already have signed up for the eight races slated to be held Oct. 18. Those races include boys and girls teams as well as JV and varsity. Ideally, each race would have 24 teams, Loth said.
Admission will be $3 per person with children under 6 admitted free. Parking is an additional $5 per car.

"Basically, we saw this as an opportunity," Loth said. "I contacted people at the Ranch and we met a few times, and now we have I can say within pretty good reason what should be one of the Top 5 meets in the state. Coaches want to have an opportunity to preview the state course. Now they can do it at that course."

-- IZZY GOULD
izzygould@gmail.com

Win puts Plant City alum in elite company

Win a win over Colorado on Sunday, Plant City alum Kenny Rogers, now with the Detroit Tigers, earned his sixth victory of the season and 216th of his career. That's even more impressive when you consider this: Among all left-handed pitchers who have ever (EVER!) played professional baseball, Rogers, 43, has joined the top 20 in career wins. Here's a look at the top lefties of all time ...

PLAYER: WINS
1. Warren Spahn: 363
2. Steve Carlton: 329
3. Eddie Plank: 326
4. Tom Glavine: 305
5. Lefty Grove: 300
6. Randy Johnson: 288
6. Tommy John: 288
8. Jim Kaat: 283
9. Eppa Rixey: 266
10. Carl Hubbell: 253
11. Herb Pennock: 240
11. Frank Tanana: 240
13. David Wells: 239
14. Jamie Moyer: 237
15. Whitey Ford: 236
16. Jerry Koosman: 222
17. Jerry Reuss: 220
18. Earl Whitehill: 218
19. Mickey Lolich: 217
20. Wilbur Cooper: 216
20. Kenny Rogers: 216

-- KEITH NIEBUHR 

Berkeley Prep grad named Fulbright scholar

Rolf Steier, a state champion runner while at Berkeley Prep who later was a standout at Stanford, has been awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student scholarship, the United States Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board announced recently. With the scholarship, he will study in Norway next year. Steier is one of over 1,450 U.S. citizens who will travel abroad for the 2008-2009 academic year through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

Steier's feats (and feet) are legendary at Berkeley Prep, where he was an eight-time state champion in track and cross country. Later, Steier was an All-American in the 1,500 meters while at Stanford.

Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields.

Since its establishment in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided approximately 286,500 people --108,160 Americans who have studied, taught or researched abroad and 178,340 students, scholars and teachers from other countries who have engaged in similar activities in the United States -- with the opportunity to observe each others' political, economic, educational and cultural institutions. The program operates in over 155 countries worldwide.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Pearson begins life as retired athlete

While at Armwood in the mid-1990s, Mike Pearson was considered one of the nation's elite offensive lineman. As a Florida Gator, he earned Associated Press first-team All-American honors. And in 2002, he was a second-round draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

During his six years of professional football, five of which were in the NFL, injuries took a toll on Pearson's 6-foot-7, 302-pound frame. He had a half dozen surgeries, including one to repair a left knee that was so badly dislocated, he feels fortunate to be able to walk normally on it.

Today, Pearson, 27, is officially retired from football. He lives not that far from Armwood with his wife, Melissa, and 1-year-old son, MacLean. He recently took a job in the orthopedic implant field and is excited about the next chapter in his life.

"It's nice not going out and beating my body up," Pearson said. "But I know I’m going to miss (football). It's definitely a big void in my life. But it's a decision I didn't just make overnight. I took awhile to think about it and it's something I'm at peace with."

You can read more about Pearson in Tuesday's Times.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Durant alum blasts first MLB slam

Ryan Raburn, once a standout at Durant and now a member of the Detroit Tigers, belted his first career MLB grand slam Saturday in the Tigers' 7-6 win over Colorado. It came in his 241st at-bat. A utility player for Detroit, Raburn can play every position but pitcher. In Saturday's game, he was in right field. Raburn, 27, has been back and forth between the majors and Triple A this season. The team recalled him in mid-April when pitcher Dontrelle Willis was placed on the 15-day Disabled List. Of Raburn, Tigers' center fielder Curtis Granderson said, "As long as he gets in the game, he'll do something great. He's got great power but a lot of people don't know that."

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Seffner Christian names new volleyball coach

Seffner Christian has named Molly Taylor as its new varsity volleyball coach, Crusaders athletic director Andy Holmes said. Taylor replaces her sister, Emily Velez, who led the squad to an 18-4 record last season.

A native of Colorado Springs, Taylor played at Florida College. She inherits a team that should be solid. Seffner Christian returns a handful of talented players, notably seniors Jenny Moorer and Sarah Santmeyer, and sophomore Laura Swartz.

"We are looking forward to having Molly Taylor as our new coach, and believe that she will continue to build on the success of last year’s team," Holmes said in a release.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Panthers learn to play without Cooley

When the Plant basketball team is on the court, things typically go through combo guard Sheldon Cooley. But that wasn't the case during the 27-team Southeast Basketball Academy Summer League, which concluced last week. Because of other commitments (he's playing in various individual camps), Cooley could only compete with the Panthers in three of their 10 games.

And well, that might have been a good thing.

Without Cooley, a likely Division I signee, his teammates had to do more for themselves. So even though the Panthers, who won 20-plus games last season, went just .500 in the event, head coach Mike Phillips was pleased.

"It helped us out immensely (not having Cooley)," Phillips said. "It's a great benefit. Now, the kids aren't relying on getting the ball to Sheldon all the time. They know they have to step up and score on their own."

Who played well? Phillips pointed to the efforts of 6-foot-3 guard/forward Kingston Bems and point guard Noble Fowler.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Stanford wins Directors' Cup ... with help from locals

For the 14th straight year, the Stanford athletics program has captured the U.S. Sports Academy Directors' Cup, an award presented annually by the National Association of Collegiate Athletic Directors of America, United States Sports Academy and USA Today to the country's top intercollegiate athletic program. We mention this because quite a few local products are Stanford athletes. During the 2007-08 academic year, the following Bay Area alums competed for the Cardinal:

• Evan Brown, sailing, Berkeley Prep
• L.D. Crow, football, Countryside
• Brendan Domaracki, baseball, Gaither
• Kelley Hug, swimming, Holy Names
• Bert McBride, football, Armwood
• Janet Okogbaa, volleyball, Berkeley Prep
• Andrew Zbella, rowing, Clearwater Central Catholic

The 2007-08 U.S. Sports Academy Directors' Cup Standings ...
1. Stanford 1461.00
2. UCLA 1182.00
3. Michigan 1154.50
4. Arizona State 1148.00
5. Texas 1129.50
6. Florida 1126.75
7. California 1120.00
8. Louisiana State 1085.00
9. Penn State 1041.00
10. Georgia 1040.00

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Bloomingdale grad earns NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship

The NCAA awards only 174 postgraduate scholarships each year to deserving student-athletes who plan to continue their studies after concluding their collegiate athletic careers. This year, Bloomingdale grad Krystina Sarff, a rowing standout at UCF, is one of them. She recently was awarded a $7,500 scholarship.

Sarff concluded her UCF career this spring. And what a career it was. She was a 2008 Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association first-team All-America selection.

To qualify for an NCAA postgraduate scholarship, a student-athlete must have an overall grade-point average of 3.2 and must have performed with distinction as a member of his or her varsity team. Student-athletes are nominated by their school's faculty athletics representative.

Sarff is enrolled at UCF in graduate school as a rhetoric and composition major.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Local Gators make SEC Honor Roll

Several locals now attending the University of Florida were named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll earlier this week. To be recognized to the SEC Academic Honor Roll, each student-athlete must 1) have a GPA of 3.00 for either the preceding academic year or have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above at the nominating institution; 2) be on scholarship, a letterwinner or have participated on a varsity team for two years if non-scholarship; 3) have completed 24 semester hours of non-remedial credit at the nominating institution; and 4) have been a member of the varsity team for the sport’s entire NCAA Championship segment. Here's who made it :

• Brett Bentley (Jesuit), Baseball, Sr., Exercise Physiology
• Billy Bullock (Riverview), Baseball, So., Sport Management
• Kristina Hilberth (Palm Harbor U), Softball, Jr., Sport Management
• Kathryn Kramer (Gaither), W. Track, Jr., Nutritional Sciences
• Kurt Lee (Central) M. Track, Sr., Exercise Physiology
• Brandon McArthur (Armwood), Baseball, Sr., Criminology
• Natalie Moser (Wharton), W. Track, Sr., Health Education & Behavior
• Sara Petrick (Holy Names), W. Track, Jr., Health Education & Behavior
• Justin Semeyn (Plant), M. Track, Sr., Psychology
• Calvin Smith (Freedom), M. Track, So., Sport Management

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Report: Jesuit alum transfers

Pardon us for not bringing this to you earlier ...

Last week, the Louisville Courier-Journal reported that former Jesuit running back Anthony Allen, who played the two seasons at Louisville, has enrolled at Georgia Tech and was "among the first players to report for Georgia Tech when the Yellow Jackets began summer workouts in Atlanta."

Allen was a force for the Cardinals. In fact, in a win over Middle Tennessee last fall, he rushed for 275 yards. But after injuring his shoulder midway through the season, he "never was the same," the paper said. To make matters worse, Allen's grades slipped. That's when his family decided it was time for a change.

Allen had shoulder surgery in December and enrolled at Hillsborough Community College in the spring. Now, he's part of the Rambling Wreck. He will be eligible to play for Georgia Tech in 2009.

"I've got my speed back," Allen told the Courier-Journal. "And I'm just excited to get out there and run into somebody. I'm real fired up. My first carry back might be a touchdown, that's how fired up I am."

-KEITH NIEBUHR

How many Division I-A football signees will we have?

To date, nine area football players in the Class of 2009 have come forth with public commitments (see complete list HERE). Eight of them have pledged to Division I-A programs, including three to USF and four to Southeastern Conference schools. Our question to you is this: On national signing day next February, how many local athletes will ink with I-A colleges?

• A: 15-20
• B: 21-30
• C: 31-40
• D: 41-50
• E: 51 or more

While we're at it, which school do you think will have the most I-A signees (and how many)?

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Former TC standout Span could be heading to Olympics

Minnesota Twins prospect Denard Span, a Tampa Catholic grad, was named Thursday to the U.S. roster for the MLB Futures Game to be played the day before next month's All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium. And selection to this year's team offers a huge perk. Players selected for the U.S. team automatically become candidates for the Olympic team.

However, Span, the Twins' first-round pick in 2002 now playing at Triple-A Rochester, might be needed at the big league level before then.

"I would love to have Span here now," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "... It's time for him to be in the big leagues. ... I'd really love to have him up here."

Span is hitting .343 at Triple-A, and Gardenhire likes the idea of calling up Span to give centerfielder Carlos Gomez days off and could split time with former Ray Delmon Young in leftfield. But if Span is recalled before July 25 wouldn't be eligible for the Olympics, the Pioneer Press reported.

Span hit .258 in an early-season 12-game stint with the Twins earlier this season.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Sickles point guard a "definite" D-I talent

Jordan Davis still has two years left at Sickles, but the standout point guard already has received a significant amount of interest from several Division I programs.

One of them is Miami.

"That's the biggest (college) to date," Sickles coach Renaldo Garcia said.

But it might not be for long.

The 5-foot-10 Davis is a "true point guard," Garcia said. And it's safe to say he knows something about the position. Garcia played point and shooting guard while at Tampa Catholic in the 1980s and later started for the Florida Gators (he played for an SEC championship team).

"In today's game, so many kids have become combo guards," Garcia said. "They're basically scoring point guards. Jordan has embraced the passing. He makes smart decisions and sees the floor so well it almost seems easy for him. That's definitely something I can't credit take for."

Davis, by the way, is named for legendary player Michael Jordan. Davis is originally from Illinois and his father was a huge Bulls fan during the Jordan era, Garcia said.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Hillsborough County's must-see football games

Which Hillsborough County football games are you most looking forward to seeing this fall? Here's my dandy dozen to watch and why. After giving the list a look, give us your take (you can find schedules by clicking on each team page HERE) ...

Sept. 5, Armwood at Plant: In week 1, we'll have the pleasure of watching a game between teams that each have state championship potential. In my opinion, the winner of this game becomes the favorite to win the Class 4A title.

Sept. 5, Freedom at Wharton: Freedom is trying to improve on a 1-9 season; Wharton believes the pieces are in place for a 10-win season. Oh, and there's this: There might not be a more fierce rivalry between two schools in the entire county.

Sept. 5, Brandon at Middleton: Both teams lost a ton of talent to graduation. But guess what? Each is loaded with young, athletic and well-rounded players.

Sept. 5, Chamberlain at Gaither: A nice early test for the Chiefs, whom many predict big things from. Gaither, which includes two of the county's top players in running back Jarvis Giles and receiver/defensive end Justin Lattimore, isn't a pushover.

Sept. 19, Chamberlain at Hillsborough: Between them, Chiefs coach Billy Turner and Terriers coach Earl Garcia have more than 400 wins. In the words of Chaz Michael Michaels, that's mind-bottling.

Sept. 19, East Bay at Wharton: The Indians are one of my sleeper picks. Wharton is the other. The guess here is that both will find their way into the playoffs.

Oct. 03, Riverview at Hillsborough: The Sharks have a new coach and, as always, a good bit of talent. Hillsborough, which looks to be on the move up, will provide a great measuring stick.

Coach: Howard not Panthers' only setter

The transfer of all-state setter Becca Howard from Berkeley Prep to Plant is a nice addition for the Panthers, but the reality is this: As good as Howard is, a starting spot in the rotation isn't guaranteed.

"We're excited about the competition come Aug. 11 (the first day of practice)," Plant coach Leanna Taylor said. "Everybody has to try out."

That includes Howard.

At setter, the competition should be fierce. Besides Howard, who helped Berkeley Prep reach the Class 3A final four last fall, the Panthers will have senior Ariel Ley and junior Ali McCurdy (shown in photo), both of whom have proved to be outstanding players in the past (McCurdy earned all-state recognition last season).

Typically, Plant uses one primary setter when it has the ball. However, given its depth at the position, it could switch to a two-setter system, Taylor said. Whatever the case, Taylor said she looks forward to seeing what each player brings to the table.

"It's a great situation," Taylor said, "to be able to pick the right player and make a cohesive team that competes at the highest level."

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Report: Grooms to transfer closer to home

Former Middleton quarterback Dominic Grooms, who was going to enter the preseason of his sophomore season as Missouri's No. 3  quarterback behind a pair of seniors, has left the school and will transfer closer to home, according to published reports.

Grooms has left the program, according to the Kansas City Star and the Columbia (Mo.) Daily Tribune. Team spokesman Dan Moller also told the Daily Tribune that Grooms left the school on good terms and that MU will help Grooms transfer to a college closer to Tampa.

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Grooms, who was ranked the nation's 24th best dual-threat quarterback by rivals.com his senior year, chose to go to Missouri over USF, N.C. State, Clemson, North Carolina and Vanderbilt.

Grooms was listed third on the team's spring depth chart behind Heisman Trophy finalist Chase Daniel and Chase Patton.

Questions about Grooms' status arose when he didn't participate in 7-on-7 drills earlier this month. Interestingly enough, Grooms' departure means that both quarterbacks Missouri signed in 2006 have transfered. Grooms is the seventh player from that year's recruiting class to leave the school, the Daily Tribune reported.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Thomas' pro debut delayed by knee injury

Former Middleton standout Corey Thomas, who signed a pro contract with the Orioles after Baltimore  selected him in the 13th round of this year's MLB draft, has suffered a serious knee injury that will delay his professional debut.

Rich Arena, Thomas' advisor, told the Times that Thomas suffered an ACL injury that will require surgery in the next few days. Arena said that he's confident that Thomas will be able to play this season, but he faces weeks of recovery.

"I don't think it's going to keep me out that long," Thomas said. "It's a little bump. I am disappointed because I wanted to get the ball rolling out there."

Arena said the injury occured during Thomas' first practice with the Orioles in Sarasota. Thomas said he was fielding a grounder at third base when he turned to throw and felt his leg give way.   

"It was like his third ball," Arena said. "A horrible thing."

Thomas signed to play at USF, but wanted to play professionally. He signed a pro contract believed to be in the $100,000 range.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Two Plant standouts sign

Two Plant Panther football players signed college letters-of-intent Thursday afternoon at a ceremony inside the school's fieldhouse. Receiver Cornelius Gallon inked with Division I-A Central Michigan; defensive lineman Jamar Williams did the same with Fort Scott Junior College (Kansas).

Both players were key contributors at Plant, particularly Gallon.

He closed his career with 107 catches for 1,806 yards and 23 touchdowns. Additionally, he also was an outstanding defensive back.

We'll have more about Gallon and Williams in Friday's Times.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Retro Game of the Week

Starved for high school football?

Catch 47 plans to broadcast what it's calling the Retro Game of the Week on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. This week's game goes all the way back to 2001 before iPhones and Facebook took off and when AOL was still pretty cool.

The game features East Bay at Riverview, a key district game that comes down to a last-second field goal attempt. East Bay coach Brian Thornton and former Riverview assistant Scott Palmer are interviewed throughout the broadcast.

-- IZZY GOULD
izzygould@gmail.com

Murray excited about fall, college

Aaron Murray won't have a senior spring break. He won't be going to prom either.

And well, that's just fine with the record-setting Plant quarterback.

Murray said Thursday that although he has enjoyed his time in high school and is excited about his upcoming senior season, he has no qualms about graduating in December and heading straight to the University of Georgia in January to early enroll.

Those things "aren't a big deal," Murray said. "I've been planning (to early enroll) since last summer. I think it's important to get up there and start working with the team."

That might be a wise move. Many who follow the college game believe current Bulldogs quarterback Matthew Stafford will leave for the NFL following his junior season (early projections have him going in the first round of the 2009 draft). That would allow Murray, who carries a 4.8 GPA, to get his feet wet next spring and possibly challenge for playing time in the fall.

"If Stafford leaves, that will give me the opportunity to get in there and win the starting job," Murray said.

In the meantime, Murray hopes to make the most of his final semester at Plant.

"It's going to be fun," he said.

KEITH NIEBUHR

Alonso QB is one to watch

You'd be hard-pressed to find a county anywhere in the country with a better crop of senior quarterbacks than ours in Hillsborough County. Plant has Aaron Murray. Armwood has Mywan Jackson. Chamberlain has Dontae Aycock. Wharton has Andrew Clifford. Sickles has Cullen O'Brien. And so forth and so on.

Now for the cool part ... the Class of 2010 looks incredibly strong, too.

Tampa Catholic has Christian Green, one of the area's most dynamic players. Hillsborough has Tarean Austin, who already has scholarship offers from USF and Duke. And Alonso has C.J. Bennett, whom Ravens coach Mike Heldt thinks will earn a Division I-A scholarship before it's all said and done.

Bennett, who became the starter late in 2007, had a spring as impressive as any player around. After shining in practice, he threw four touchdown passes in one half of a jamboree win over Sickles. "There's a lot of interest in him already," Heldt said.

As anyone who has seen him play will tell you, Bennett throws one of the nicest balls in the county. And given that Alonso has a solid group of receivers, he has the potential to post big numbers this fall. At 6-foot, 180 pounds, Bennett doesn't have "prototypical size," Heldt said, but he doesn't lack anything else.

"The kid's good," Heldt said. "He's a competitor. He's a student of the game. He lives football. He has a lot of the same characteristics that Murray and (former Plant QB Robert Marve) have. He's done great things for us so far and I expect a lot out of him."

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Diaz headed to Minnesota

Nature Coast linebacker Damian Diaz will sign a letter of intent with Augsburg College, a Division III school in Minneapolis. The program finished 5-5 last season for its best mark since 2003; it went 4-26 in the previous three seasons.

Diaz earned a starting spot at linebacker last season, making a comeback following a junior season in which he missed half the year with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

He ranked fourth for the Sharks in tackles with 73, including a sack and two fumble recoveries.

-- IZZY GOULD
izzygould@gmail.com

Gonzo, Sheff battle for No. 2 spot

With 3,010 hits, Hall-of-Famer Wade Boggs, who played at Plant in the 1970s, is Hillsborough County's all-time hit king. But this summer, an interesting battle is likely to develop for the No. 2 spot. Currently, that position is held by Chamberlain grad Steve Garvey, who finished his illustrious pro career with 2,599 hits to rank 72nd all-time and second among players who attended a Hillsborough County high school.

Luis Gonzalez (Jefferson, Marlins) and Gary Sheffield (Hillsborough, Tigers) are right on his tail. Following play Tuesday night, Gonzalez had 2,560 hits (79th all-time); Sheffield, who just returned from a stint on the DL, had 2,551 (81st). Look for each to pass Garvey sometime around August.

Does either have a shot to catch Boggs?

Probably not.

Gonzalez is 40; Sheffield is 39. And the numbers posted by both players has dropped considerably this season. Sheffield, by the way, is only 10 homers (he has 484) from passing Fred McGriff (Jefferson) to rank first among locals in that category.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Murdock leaves Pitt; enrolls at Juco

Sherod Murdock, a former standout at Middleton who signed with Pittsburgh in February 2007, has left the Panther program and enrolled at Pearl River Community College in Mississippi, Wildcats coach Tim Hatten told the Times on Wednesday. Murdock, a 6-foot, 170-pound defensive back, redshirted last fall and thus will have two years of eligibility available at Pearl River, then two more after that should he transfer to a four-year school. Murdock's older brother, O.J. Murdock, played receiver at Pearl River last fall. As a senior at Middleton, Sherod Murdock was a Times all-county pick and earned all-state recognition.

-KEITH NIEBUHR

Lakewood releases candidates

The Times obtained the names of the applicants for the Lakewood football head coach position. Forty-one applied, including 11 with ties to Pinellas County.

Among the more notable names are former Lakewood and Houston Oilers standout Ernest Givins, former Los Angeles Rams starting quarterback Dieter Brock and former St. Petersburg Catholic, Indian Rocks Christian and St. Peterburg head coach Todd St. Louis.

Lakewood athletic director Javon Turner will whittle down the candidates this week. He said he will have a list of finalists by Monday and will start the interviewing process on July 8.

(Associated Press: Houston Oilers wide receiver Ernest Givins (81) loses his shoe getting away from Indianapolis Colts defensive back Ashley Ambrose, left, in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 4, 1994.)

Gallon to sign Division I offer

Former Plant receiver Cornelius Gallon's senior season ended prematurely in October when he suffered a serious knee injury.

Suddenly, his scholarship offers were pulled, and one of Hillsborough County's top receivers had to start all over. But Thursday, Gallon, who suffered a torn ACL in an Oct. 26 game against Chamberlain, will sign a letter of intent to play at a Division I school at a ceremony at the team's football field house.   

"He had to go through the whole rehab process and prove that we was healthy again," Plant coach Robert Weiner said.

Gallon made 34 catches for 714 yards and 13 touchdowns his senior season before his injury.

Former Plant defensive lineman Jamar Williams will also sign with a junior college on Thursday.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

To re-shape offense, Hawks hit the road

Armwood didn't need to change its offense. The Hawks probably could have stuck with the spread option (which they ran out of the I-formation) and continued to win. After all, the program has had an unbelievable amount of success this decade using that system.

But ...

"We've always adjusted to our talent," Armwood offensive coordinator Chris Taylor said.

And that's why a change was made this spring. The spread option is out; the zone option -- with the quarterback in the shotgun -- is in.

"We haven't lost too many games the past six years," Taylor said. "We've done it by being under center and mashing you. We're not going to abandon that. We'll still have that in our repertoire. But we want to stay current. We thought some of these other things would adapt to our talent a little better. In high school, you don't get to recruit kids. You have to make the system work for the talent you have."

With the ultra-athletic Mywan Jackson at quarterback and a host of talented skill players on the roster, the Hawks figured it was time for something new. But before making the switch, Taylor and two other Armwood assistants -- Evan Davis and Corey Peterson -- hit the road to learn more about the zone option.

Schuster commits to Florida

Mitchell left-handed ace Patrick Schuster, who has spent the summer improving his status among pro scouts in hopes of being drafted in  2009, announced his backup plan this evening.

He has committed to the University of Florida.

Schuster, who tied a 51-year-old Pasco County single-game record when he struck out 20 Gulf batters in an April 15 road win, said he chose the Gators over Central Florida, North Carolina and Texas, among others.

"I know a lot of my friends are going there from my travel team (the Tampa Bay Raiders)," said Schuster, 5-2 with a 1.07 ERA for the Mustangs as a junior last season.

"The program's great; actually the coach (Kevin O'Sullivan) is the pitching coach so he's got a good, strong hold on what the pitching staff's going to do. Money was part of the decision and they made an offer that made money not an issue."

Schuster (6-foot-2, 170 pounds) just returned from Cary, N.C., where he threw a pair of scoreless three-inning stints last week to lead Dixie National to USA Baseball's eight-team "Tournament of Stars" championship.

He said he ultimately was asked to join the 18-under national team, but declined so he could participate in next month's East Coast Professional Baseball Showcase in Lakeland.

JOEY KNIGHT, Times staff writer

Where does Turner rank among the greats?

When word spread Tuesday that Chamberlain hopes to name its football field after longtime coach Billy Turner, it got us thinking ... where does Turner, who has coached at Chamberlain for three decades, rank among the county's all-time greats? We want to know your take, and to help you come to an answer, we've provided info about Turner and a few other men who probably belong in the conversation.

Billy Turner: In 29 seasons at Chamberlain, he has 193 wins. In 37 seasons overall, he has 243 victories, which not only makes him the winningest football coach in Hillsborough County history, it makes him one of Florida's all-time leaders. Turner has never won a state championship, but he came awfully close in 2001. That year, the Chiefs were the state runnerup to Naples (21-17). Turner has led Chamberlain to the playoffs 15 times; he is 9-15 with the Chiefs in the postseason.

Roland Acosta: During his 22-year reign as Plant coach, the Panthers were among the state's elite programs. From 1975-92, Plant did not have a losing season. It reached the state semifinals in 1976 and '78. He retired in 1994 with a record of 164-67. Acosta had five seasons of 10 or more wins and was 7-6 in the playoffs.

Sean Callahan: Now entering his 19th season at Armwood, Callahan is 144-67 with the Hawks. More impressive than his record is the fact he owns two state titles (2003, '04) and was the state runnerup in '05. Under Callahan, the Hawks have been to the playoffs 10 times. In those appearances, they've amassed a 24-8 record. This decade alone, Armwood has 23 playoff victories.

Earl Garcia: In 22 seasons as a coach (he's entering his 16th season at Hillsborough), Garcia owns a 174-73 record. With the Terriers, he's 141-35. Under Garcia, the Terriers are playoff regulars. In fact, they've been to the postseason every year since 1998. In 1996, Hillsborough was the Class 6A state runnerup. Garcia is 13-14 in the playoffs.

Dominick Ciao: Now entering his second season at Berkeley Prep, Ciao is 137-65 overall but it's his run at Jesuit that most people remember. With the Tigers, his program was among the most respected in Florida. In 1992, the Tigers reached the Class 3A state final before losing to Pasco. Overall, Ciao was 14-10 in the playoffs at Jesuit, and reached the third round or better five times.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Chamberlain moves to name field after Turner

When longtime Chamberlain football coach Billy Turner heard the news that the field he's been coaching on for nearly three decades might bear his name this season, he couldn't put his emotions into words.

But very soon, Chamberlain's home field could be called Billy Turner Field at John Adcock Stadium to honor Hillsborough County's winningest football coach. Turner owns 243 wins in 37 seasons, including 193 at Chamberlain.

"It's a very humbling experience," said Turner, who will enter his 30th season at Chamberlain this fall. "I get a little overwhelmed just thinking about it. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited about something like that, but I don't want to sound like there's any ego involved there. It's not the reason you get into coaching. It's something that just happens sometimes. If anything, it's about longevity."

Chamberlain athletic director Richard Scionti has proposed to name the field in Turner's name. The move needs county school board approval, so Scionti hopes to get a petition with at least 300 signatures from faculty, students and alumni to present to the school board. He said he plans to hit alumni groups, class reunions and the student body for help.

Scionti said he initially want to name the field by the beginning of the season -- the Chiefs' home opener is Sept. 12 against Middleton -- but because the motion has to be approved by the school board that might not be feasible.

"It would happen sometime this season," he said.

Turner, an Auburndale native, attended UT, where he played football and earned 12 varsity letters. Before arriving at Chamberlain, he also coached at Hillsborough and UT, as well as serving as athletic director for the Spartans. He has sent more than 150 players to play college football and nearly 20 of his former players have played professionally.

Talk has grown in recent years that Turner might decide to retire -- he will turn 71 in November -- so Scionti said he wanted to honor Turner before he made that move. Scionti told Turner about the effort Tuesday, a day after proposing it at a booster club meeting.

"We wanted to do it before he decided to give it up," Scionti said. "He's touched a lot of lives. He just hasn't coached kids, he's raised them."

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Grajales named Mr. Florida

Brandon wrestling standout Eric Grajales, who is fine-tuning his skills at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado this week, was excited when his father phoned Tuesday with the news he had been named Mr. Florida by the Florida Dairy Farmers Association.

"I just found out," Grajales said when reached by phone. "I was real happy about it. It's great to be able to represent Florida like that."

The award is much deserved.

During his junior season, Grajales, wrestling at 130 pounds, earned his third state championship, went 58-0 and set a state record with 53 pins. Grajales claimed the honor after previously being named Class 2A wrestler of the year. He was selected as Mr. Florida for 2008 over the winners from the other three classifications.

Grajales, who recently competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials, currently is training for the Cadet & Junior National Championships, which are next month in Fargo, N.D.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Meet the 'faces' of North Suncoast football

At the risk of being labeled story-stealing hacks, we here at The Hub couldn't resist seizing a neat idea from the Web and tweaking it for our own enterprising use. Last week, ESPN.com published a weeklong college football series called the "Face of the Program," in which it identified the most recognizable image or person associated with each of the nation's Division I teams. (Example: Bear Bryant was the face of the University of Alabama, the "U" on Miami's helmet was the face of UM, etc.). Eventually, the project got us to thinking (and deliberating) about the "faces" of each North Suncoast football program. The result is what you see here. Our only stipulation: A program must have been in existence at least 10 years. After all, can we really attach a face to Sunlake or Bishop McLaughlin yet?

Central: Steve Crognale
Frankly, we're not sure how long the Bears' former coach will remain the face of this still-evolving Hernando County program, but he certainly warrants such billing for now. Before stepping down in 2002 to further his education, Crognale spent 12 years with the Bears, including seven as coach. In those seven years, he won 41 games and two district titles, and led Central to five playoff berths.

Gulf: The Boosters
The Buccaneers may be the South Carolina of prep football: a program bereft of championships but endowed with passionate booster support nonetheless. Through nearly eight decades of mediocrity -- the program still is seeking its first playoff triumph -- GHS alumni and supporters have helped keep the program financially buoyant, often through enterprising means (Remember those alumni football games?). This season, the school succeeded in moving the Hudson game to a Saturday to build a weekend of fundraising events around the contest. Even the stadium is named after a prominent booster (W.D. "Des" Little). 

Blackwell: Offers coming for Freedom lineman

It's a matter of when, not if. Freedom offensive lineman Carl Saunders, one of the county's most underrated talents, will receive a scholarship offer from a Division I-A program, Patriots coach Marquel Blackwell said.

"His first offers are coming," Blackwell said.

Here's why Blackwell thinks this: A 6-foot-3, 265-pound rising senior, Saunders is a three-year starter with "great feet, great technique and the frame to fill out," Blackwell said. He's also versatile. Although he projects as a guard at the next level,  Saunders is likely to play "everywhere" on the line for Freedom.

Saunders recently competed in a camp at USF. Blackwell, who once played quarterback for the Bulls, said he performed well. The coach isn't sure which college will be the first to offer, but he's confident one will step forward "soon," possibly in the next two weeks.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Catch 47 football schedule

There have been requests for the full lineup of high school football games on Catch 47 this season. Here's the list, which producer Chris McCully said is subject to change:

(All games are at 7:30 p.m. unless noted)

Aug. 29 - Robinson at St. Petersburg

Sept. 5 - Armwood at Plant
Sept. 11 - Countryside at Gibbs
Sept. 12 - Springstead at Nature Coast
Sept. 18 - East Lake at Tarpon Springs
Sept. 19 - Manatee at Southeast
Sept. 26 - Gaither at Jefferson

Oct. 3 - Largo at Dunedin
Oct. 10 - Lakeland at Lake Gibson
Oct. 16 - Hillsborough at Plant
Oct. 17 - St. Petersburg Catholic at Clearwater Central Catholic
Oct. 24 - Chamberlain at Alonso
Oct. 31 - Wharton at Riverview

Nov. 7 - Pasco County game TBA
Nov. 13 - Jesuit at Tampa Catholic, 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 14 - Lakeland at Lakeland Kathleen
Nov. 21 - Region quarterfinal
No. 28 - Region semifinal

Dec. 5 - Region final
Dec. 12 State semifinal

-- IZZY GOULD
izzygould@gmail.com

Givens emerges from showcase on top

We already know that Plant rising senior Mychal Givens is one of next year's top professional baseball prospects.

But at a recent showcase event, Givens dazzled onlookers not only as a shortstop, but also as a pitcher.

Givens participated in the Perfect Game National Showcase in Minneapolis earlier this month, emerging from the event as arguably the top prospect out of the 250 players that attended the event.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Givens was ranked the No. 1 position player and the top middle infielder in the draw. But even more impressive was his performance as a pitcher.

He rated as the third-best pitcher in the field after he recorded the highest velocity at the showcase. He was the only pitcher to reach 95 mph on the radar gun (Eight others peaked at 94). He was also praised for his smooth delivery and ability to throw a quality curveball and change up.

Three other Hillsborough County players rated among the top 120 position players: Hillsborough CF David Richardson ranked 60th, Hillsborough C Marlon Mitchell ranked 68th and Plant IF Graham Ramos ranked No. 116. 

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Dowdell picks Boston College

The early signing period for baseball is not until November, but Clearwater Central Catholic standout James Dowdell spared himself and his family the barrage of recruiters' calls by deciding on Boston College.

Dowdell, a senior-to-be, was a Times first-team, all-county and all-suncoast selection, as well as a first-team, all-state pick in Class 3A. This past season, the outfielder batted .450 with a team-leading nine home runs as the leadoff hitter for the Marauders.

-- BOB PUTNAM

Murdock is not at Marshall

Former Middleton standout O.J. Murdock was expected to get his second chance to play Division I football this year, but it doesn't appear that will happen.

Murdock (right), a four-start recruit who ran into trouble at South Carolina, then revived his college career at Pearl River (Miss.) Community College, had signed a letter of intent to transfer to Marshall. He was expected to join the team earlier this month for summer workouts, but he did not qualify academically as a junior college transfer.

Marshall assistant athletic director Randy Burnside wouldn't specify why Murdock wasn't with the team, citing privacy issues, but he said, "He will not be coming to Marshall."

Middleton football coach Harry Hubbard said he believed Murdock would likely transfer to a Division II school instead.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Lions hire ex-USF, Florida Southern assistant

Veteran college baseball assistant Russ McNickle, whose extensive resume includes stints at Mississippi State, USF and Florida Southern, has been hired as coach at S