Lion in the spring, Leopard in the fall

When three-dozen or so Hernando football players aligned themselves in the Tom Fisher Stadium bleachers Thursday morning for the team's photo day, at least one prominent new face peered back at the cameras.

Former Hernando Christian star Clay Kessler, the star of the Lions' spring game in May, has transferred to Hernando. A 6-foot-3, 215-pound senior who has drawn Division I interest, Kessler could play a variety of offensive skill positions, coach John Palmer said.

Nicknamed 'Hoss' by his HCA teammates, Kessler accounted for 128 yards of total offense (including 91 rushing yards), nine tackles, a sack and an interception in the Lions' 21-14 loss to Bradenton St. Stephen's in the spring game.

Palmer, who inherits a team brimming with size up front (five offensive linemen weigh at least 265 pounds), said Kessler could play tailback, receiver or tight end for the Leopards.

JOEY KNIGHT, Times Staff Writer

Comments

[sportie]

If he's zoned for Central, he needs to be playing for Central, or stay at HCA.

Again, I am not saying that this kid was recruited, I am sure he wasnt.

But the point still stands.

I have on good authority that this kid is zoned for central, at least he was the last time i spoke to his family.

[Bob Kousy]

I see your argument, but it is weak, especially in this case. It's HCA, seriously guys, why wouldn't you leave that school. Perhaps he actually wanted to play somewhere, where some one might actually see him play. The reason you rarely see the complaints when transfering from a private to a public is because one, it is a rare occasion and two, private schools are known to throw other perks as incentives (ie-scholarships).

I highly doubt he was recruited, but I still think its funny you get crickets when kids go private to public, but the full court press is on when a kid goes from public to private....just a double standard I was trying to point out.

[woahh]

Its probably his zoned school, and his parents sent him to the Christian school because Hernando's administration has sucked the past few years--but they are getting a new principal and AP--I think that's most likely it, but don't know for sure.

What funny is, here is a story about one of the best, if not the best player from a school, transferring to another school, and no cries of recruiting.

Guess it is only public to private that people care about.

[haha]

Hahah--Nature Coast didn't snap him up??