Blake grad honored for selfless deeds

On the field, Tito Gonzales is good enough to play receiver for West Virginia. Off the field, the Blake grad also is making a difference.

Gonzales, a senior for the Mountaineers, has been named to the Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team. Of the more than 50,000 student-athletes playing college football, only 22 were chosen to the Good Works Team, which honors players for their off-the-field achievements and brings awareness to their selfless deeds. The 22 college football players awarded this prestigious honor were selected by a special committee from the 71 nominations submitted by sports information directors on behalf of their teams.

In order to meet the criteria set forth by Allstate and AFCA, each player must be actively involved and committed to working with a charitable organization, service group or community service while maintaining good academic standing. Candidates must also display sincere concern and reliability, while also having made a favorable impression on the organizations with which they are involved. Neither athletic ability nor on-the-field achievements are among the selection criteria.

Gonzales, who has four catches this season for 35 yards, is an honor student who is currently working on his master's degree in special education.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Arenas making huge impact for Tide

When Javier Arenas played at Robinson, he wasn't even the most well-known member of his team. That honor belonged to record-setting quarterback Marcello Trigg. In fact, as National Signing Day approached in the winter of 2006, Arenas had only a couple of scholarship offers. But then Alabama surprised many by coming in late and pulling the trigger. Arenas jumped at the chance to play for the Crimson Tide and well, things have worked out rather well.

Now a junior, he's one of the team's top players.

And that team is ranked No. 2 in this week's AP top 25 after clubbing Georgia over the weekend.

Arenas is making his mark both as a kick returner and in the secondary. He's currently averaging 17.9 yards per punt return, which puts him among the nation's leaders. Arenas also has an interception, which he returned 63 yards for a touchdown.

To see all of Arenas' stats, go HERE. You can find his player bio HERE.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Garcia won't get start ... yet

Because the South Carolina offense has been so miserable this fall, the odds looked good that coach Steve Spurrier might name Jefferson grad Stephen Garcia as the team's starting QB this week. But it didn't happen. According to GamecockCentral.com, Spurrier just announced moments ago that Chris Smelley, who has started all but one game this season for USC, would get the nod again this week against UAB. However, Spurrier promised that Garcia, a redshirt freshman, would see significant playing time and would likely enter the game in the first quarter.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Another QB in '07 class doing well

Two falls ago, much of the area's chatter centered around heralded quarterbacks Robert Marve of Plant and Stephen Garcia of Jefferson. Today, Marve is the starter at Miami and, as early as this afternoon, Garcia could get the nod at South Carolina.

It's worth noting that another member of the 2007 QB class also is doing well.

At Armwood, Justin Hickman was a gritty competitor who went toe-to-toe against Tim Tebow in the 2005 Class 4A final. A year later, Hickman again guided the Hawks into the playoffs, where they eventually lost to Plant.

Now a redshirt freshman at VMI, Hickman, has seen playing time in two of the Keydets' first three games. Thus far, he has helped orchestrate two scoring drives. On the VMI Web site, it describes Hickman as being "a physically tough football player who has the knack for reading the option well, has good instincts and decision making ability."

Sounds like the guy I remember.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Will Garcia get the nod at USC?

Jefferson alum Stephen Garcia, a redshirt freshman quarterback at South Carolina, could be on the verge of making his first college start Saturday against UAB according to several published reports from the Palmetto State. The USC offense has struggled mightily and word is coach Steve Spurrier might be ready to give Garcia, who spent much of his first year at the school in trouble, a shot.

• Ron Morris of The State, writes "Should Stephen Garcia get the start this week against Alabama-Birmingham, the offense could take on a different look. 'We’re still always looking for new plays,' Spurrier said. 'If Stephen Garcia starts playing, he’s a lot better runner than our other quarterbacks. You might see a little bit different scheme stuff there.'"
• Scott Hood of GamecockCentral.com adds: "Following the win over Wofford, and again on Sunday, Spurrier said redshirt freshman Stephen Garcia, who played three snaps in the Georgia game, would receive an opportunity to impress the coaches this week in practice and earn the starting nod at quarterback over Chris Smelley, who has started the last three games. Spurrier said Garcia 'looked OK' in Monday night's practice.''
• Finally, there's this from Charles Bennett of The Post and Courier, who quotes Spurrier as saying "At some point, we've got to see what Stephen Garcia can do. Whether or not, he's ready to play, I don't know, but I've got to find out pretty soon."

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Forrester earns second SSC award

For the second time already this season, Wharton alum Jessica Forrester has been named Sunshine State Conference Female Runner of the Week. The award came after Forrester placed fourth against the top Division I and Division II runners in the state last weekend at the University of Florida's Mountain Dew Invitational. She posted a career-best time of 17:57.16 to lead the Spartans to a third-place finish in the 14-team field.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Span welcomes himself home with hit parade

Former Tampa Catholic standout and current Twins rookie outfielder Denard Span didn't waste any time getting his first hit in his first game back in Tampa Bay as a major leaguer.

Span, starting in centerfield and batting leadoff for Minnesota Thursday against the Rays at Tropicana Field in a pivotal game for both teams, hit James Shields' second pitch of the game to centerfield for a single.

Span is 2 for 4 with a walk and three runs scored on the night. He entered the game hitting .296 with six homers, 41 RBIs and 17 stolen bases. After a brief stint with the Twins in April, he returned for good June 29 and has played a large role in the Twins' playoff push with both his bat and his glove.

The Twins drafted Span in the first-round in 2002.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Ex-Countryside star hired at Iowa

Jared Frayer, a former three-time state champion at Countryside, took a job as an assistant coach at the University of Iowa.

“It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” Frayer said.

Frayer, 29, wrestled at the University of Oklahoma and has qualified for the Olympic trials three times.

After finishing third at the trials two months ago, Frayer decided to retire from wrestling. He planned on returning to Pinellas County and wanted to coach at the high school level, preferably at his alma mater.

But there were no teaching positions available at Countryside, he said.

Soon after, he took the position with the Hawkeyes.Iowa, a college powerhouse, won its 20th NCAA Division I title last season.

“Iowa is a great program with a ton of tradition,” Frayer said. “But I’d still like to come back to the area and coach someday.”

-- BOB PUTNAM, Times Staff Writer

Batchelor still in running for national award

Former Hillsborough sprinter Kandia Batchelor is now among the 30 candidates for NCAA Woman of the Year honors. She was on the original list of 130 nominees for the award that recognizes a student-athlete who has finished her eligibility and has excelled in athletically, academically and in the community. Nine finalists will be chosen later this month and the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics will select the winner; she will be announced during the annual awards dinner on Oct. 19 in Indianapolis. Said FSU coach Bob Braman: "She's the kind of student-athlete you want your other kids to emulate.''

--BRIAN LANDMAN

Former Guy Toph Award winner arrested

Former Guy Toph Award winner Keith Newman was arrested Monday morning and charged with five third-degree felony counts, according to police reports.

Newman, who played linebacker in the NFL for parts of eight seasons with the Bills, Falcons, Vikings and Dolphins and is currently linebackers coach at Middleton, was arrested at 9:40 this morning and faces one count of third-degree grand theft and four counts of deposit with fraud, according to the arrest affidavit.

Middleton head coach Harry Hubbard, who coached Newman in high school when he was an assistant at Jefferson, heard the news of Newman's arrest before Monday's practice.

"Just wait and pray, that's all I can do," Hubbard said.

According to the affidavit, an outstanding warrant for Newman's arrest has been issued since Sept. 2. As of Monday afternoon, he was being held at Orient Road Jail on $10,000 bond.

Newman, 31, won the Guy Toph Award as a senior at Jefferson in 1994. After a stellar college career at North Carolina, he recorded 23 career sacks in the NFL. He was an assistant coach at Middleton last year, then coached linebackers this past spring at Armwood and then was back at Middleton this offseason.

• Related content: Newman wins Guy Toph
• Related content: Former Guy Toph winners

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Cattoi making noise for UCF

A year ago, Nick Cattoi was kicking for Gaither. Last Saturday, he was playing live on ESPN2. A freshman walkon at UCF, Cattoi got the starting nod against USF because Daren Daly, the Week 1 starter, suffered a grown injury and couldn't go. Cattoi responded by kicking three extra points and a 38-yard field goal. You can read a little more about Cattoi in today's Orlando Sentinel.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Sheff makes history

A quick note on Hillsborough alum Gary Sheffield ...

In case you missed it, Sheffield smacked a second-inning grand slam off Oakland starter Gio Gonzalez on Monday night. According to the good folks at baseball-reference.com, the blast is believed to be the 250,000th homer in Major League history (dating to 1876). Interestingly, MLB.com reported that Sheffield wasn't too hyped about making history. In fact, he was more pleased that he recently passed Tampa native and close friend Fred McGriff to move into 25th place on the Major League's all-time home run list. Sheffield currently has 496 homers.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Hillsborough grad up for major honor

Sprinter Kandia Batchelor, a former Hillsborough High star, is in the running from the ACC for the NCAA Woman of the Year award. The NCAA announced 130 nominees and the top 10 in each Division will be announced later this month. The winner will be announced on Oct. 19. The contenders were chosen basedon their academics, service and leadership activities, achievement in sport and their personal statements. Each femal student-athlete must have completed her intercollegiate eligibility in her primary sport by the end of the 2008 spring season and carry at least a cumulative 2.5 GPA.

--BRIAN LANDMAN

Wharton alum wins honor at UT

After winning the UT Early Bird Classic last Friday, University of Tampa runner Jessica Forrester, a Wharton grad, has been named Sunshine State Conference Female Runner of the Week. The junior finished first out of 84 with a time of 18 minutes, one second to lead the Spartans to the overall victory. Her time was a career best.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Moses McCray listed as DT starter for 'Noles

Former Hillsborough High star defensive tackle Moses McCray, a true freshman, is listed as a probable starter in Florida State's opener Saturday against Western Carolina. McCray is being pressed into duty by the suspensions of Paul Griffin, Budd Thacker and Justin Mincey for their involvement in the academic misconduct scandal and the injury of Emmanuel Dunbar. 

Former Middleton star and true freshman tailback Cartlon "Ty" Jones and Plant standout Rhonne Sanderson, a freshman offensive guard, are both listed on the Seminoles' two-deep.

- BRIAN LANDMAN

Bay Area talents shine in college debuts

The 2008 Bay Area class of football players was one of the best we've ever had, so it really comes as no surprise that several members of the group are off to quick starts in college. Here are updates on a few of them:

Eric Smith, RB, Auburn: A year ago he was playing for Armwood and preparing to play Plant. On Saturday, Smith rushed for 66 yards on nine carries (with a long of 19) in a win over Louisiana-Monroe. Smith has been working with the third team but might have earned himself a promotion.

Matt Patchan, DT, Florida: The Armwood grad played a significant amount for the Gators against Hawaii but did not register a tackle. Next week, he faces Miami -- the school his father once played for.

Fred Sykes, WR, Illinois: After a solid senior season at Chamberlain, Sykes enrolled last January at Illinois. In Saturday's loss to Missouri on ESPN, he caught two passes for 37 yards -- one of which was a sweet grab on the sideline that drew praise from the announcers.

Am I missing anyone? Let me know.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

DeHeart has his U.S. Open moment

Arthur Ashe Stadium is the place where fans fall in love with underdogs every summer at the U.S. Open.

And for three games Thursday night, Jesuit alum Ryler DeHeart won over New York and was better than the world's No. 1 tennis player.

DeHeart, a main draw qualifier playing under the bright lights of Flushing Meadows' main stadium on a primetime TV broadcast, lost to top-ranked Rafael Nadal in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4. But after dropping the first two sets to Nadal handily and falling behing 0-40 on serve in the first game of the third set, DeHeart rallied to take the first three games of the final set.

The stadium crowd suddenly got into a match that first appeared to be a cakewalk. The fans embraced him, and for a slice of time, Ryler DeHeart had his moment.

"I always try to have fun out there, and today was a little more fun than usual," DeHeart said immediately after the match. "Rafa is at a different level than me. Hopefully one day I can get there."

DeHeart, who came into the event ranked 261st in the world, had to win three qualifying matches just to make the main draw. He then beat Belguim's Olivier Rochus in a first-round, five-set win.

DeHeart, 24, won two state titles at Jesuit and was the top player in college tennis at Illinois.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Local standout front and center at U.S. Open

Former Jesuit standout tennis player Ryler DeHeart, who advanced into the U.S. Open's man draw as a qualifier, won his first tound match Monday. Now, the tough part.

The 24-year-old DeHeart will face the world's top-ranked player, Spain's Rafael Nadal, in the second round on Thursday.

DeHeart, who was a two-time state champion and two-time runner up at Jesuit and was No. 4 nationally in the boys 18-and-under division before becoming the NCAA's No. 1 player at Illinois, beat Olivier Rochus of Belgium in five sets, 7-6, 5-7, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in his first-round match Monday. He has to win three qualifying matches just to make the main draw.

Asked what it will take to beat Nadal, DeHeart didn't have many answers for The New York Observer.

"That's a very good question, I think," he told the Observer. "I mean, he's beatable. It's going to be a tall task, and I'm probably not, you know, the guy most people are expected to do that. I'm still going to go out there and do my best. I'm going to give it everything I have, and I think tactically there are some things I definitely can implement to try to give him trouble, and that's all you can do."

Related content:
Area star earns top ranking (March 1, 2005)

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Jefferson grad working toward FSU return

Junior offensive tackle Daron Rose had hoped to be in Tallahassee, anchoring the line for the second straight year as a starter. He’s not. The former Jefferson star is back home, going to Hillsborough Community College with an eye toward getting his academics back on track so he can return to FSU.

“I started in the summer and right now, the timetable is next summer,’’ he said. “But hopefully I can get there by the end of the spring (semester).’’

In the past, Seminoles who were declared academically ineligible and headed to junior college have gone just a few miles from the FSU campus to Tallahassee Community College. Rose said he came home in part due to finances but mainly “it was better to get my head straight.’’

Although he missed the Music City Bowl and would have missed the first three games of this season for his involvement in the academic misconduct scandal, he said his bigger problem was “not taking care of business,’’ which he hopes will be a life lesson.

--BRIAN LANDMAN

Injury at FSU could land Countryside grad starting spot

Interesting news out of Tallahassee today.

Times FSU beat reporter Brian Landman reports that Graham Gano, an all-ACC preseason pick at punter who was expected to handle the placekicking and kickoff duties this season, tore meniscus and cartilage in his right knee and will have surgery Friday. In his absence, former Countryside standout Zach Hobby is expected to be the placekicker for the 'Noles.

You can read more HERE.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

For Marve, the wait is just about over

For better or for worse, Plan grad Robert Marve will learn his fate this week. That's because Miami Hurricanes coach Randy Shannon finally is set to name the team's starting quarterback for the season opener, which is fast approaching.

Will Marve get the nod? Or will it be Jacory Harris?

An article published Saturday in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel had a headline that read: "Marve favorite in 3-man race." Shandel Richardson, who covers the 'U' for the paper, wrote that "Robert Marve is becoming comfortable again. For the first time in his collegiate career, he is feeling like the player who dominated high school games."

Marve, a redshirt freshman, has been locked in a tight battle with Harris, a true freshman who early enrolled in January. Cannon Smith is the third candidate, but he doesn't seem to be in the mix to start at the moment. Marve guided Plant to the Class 4A title in 2006; Harris led Miami Northwestern to the 6A crown last year.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Ex-Armwood star won't play in Gators' opener

I just spoke with Times Gator writer Antonya English and the news -- if you're a Florida or Armwood fan -- isn't promising. Florida coach Urban Meyer said today that former Armwood star Torrey Davis, one of the country's top recruits in the Class of 2007, will miss Florida’s season opener against Hawaii. Meyer apparently wouldn't go into specifics, which is never a good thing. Davis, a sophomore defensive tackle, was a five-star prospect as a senior and was expected to do big things in college. We'll have more on this story later today on our Gator Blog, which can be found HERE. Antonya is working on a variety of stories today, so be patient.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Hillsborough alum primed to pass 2 Hall-of-Famers

Hillsborough grad Gary Sheffield, now 39, is having what has arguably been his worst season in the Major Leagues. He's hitting only .222 with 10 homers and 33 RBIs. And he has as many strikeouts (61) as hits.

On the flip side ...

Despite his struggles, Sheffield continues to climb the charts on two of Major League Baseball's two most prestigious lists -- career hits and career homers. On both, he's in pretty rarefied air.

Career hits: 2,582. That ranks Sheffield 78th all-time, but only one hit behind Ernie Banks (Mr. Cub) and two behind Reggie Jackson (Mr. October), both of whom are in the Hall of Fame.

Career homers: 490. That ranks him 27th, ahead of players such as Stan "the Man" Musial and Dave Winfield. With four more, Sheffield will pass Lou Gehrig and Jefferson alum Fred McGriff, the latter of whom holds the record for a Tampa Bay product.

To you, the reader, I pose the following two questions: Where does Sheffield rank all-time among players raised in the Tampa Bay area? And does he have any shot of making the Hall of Fame?

You can find his career stats HERE.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Batchelor makes All-ACC Academics squad

Hillsborough grad Kandia Batchelor, a senior sprinter at Florida State, has been named to the All-ACC Academics Track and Field Team. Now for the impressive part: This is her third consecutive year on the squad. In order to be eligible for consideration on the 2008 All-ACC Academic team, a student-athlete must have earned a 3.00 GPA for the previous semester and maintained a 3.00 cumulative average during his/her academic career. Batchelor is a Management major.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Report: Vandy's Doster out for season

The Tennessean, which is based in Nashville and covers Vanderbilt on a daily basis, has reported that Robinson grad Jermaine Doster, a running back with the Commodores, "has been suspended for the season, following his arrest two weeks ago on three misdemeanor charges in his hometown of Tampa" (story about arrest HERE).

Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson made the announcement last Friday after his team's first practice. Doster is not expected to join the team until classes begin.

"He's got to be a great citizen when he comes back, and while he's gone — from now on," Johnson told the paper. "I think he'll do a good job."

Doster, 20, is the brother of former Vanderbilt running back Kwane Doster, who was shot and killed in Ybor City in December 2004 while on holiday break from college.

--GREG AUMAN & KEITH NIEBUHR

Marion cut by Steelers

Kevin Marion talked Sunday about the opportunity to make the Pittsburgh Steelers roster as a free agent kick returner.

"I'm excited about my chances here," Marion said.

The opportunity was short-lived.

Marion, a former Dixie Hollins and Wake Forest star, was cut by the Steelers on Tuesday. Pittsburgh signed Marion in April to give them depth in a return game that needed some oomph. Trouble was, the Steelers added a little too much depth in that area, signing Allen Rossum, among others.

The log jam made Marion expendable. He was released to make room for punter Paul Ernster.

Marion is not the only former Pinellas County player on an NFL training camp roster. For others, click below

(Photo: Kevin Marion was a standout at Wake Forest. Getty Images)

Is Mike Williams' career over?

The NFL career of former Plant and Southern California standout wide receiver Mike Williams appears to be in serious jeopardy. Williams, the 10th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, was released Thursday by the Tennessee Titans.

According to a report from the Associated Press, "Williams weighed around 270 pounds when he signed with Tennessee and lost more than 30 pounds this offseason in an effort to salvage his career. But conditioning, weight and endurance remained issues for the former University of Southern California star."

At USC, Williams was so good some began to wonder if he would become one of the best players to ever come from the Tampa Bay area.

But during a two-season stint with Detroit, the Tampa native caught just 29 passes for 350 yards and a touchdown. He was traded to Oakland in 2007, but was released by the Raiders last October.

For his career, Williams has only 44 catches. During those limited touches, he lost three fumbles.

On a personal note, I've only met Williams once ... he seemed like a pretty nice guy. I know a lot of people around here will be pulling for him to turn his career around.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Report: Garcia returning to Gamecocks early

Former Jefferson record-setting quarterback Stephen Garcia will return to the South Carolina football team earlier than expected and in time to participate in the team's first preseason practice Friday, The (Columbia, S.C.) State reported Thursday night.

Garcia, a redshirt freshman, was initially suspended from taking classes and participating in team activities until Aug. 15, the first day of classes at South Carolina, but his request for early reinstatement was approved by the school, the paper said.

Garcia, who broke Kenny Kelly's Hillsborough County career yardage mark at Jefferson, received a underage drinking citation in March, his third legal incident in a 15-month span.

Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier said that Garcia had complied with all the reinstatement requirements while he spent the summer in Tampa, which reportedly included maintaining a summer job, community service work and regular progress reports. Other requirements included drug and alcohol tests and personal counseling, the paper reported.

Sources told the paper that Garcia will be on a short leash -- he will be on a zero-tolerance policy and another incident could lead to his dismissal.

Garcia, 20, would enter preseason practice no higher than third on the team's depth chart behind Tommy Beecher and Chris Smelley, who enter the preseason competing for the starting job.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

From backup to 'bread and butter'

Former Jefferson quarterback Kamau Leitner is heading into his senior season at Edward Waters with the team’s offensive success resting on his shoulders.

Speaking to reporters Friday in Tampa at the Florida Sports Writers Association college football media days, Edward Waters coach Kevin Clark said Leitner is the team’s “bread and butter” and the key to its success.

“He has great leadership ability, great poise on the field,” Clark said. “His weakness is he needs to be a lot stronger. He’s not a weight room kid. But this year, we’ve got him in the weight room.”

Leitner, who played behind current South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia at Jefferson, was a All-South East Athletic Conference team selection last year. He was 161 for 289 with 13 touchdown passes and seven interceptions.

Edward Waters, a NAIA school in Jacksonville, went 5-6 last year in Clark’s first season as head coach.

-- BRIAN LANDMAN and EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Think Marve's the man? You can show your support online

It might not be a controversy. But it certainly is a battle.

As the Miami Hurricanes get set to start fall practice, they have yet to name a starting quarterback. There are two main guys in the hunt for the job -- Plant grad Robert Marve, a redshirt freshman, and Miami Northwestern grad Jacory Harris, a true freshman who early enrolled in January. While in Tampa on Thursday, 'Canes coach Randy Shannon (who also happens to be a lifelong friend of Blake coach Sean Washington) said both will play but a starter won't be named for awhile.

Whom do you think should start?

The Miami Herald Web site has a poll that asks that very question. And as of Friday afternoon at 2:37, with more than 1,200 votes in the surprising leader was Marve. We say surprising because Harris is a South Floridian after all.

Although it's doubtful Shannon will name a starter based on who wins the online poll (if he does, the program is in worse shape than I thought), if you'd like to have your say, go HERE.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Vandy: No comment on Doster arrest

Vanderbilt football media relations director Larry Leathers said Friday that school athletic officials, including head coach Bobby Johnson, would have no official comment regarding the arrest of tailback Jermaine Doster until they learn more about the situation. As the Times reported earlier today, Doster, a former Robinson standout, was arrested early Friday morning in Ybor City on three misdemeanor charges (full story here).

The 5-foot-10, 205-pound Doster will be a redshirt freshman this fall.

He is one of five Commodore tailbacks competing for playing time, Leathers said. The Web site Vandysports.com has four Commodores on the depth chart at tailback. Doster is not one of them.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Weatherford to compete for starting job at UCF

He might not be the frontrunner, but former Land O' Lakes standout Joe Weatherford will have to opportunity to win the starting quarterback job at UCF as a redshirt freshman, Golden Knights coach George O' Leary said Thursday.

"I think it's open," O'Leary told reporters at Thursday's Florida Sports Writers Association media days session in Tampa.

Weatherford will compete with redshirt junior Mike Greco, who played in parts of nine games last season, for the opportunity to replace last year's starter Kyle Israel. Israel threw for 2,173 yards and 15 touchdowns in helping UCF to a Conference USA title.

O'Leary said he won't resort to a two-quarterback system, that there will be a starter and a backup, but also said he wouldn't hesitate to make a switch if the starter struggles.

"I think Greco athletically has a lot of talent," O'Leary said. "I think he may be able to come in that first week and make good decisions. ... Joe Weatherford's done a good job with himself. It will be interesting. I'm not going to take long to make a decision. Something's going to click and then we move on. Whoever it is is going to be the one best suited for that job."

Weatherford, the younger brother of FSU starter Drew Weatherford, received the most reps of any quarterback in the Golden Knights' spring game, going 7-for-15 for 148 yards and one touchdown.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Sharp leaves FSU

Defensive specialist/setter Allison Sharp, part of state championship teams at Berkeley Prep as a freshman and at Plant as a senior, has transferred from FSU to Division III power Emory. Sharp sat out her freshman season in 2007.

While in high school, Sharp earned Times honorable mention all-county honors.

In addition to playing for Plant, she competed at the Junior Olympic National Championships with the Tampa Bay Juniors. In 2003, that team advanced to the finals of the 14-and-under division.

According to Florida State's official Web site, Sharp did not compete in any matches last fall.

--BRIAN LANDMAN & KEITH NIEBUHR

Atlanta paper asks, will Garcia get playing time this fall?

The topic of Tony Barnhart's column for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution today: SEC Quarterbacks. In it, he asked five burning questions. No. 4 was this: Will Stephen Garcia actually get on the field this season? Garcia, as many of you know, was a record-setting QB at Jefferson. He's now a redshirt freshman for Steve Spurrier's South Carolina Gamecocks.

Here's what Barnhart, one of the country's most well-known and well-respected college football writers, had to say about the matter ...

After three run-ins with the law, the highly-recruited but star-crossed South Carolina quarterback, who has yet to play a down, will be on suspension from all team activities until Aug. 15. First he has to get back into school. Then he has to get out of Steve Spurrier’s doghouse. Then he has to prove to Spurrier that he can play and be trusted not to mess up again. That’s a lot of ifs. But unless Tommy Beecher or Chris Smelley improve, the Gamecocks are going to need Garcia before this season is over.

I tend to agree with his last sentence (and think he'll do well). Agree? Disagree? Give me your take.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Grooms headed to Tennessee State

Former Middleton quarterback Dominic Grooms, who was Missouri's No. 3 signal caller before leaving the program recently, told the Times on Monday he is transferring to Tennessee State.

While in high school, the 6-foot-1, 195-pound Grooms, who was ranked the nation's 24th best dual-threat quarterback by rivals.com, chose Missouri over USF, N.C. State, Clemson, North Carolina and Vanderbilt. A sophomore, he was listed third on the team's spring depth chart behind Heisman Trophy finalist Chase Daniel and Chase Patton.

"There wasn't a problem (at Missouri) at all," Grooms said. "I had to get closer to home. I feel like being closer to home is best for the family. And I have some other family in the area (the school is located in Nashville). That kind of makes it more of a home-like situation."

Grooms picked Tennessee State over Florida A&M, Hampton and Texas Southern. Because Tennessee State is a Division I-AA program, he can play this fall. He is confident he will be the team's starting quarterback. Playing behind Daniel, one of the country's best, made him a better player, Grooms said.

"That was a big help," Grooms said. "I feel like I'm more prepared than a lot of backups. I feel like I'm at the point right now where I could start anywhere."

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Lockwood earns high power ranking

How good was former Jesuit standout Ryan Lockwood this spring? As a freshman, he batted .415 for USF and drove in 37 runs. At one point, he got a hit in 30 straight games. Recently, Rivals.com named him to its freshman All-America team. Now, the popular Web site has praised Lockwood again. In its final player power rankings for the 2008 season, Rivals rated him as the country's 15th-best outfielder.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Armwood grad 3 wins from AFL title

Even though the Tampa Bay Storm didn't make the postseason, the Arena Football Leagues' playoffs are still worth paying attention to. Jonathan Ordway is one of the reasons why.

A 1997 graduate of Armwood, Ordway is a defensive back for the AFL's Chicago Rush, who are one of eight remaining teams.

And he's a good one at that.

At last check, the 29-year-old Ordway ranked fourth on the team in tackles (56) and second in passes broken up (14).

Ordway and the Rush play host to Grand Rapids on Sunday at 3 p.m. You can watch the game live on ESPN or listen to it on Sirius Radio's Channel 127.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Jesuit grad earns national recognition

Ryan Lockwood, a former Jesuit baseball standout, was honored Tuesday for his stellar play at USF this spring. The outfielder was named to the Rivals.com freshman All-America team. Lockwood, who attended Florida for a year after high school but was granted a medical redshirt, hit .415 in his first season with the Bulls, while driving in 37 runs.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

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

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

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

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 recall