Orlando's Dr. Phillips Set to Make a Run at the Florida 6A Title
Hart, a heavily recruited 5-8, 185 lbs runner, gained over 1,500 all-purpose yards last season scoring 17 touchdowns along the way. Adding to his talents as a runner and receiver, Hart is an electrifying kick returner who scored five times on just 13 returns in 2009. Still undecided as to where he will play next year, Hart is said to be favoring the University of Michigan. Football Analyst Barry Every has described Dee as a runner with "tremendous change of direction and great vision." Opening up holes for Hart to run through will be 6-5, 255 lbs offensive lineman Darius Johnson, a senior who is set to play for Colorado State next season.
Equally important to the team's offense will be the play of junior quarterback Nick Patti. Though undersized at 5-11, 170 lbs, Patti like Hart is on the recruiting radar of the University of Michigan, with one Wolverine coach comparing him to current Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier. Overall Patti is an athletic quarterback who has good pocket presence, decent arm strength, and can run when he has to. Last season Nick rushed for 426 yards to go along with the 992 yards he picked up passing. At the end of some of Patti's passes this season will be wide receiver Mike Milano. Patti and Milano have been working together since Jr. Varsity, and should have a good feel for each other's game.
Rounding up the offense will be the play of All-Country punter/kicker Shawn Moffit. Moffit has excellent accuracy and range having connected on 11 out of 15 field goal tries in 2009, the longest of which traveled 49 yards.
Anchoring the defense is strong safety Ha'Sean Clinton Dixon, an impressive and physically gifted 6-2, 190 lbs player who plays the run as easily as the pass. Tough, agile and fast, Dixon is a blue chip recruit who will apply his craft at the University of Alabama next year.
Lurking in Dixon's shadow is safety Roderick Ryles whose seven interceptions last season helped the Panthers to an 11-1 record. Though not as physically imposing as Dixon, Ryles has great closing speed and tremendous jumping ability, making him a difficult defender to pass against. In July Ryles committed to the University of Arkansas.
Adding even more depth to the defense will be senior LaQuentin Smith, a fierce middle linebacker with the skills to separate the ball carrier from the ball with his tackling. Though not as fast as Dixon and Ryles, Smith is still capable of running the 40 in 4.7, and remains a highly recruited prospect who has received offers from almost a dozen different schools.
The season officially kicked off for the Panthers on Aug. 9, when all returning Varsity players began practice in preparation for their August 27debut against Palm Coast (Away). After that it will be home games against Edgewater (9/3) and Osceola (9/10). Two away games against Olympia (9/17) and Cypress Creek (9/24) will close out September for the Panthers. In October the team will take on Boone (10/8), Evans (10/15), Oak Ridge (10/23) and Gateway (10/29), before finishing the season out against Freedom (11/5) and West Orange (11/12).
Sources:
"2009 football statistics," www.dpathletics.net
"An Interview with Nick Patti," www.mgoblog.com
Every, Barry, "Scouting Report on Demetrius Hart," June, 28, 2010, www.Rival.yahoo.com
"Hasean Clinton-Dix (Athlon Consensus #16),"www.athlon.com
"LaQuentin Smith,"www.scout.com
Sonnone, Brandon, "Dr. Phillips' INT specialist Roderick Ryles starting to gain some notice," March 22, 2010, www.orlandosentinel.com
Published by Rolando Cruz
