Trenary has everything but offer

CRYSTAL RIVER -- Clayton Trenary has been timed as fast as 4.3 seconds in the 40-yard dash by Crystal River coaches. And, at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, the senior is not considered too small.

Trenary is 32-6 as the Pirates' starting quarterback and has recorded 100-plus tackles two consecutive years as a safety. Plus, he always has been a major contributor on special teams, returning two punts for touchdowns this season.

By all accounts, Trenary has the stuff to play in college.

So why, then, is his phone not ringing?

"He talked with some people, it's just that nothing's worked out yet," Crystal River coach Jere DeFoor said. "There are some smaller schools that are interested. But I think he was really looking at the bigger schools."

They were looking, too.

Trenary was courted by the University of Florida for the better part of the fall. Though he never was offered a scholarship, the Gators maintained their interest, calling and visiting on a regular basis until coach Steve Spurrier resigned in early January.

That's when the calls from Florida recruiter Dwayne Dixon stopped and Trenary's options with a big-time NCAA Division I-A program seemed to dry up. He has received some interest from USF and UCF, but no scholarships have been offered.

This weekend, Trenary plans to take an official visit to Jacksonville University, a non-scholarship I-AA program.

"I'm still looking to see what happens," Trenary said. "But I'm not really that disappointed. This is just what happens."

No need to fret for Trenary.

He has options. One is finding a place at a smaller school. Another is trying to get a scholarship in baseball or even sign a pro contract if he's drafted by a major-league team.

Then there is the hope that Trenary's phone might begin ringing again today -- the first day that high school athletes can sign letters of intent.

If that happens, and a big-time program is willing to offer a scholarship, Trenary has no doubts he can succeed. "I definitely think I can play," he said. "I've still got baseball, and I'm just waiting to see what happens."

Crystal River baseball coach Brent Hall is one of those who believes in Trenary's potential.

Trenary was the Times All-Citrus/Hernando Player of the Year last spring after compiling a 10-1 pitching record and 2.33 ERA and batting an area-best .540 with 11 doubles, 2 triples and 29 RBI.

"I think he has a tremendous possibility of being drafted this year," Hall said. "I think he'll do a great job, and I think they'll see his speed, his arm strength and his bat speed and see something they feel they can develop."

Hall said he thinks the colleges are missing out by not offering Trenary a scholarship.

"I've been around a lot of players in all my years coaching and I've never been around a player that works as hard and loves the game as much as Clayton," said Hall, who has 123 victories and a state title in five seasons as a head coach in Jacksonville and Crystal River.

"Football or baseball, he brings his heart to the game whether it's a game or practice," Hall said. "Anyone who doesn't give Clayton Trenary a chance is missing out on a prime-time person and player."

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