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Tyler Gross' skill and speed have been well known around Osceola for years, but the best thing Gross, a senior, could do for the Warriors was go to class and make decent grades.
Gross said he became academically ineligible as a freshman after failing a math class. For the past two years, he's been working his way out of a hole.
"When a kid, his freshman year, goes under, it's hard for him to recover," said Osceola coach George Palmer. "We just kept trying to get him eligible."
Gross earned his way back onto the football field through the classroom and quickly is becoming one of the Warriors' most productive running backs. In Monday's season-opening 34-3 win at St. Petersburg, he rushed for 83 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown. In the fall jamboree, he caught a 44-yard touchdown in a quarter against Seminole.
Gross is not huge - 5-foot-9, 160 pounds - and hasn't played since his freshman year. His only athletic activity has been running track in the summer for the Lightning Bolts club team. He spent some weekends at the YMCA lifting weights, but staying in shape wasn't his No.1 priority. If he didn't get his grades right, he'd never have a chance to wear an Osceola jersey, or a cap and gown.
"I like sports, and that pushed me to do my work knowing if I couldn't do it, I couldn't play," said Gross, who's on track to graduate.
He attended study hall and extended learning after school. Teammates Justin Kirkland and Carlton Dickson, eager to get him on the football field, helped him study. He was eligible for last spring's track season and was a region qualifier in the 100 meters. On the field, his speed translates well, allowing him to explode from the backfield in Osceola's Wing-T offense. Instead of senior Sergio Felton taking the bulk of the handoffs, Felton is free to play receiver.
"It's given us some depth that we haven't had in the last few years," Palmer said. "We are a more balanced football team."
Although its just his first year of varsity football, Gross already understands his role.
"They're looking for me to get first downs and touchdowns," Gross said. "I'm going to try my best."
Palmer said the exciting part would be watching him improve throughout the season. He could emerge the fastest running back in the county.
"He's getting better," Palmer said. "Not playing football for two years, he's still knocking the rust off."