PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Quarterback Terrell Skinner looks out for his guys but still piles up huge numbers.
By JOHN C. COTEY
Published December 19, 2004
Terrell Skinner is just chillin' on the phone, recapping his senior season and playing it cool. A photo is scheduled, to signify Skinner's selection as the Times Pinellas County Player of the year, and his cool melts away at the idea of having Boca Ciega teammates Myron Dillard and Lequerio Nesbitt share the picture.
Yes, he loves the idea. Don't worry, he says, I'll get them there for the photo shoot. His voice rises an octave. He's practically giddy at the chance to share his spotlight.
It makes perfect sense, really. Because when Skinner looks back at 2004, he knows he won't necessarily see the backbreaking touchdown runs, the gamebreaking touchdown passes, the heartbreaking punt returns.
He'll see fullback Dillard and halfback Nesbitt, two guys who lost a year to grades that made up for lost time with spectacular senior seasons.
In many ways, their accomplishments in Bogie's 9-3 playoff season represent some of Skinner's finest work. Skinner is the quarterback responsible for handing them ball, for making snap second decisions whether to give it to Nesbitt, pitch it to Dillard or run.
His unselfishness helped both runners set career highs. Had he wanted to, the vastly talented Skinner could have kept the ball more than he did.
But beyond the numbers, Skinner made sure Nesbitt and Dillard had their moments.
"I feel like a proud father," Skinner said. "I can remember when we were in the spring, I took Dillard with me everywhere I went - weight room, to work out, everywhere. I mean, just to see him rush for 1,200 yards and 10 TDs. He came from being a Little League all-star to barely playing football to having a breakout year. I think I'm more excited about that than anything."
That level of unselfishness makes Skinner the perfect teammate and a dream to coach, because "anything" this year included:
Earning 917 yards and 13 touchdowns rushing, including 200 yards in a playoff game against Clearwater.
Passing for 382 yards and six touchdowns.
A dramatic punt return touchdown with no time left - perhaps the play of the year - to lift the Pirates over Gibbs in a crucial district game.
A mad scramble on a broken play in overtime to beat Tarpon Springs.
The backbreaking touchdown pass before halftime against Northeast, and the 164 yards against Seminole to clinch a playoff spot.
Mention Dillard's or Nesbitt's numbers, though, and Skinner is content with 2004.
"He's selfless, man," Boca Ciega coach Jean Gordon said. "That's the kind of kid he is. One thing I always said to him was run the offense the way it's supposed to be run and you'll get yours. And he did."
At 6 feet 3, 200 pounds, Skinner stands out in a crowd. Gordon said major college coaches approached him at the senior all-star game practices and game and told him Skinner was immediately distinguishable.
"When they looked out there, they said to me, "Coach, he's a man'," Gordon said. "They could see a physical difference between him and the other guys. Basically at least three, four colleges came up to me and said he stood out above the rest."
Central Florida made an offer before the season but Skinner's suitors now include Michigan State, Maryland, Ole Miss and Iowa State, where he is taking a visit this weekend.
All see him as a wide receiver or defensive back in college.
"This is what I expected; this is what I was working for," Skinner said. "My pops always told me if you work, you can reap nothing but good."
