Countdown to kickoff: scouting report

A position-by-position look at the top football players and teams in Hillsborough County. Today we break down linemen.

By JOE SMITH, KEITH NIEBUHR Times staff writers
Published August 15, 2007

The Times is taking a position-by-position look at Hillsborough County's top football players and the area's best units at that position. Rankings are based on our observations of past performances, chats with coaches and some educated guesswork. Today: Linemen.

Matt Patchan
Sr., Armwood

The explosive tackle is one of the nation's top recruits, blending size (6-7, 265 pounds) and strength.

Rhonne Sanderson
Sr., Plant

(6-3, 270) Was top lineman on state title team. Will likely end up at a Division I school.

Spencer Cavalieri
Sr., Gaither

The 6-2, 240-pound offensive guard anchors the Cowboys line.

Juan Gorostiaga
Sr., Armwood

(6-3, 275) Patchan's emergence moves this co-captain to guard. Gorostiaga was the Hawks best lineman last year.

Vittorio Ottanelli
Sr., Blake

The Division I prospect leads an experienced group. Cerebral player is also an honor student.

Surprise star

Willie Francis
Sr., Hillsborough

The 6-foot-1, 270-pounder is primed for his best season, partnering with the Terriers two other stalwarts - LT Antonio McKay and junior Darren Baker.

Top five units

1. Armwood: The Hawks boast two of the county's top linemen, which should make for plenty of holes for RB Eric Smith.

2. Gaither: The Cowboys have good size, with three starters returning, including dual-threat TE Justin Lattimore.

3. Chamberlain: The Chiefs bring back three starters - including stalwart Austin Chapman (6-0, 260) - could pave the way for a 1,000-yard rusher.

4. Jefferson: With Sebastian Cadavid holding down the fort - and TE Max Holloway healthy - Dragons should keep first-year QB Zack Grossi off the training table.

5. Blake: Returns one of the stronger, more experienced lines, led by Ottanelli.

Top five DL to watch

Sergio Joyner
Sr., Armwood

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Joyner arguably is the area's top end. Simply put, nobody gets to the quarterback faster. A year ago, he had 27 QB hurries. Despite his size, Joyner also is very good against the run.

Moses McCray
Sr., Hillsborough

A Middleton transfer, McCray is an athletic and powerful tackle who has the ability to take over a game at any time. He committed to Florida State during the summer.

Ryne Giddins
Jr., Armwood

The Hawks' "other" defensive end, Giddins is the perfect complement to Joyner. He's fast enough to catch opposing QBs (he had 10 sacks last year) and big enough (6-4, 230) to stop the run.

Quincy Barr
Sr., Riverview

The 6-4, 225-pound Barr, one of the county's fastest defensive linemen, has schools such as Marshall and Southern Miss interested. Coaches say he runs the 40-yard dash in 4.8 seconds.

Tyler Evans
Sr., Plant

In helping lead Plant to the '06 state title, the 6-2, 275-pound Evans had strong performances against Armwood and St. Augustine Nease. He can be a bull in the middle.

Surprise star

Max Holloway
Sr., Jefferson

Didn't play defense in '06 due to a broken wrist, but Holloway has great potential - and scholarship offers from Stanford, Cincinnati and Syracuse.

Top five units

1. Armwood: The Hawks lost arguably the state's top defensive lineman (Torrey Davis) to graduation, but likely won't miss a beat. This group is big, strong and fast. And it plays hard.

2. Riverview: The Sharks return every starting lineman from the '06 team, which allowed less than 10 points a game. Barr, Jamaul Butts and Roman Rodriguez each do a little of everything.

3. Hillsborough: McCray's presence only added to an already solid group. His ability to take on multiple blockers will free up everyone else to make plays.

4. Alonso: Led by end Jamal Crook, who had 12 sacks in '06, this unit will be this team's strength. Junior Demonte McAllister is thought to be a big-time prospect.

5. Plant: The Panthers have talent (see Evans) and numbers. Plant's defensive line got little attention during the team's championship run. But it usually delivered.

Joe Smith and Keith Niebuhr, Times staff writers

[Last modified August 14, 2007, 22:55:51]