Sports
Fill out this form to email this article to a friend
Dixie Hollins
By BOB PUTNAM
Published August 31, 2007
A closer look at the Rebels Coach: Mike Morey Last year's record: 3-7
Dixie Hollins' linemen usually carry a lot of weight. ¶ From 2004-05, the Rebels had plenty of big bodies up front, which helped them pulverize opposing defenses and make the playoffs twice in that span. ¶ Trouble is, the large guys are now harder to find. ¶ Dixie Hollins had a lighter line last year and it showed. The Rebels finished 3-7 and failed to make the playoffs for the first time in three seasons. ¶ Not much has changed. Dixie Hollins' biggest lineman (Shadoe Soloman) weighs 265 pounds. Most of the Rebels' linemen weigh around 200. ¶ But Dixie Hollins coach Mike Morey takes solace in knowing most of the other offensive lines in the county are in the same situation.
Brown, a junior, is a deft ball-handling quarterback whose speed, moves and quickness make him dangerous as a runner. He's also showing he can beat defenders with his arm. In the spring game against Sarasota, Brown threw a 15-yard touchdown to Jaron Cole on the game's first drive.
Are you big into MySpace?
Somewhat. I have my own page and like to talk to friends.
What videos do you post on MySpace?
Usually, highlights of other players. I have some highlights of (Florida quarterback) Tim Tebow on there.e_SClBIs it safe to say Tebow is your favorite player?
He is now. I even changed my jersey number from 7 to 15.
So who used to be your favorite player?
Michael Vick. He's a left-handed quarterback who can run, like me. But he got into some trouble so I had to go in another direction.e_SClBHow many text messages do you send/receive a day?
It's got to be more than 100.
Who are you texting that much?
(Boca Ciega quarterback) Orhian Johnson and I text each other all day. We're good friends and we want to see how each other is doing.
Bob Putnam, Times Staff Writer
By the numbers
6 Times Dixie allowed 20 points or more on defense.
5 Times the Rebels failed to score more than 10 points in a game last season.
4 Teams Dixie faces that reached the playoffs last year.
Quarterback competition
Brown isn't the only quarterback who can beat defenders with his feet as well as his arm. Jermeil Douse, younger brother of former Rebels star Johnnie Smith, is showing he has some improvisational skills, so much that Morey is thinking of alternating both players under center. But whomever doesn't start at quarterback will still line up in the backfield. "I want those guys on the field as much as possible," Morey said.
Runners galore
Morey said this is his best group of skill players in years. The strength is with the tailbacks. Ja-Far Fortt, Raheem Smith and Kenny Gonzalez all should get carries. James Worthen and Jaron Cole are the leading fullbacks.
Gang tacklers
The Rebels may be small, but they make up for it in speed, especially on defense. Chris Sanborn is the leader of the front four. Cole is the top linebacker. And Fortt is the best defensive back. In the spring game, Dixie prevented Sarasota from getting a first down in the first half.
He's gone
Stephen Frazier has moved to Orlando.
Frazier, a 6-foot-1, 235-pound senior-to-be, was Dixie's top returning lineman and would have played on both sides of the line. His absence will be felt most on offense, where the Rebels don't have much veteran leadership along the line.
Check out our new team and player pages at tampabay.com
[Last modified August 29, 2007, 14:12:35]
Share your thoughts on this story
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
News
Fifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.
Print
Email story
Comment
Letter to the editor