Tarpon Springs D-line hopes to dominate

TARPON SPRINGS -- How good was the Tarpon Springs defensive line in last week’s 27-2 kickoff classic win over Gulf?

Check this out:

According to Tarpon coaches, Gulf managed no first downs and totaled minus-24 yards against the Spongers’ first-team defense.

And that dominance started up front.

“They’re tenacious,” Tarpon coach George Kotis said.

Five players get the bulk of the snaps on the line -- tackles George Koulianos and Brodrick Lee, along with ends Kevin Jones, Zach Melendez and Clay Paino.

But …

“Honestly, we’ve got more good ones than that,” Kotis said.

Of the players mentioned, Lee and Paino arguably are the best of the bunch. A 6-foot-2, 275-pound junior, Lee should be a big-time prospect next year. Paino, a senior with a 4.2 GPA, is getting strong interested from several Division I-AA programs, including many in the Ivy League.

“Dominance is what we always talk about with them,” Kotis said. “Keep the throttle down.”

Players in post

• Kevin Jones
• George Koulianos
• Brodrick Lee
• Zach Melendez
• Clay Paino

Teams in post

• Tarpon Springs High School