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Locals dot college football rosters around nation

 
Tampa Bay Times
Published Sept. 3, 2015

Former bay area high school standouts don't just dot Division I-A rosters around the state. There are a lot of local players expected to see significant time around the nation.

RB Matt Breida, Jr., Georgia Southern

This Nature Coast alum was one of the top backs in the nation a year ago, racking up 1,485 yards. His 8.68 yards per carry led the nation. And he just might be in the picture for college player of the year, cracking the Maxwell Award watch list.

OL Mason Cole, So., Michigan

He was the first true freshman offensive lineman ever to start in an opener for the Wolverines. The 6-foot-5, 287-pound East Lake grad didn't let up from there, starting 11 more games and getting tabbed a freshman All-American by ESPN and other media outlets.

DE Byron Cowart, Fr., Auburn

Last year's No. 1 recruit in the country has had an up-and-down few months since leaving Armwood. But Tigers coaches say he'll play a lot, and he'll be expected to contribute in Saturday's opener against a good Louisville team.

TE Sean Culkin, Jr., Missouri

The 6-foot-6, 245-pound Indian Rocks Christian product was one of the first locals to jump to Mizzou when the Tigers joined the SEC. He's asked to do a lot in the offense as a blocker, so his value exceeds the 20 catches (and one touchdown) he had last year.

DB Trey Dudley-Giles, Sr., UMass

Pasco High knows how to churn out multitalented athletes. He started every game in 2014, totaling 52 tackles while seeing key time on kickoffs and punt returns.

QB Phillip Ely, Sr., Toledo

Though he has had a tumultuous college career, the former Plant High and Alabama quarterback was recently named the Rockets' starter. He looked good early last season (541 yards passing, four TDs), before going down with a knee injury in Week 2 against Missouri that sidelined him the rest of the year.

ATH Janarion Grant, Jr., Rutgers

This Pasco alum was just 38 yards from setting the Scarlet Knights' record (948) for kick return yards a year ago. Though his primary role comes on special teams, he also sees time at receiver, helping land him on the Paul Hornung watch list for college football's most versatile player.

TE Tyler Higbee, Sr., Western Kentucky

The East Lake alum becomes the Hilltoppers' top tight end threat this season, after tallying 230 yards and four TDs on 15 receptions as a junior. He's also on the John Mackey watch list given to the nation's top tight end.

S Leon McQuay III, Jr., Southern Cal

The Armwood product had 36 tackles and two interceptions last season. He is expected to start at safety for the No. 8 Trojans.

WR Chris Moore, Sr., Cincinnati

The former Jefferson star averaged 22.4 yards per reception a year ago. But his real claim to fame in 2014? He had three catches (all went for touchdowns) for an eye-popping 221 yards against Ohio State. His 73.7 yards per catch topped the NCAA single-game record of 72.7 set in 1975 by East Carolina's Terry Gallaher.

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WR Artavis Scott, So., Clemson

The East Lake product (pictured above right) is on the Biletnikoff Award watch list given to the nation's top receiver after a dazzling freshman season. He had a team-high 76 receptions and eight touchdowns, netting almost 1,000 yards receiving. Want to watch him in person? Circle Oct. 24 on your calendar when the Tigers play at Miami.

WR Ja'Juan Story, Sr., TCU

The Nature Coast alum originally signed with Florida but started to produce last year after transferring to the Horned Frogs. Coaches raved about his fall camp, and he will be expected to contribute on a TCU team with legitimate national championship aspirations.

LB Eric Striker, Sr., Oklahoma

A full-time starter since 2013, the Armwood graduate had 68 tackles and nine sacks as a junior to earn all-Big 12 first-team honors.

DE Ernest Suttles, So., Memphis

After sitting out the 2013 season, the Gaither alum started eight games — notching 12 tackles and two sacks — at defensive end for a unit that ranked 11th nationally by allowing 19.5 points a game last season. This year, he's a veteran force on a defense returning only three starters.

OG Isaiah Wynn, So., Georgia

After seeing some playing time as a freshman, the Lakewood alum is set to start at left guard for the Bulldogs. Georgia had the best running game in the SEC last season, so Wynn knows expectations are high for the line to perform.