A daily spring preview of every football program on the North Suncoast.
Gulf
Coach: Jay Fulmer (fourth season at Gulf, 15-16; 14th season overall, 60-77)
District: Class 3A-8 (Hudson, Pasco, Sunlake, Wiregrass Ranch, Zephyrhills)
Last season: 4-6
Key losses: OL J.D. Ramirez, OT Steve Reid, TE Je'Khile Walton, RB David Williams
Who's back: TE/LB Will Burbridge, QB Madison Burr, LB/DE Darryl Cooper, C Brian Coss, RB Tevin Gamble, TE/WR Cody Kleiner, LB Joe Messiana, FS Kyle Scianna, CB Jordan Williamson, G Jeremy Yankowski
What's new: Fulmer, who has run the offense since his arrival from Kentucky in 2005, will serve as defensive coordinator in an attempt to shore up a unit that allowed 29.5 points a game last season. "We've simplified our scheme quite a bit," said Fulmer, who started seven sophomores on defense in '07. "We're relying more on big defensive linemen who are strong and can control the line of scrimmage a little bit, and hopefully our linebackers will stay free and can get to the ball and make plays." Veteran assistant Brian Wright, still recovering from surgery to repair a ruptured esophagus, will run the offense upon his return.
Audibles: "I just don't think there's many skills that he lacks. He's just a complete package. I've said this and it sounds crazy to talk about a kid that's going to be a junior in this fashion. But really, honestly, of all the kids that I've ever coached in my whole career, I don't believe I've ever had a junior-to-be with as much potential to play in the National Football League as Will Burbridge has." — Fulmer on his 6-foot-3 two-way standout
Did you know? Senior Tevin Gamble and junior Alphonso Blanch will vie for the primary tailback role vacated by 2,000-yard rusher David Williams. Gamble, Burbridge and Burr are part of a junior class for whom Fulmer has high aspirations. "I think we still might be a year away," he said.
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