Gainesville, Pollard Look To Rebound

When Gainesville High welcomed former University of Florida standout <strong>Dock Pollard</strong> as its new head coach in January of 2020, it was done to add some stability to this program. As its seventh football coach since 2004 and third since playing for the Class 6A state title in 2012, this is a program that was looking to get back in the mix once again – and they were doing it with someone who knew the area and what to expect. Pollard spent six seasons at Alachua Santa Fe, the final two as head coach. There, the Raiders went 10-11 and advanced to the 5A state playoffs in his first season as head coach in 2018. What Pollard found last season was plenty of talent that was in need of a direction, and while they would finish 2-4 during the pandemic season, including a tight 24-21 loss to Daytona Beach Mainland, there was plenty of optimism that came out of 2020 – and that carried the Hurricanes into the off-season, thinking about the positives. What Pollard and this football team needs to do this coming season is to continue developing the young players – while using the Class of 2022 prospects to help in the process. Among those 2022 standouts includes defensive back standout <strong>Ryan Nolan</strong> (5-10, 170), who has the potential to be very special this season and into the future. In addition, the Class of 2022 also has <strong>Brandon Bowden (</strong>LB/DE, 6-2, 215), <strong>Omarion Cohens</strong> (S, 5-11, 160), <strong>Quinton Daniels </strong>(OLB, 6-1, 202), <strong>Connor Diven</strong> (LS, 6-3, 240), <strong>Ammon Engebretsen</strong> (OC, 5-11, 215) and linebacker <strong>Khamari Frazier </strong>(5-8, 195). The Hurricanes will also have cornerback <strong>Dyoni Hill</strong> (CB, 6-2, 175), <strong>Brent King</strong> (QB, 5-10, 180), <strong>Fabian McGregory</strong> (OG, 5-10, 235), athletic <strong>Arnold Strachan</strong> (5-10, 180), <strong>Ahmad Strong</strong> (WR, 5-8, 160) and kicking specialist <strong>Andrew Tisher </strong>(6-0, 155). <strong>UNDERCLASSMEN WILL BE VITAL</strong> If this program is to turn around over the next two season, prospects in the Class of 2023 will also be huge in the building process. Players such as <strong>John Cooper</strong> (RB), standout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128703" first="Ahman" last="Covington"]</strong> (OLB, 6-0, 180), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128380" first="Kyree" last="Edwards"]</strong> (RB, 5-8, 190), passionate <strong>Holden Mitrione</strong> (LB, 5-9, 170), <strong>Kenneth Nelson</strong> (FS, 5-11, 150), and offensive linemen <strong>Jalen Sessions</strong> (6-0, 285) and <strong>Zach Winn</strong> (6-3, 290). Even the Class of 2024 sophomores will be expected to step up as well. Standouts such as <strong>Cooper Badics</strong> (PK, 5-7, 150), <strong>Shooby Coleman</strong> (QB, 5-10, 170), <strong>Connor David</strong> (OG, 5-10, 180) and offensive lineman <strong>Derrick Ford</strong> (6-0, 270). <strong>TRACKING FLORIDA: Teams Look At 2021 Season. </strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2021/03/tracking-florida-teams-look-at-2021-season/">https://prepredzone.com/2021/03/tracking-florida-teams-look-at-2021-season/</a> <strong><em>You Can Contact [player_tooltip player_id="111610" first="Larry" last="Blustein"] with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.</em></strong>