Pasco rising sophomore WR/DB Nate Craig pulls in Florida, FSU offers

Posted May 14, 2013 by Mike Camunas

Updated May 14, 2013 at 01:27 PM

Though Pasco’s Nate Craig already has numerous offers, the rising sophomore star pulled in his first in-state offer Tuesday morning.

Pirates coach Tom McHugh tweeted that Craig received a phone call from Florida Gators head coach Will Muschamp, who then proceeded to give the 6-foot-3, 200-pound WR/DB his ninth Division I offer. Less than two hours later, Craig said via his Facebook page that Florida State gave him his 10th offer.

Craig, who had 18 catches for 299 yards and seven touchdowns as a freshman in 2012, already had three SEC offers: Tennessee, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt, but also already had five more offers: Texas Tech, UMass, Ohio State, Clemson and Rutgers.

Craig also had four interceptions and five pat downs playing safety last season, while there should be more offers for the rising recruit before Pasco travels to Land O’ Lakes for its Spring Game on May 23 at 7 p.m.

Correspondent Mike Camunas can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or follow him on Twitter @MikeCamunas.

Pasco ATH Malik Johns picks up first offer: FAU

Posted May 14, 2013 by Mike Camunas

Updated May 14, 2013 at 11:12 AM

It is about time.

That’s what Pasco football coach Tom McHugh had to say when one of his star senior players finally picked up his first Division I offer. It was ATH Malik Johns, who was offered by Florida Atlantic on Tuesday morning.

“FAU!!! It is about time,” McHugh said via Twitter.

Johns began to shine in 2012 when he stepped into other roles to fill in for Janarion Grant, who suffered a broken hand days before the season started. Johns would then lead the team in receiving with 15 catches for 390 yards and six TD before a late-season ankle injury kept him limited in action.

Johns was also good in the secondary, picking off a pass during the region semifinal vs. Gainesville Eastside and batting down a team-high six passes. Johns also proved to be a great punt returner, racking up 492 return yards.

Correspondent Mike Camunas can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or follow him on Twitter @MikeCamunas.

Ex-Buccaneer Copeland to hold free football camp this Saturday

Posted May 13, 2013 by Nick Williams

Updated May 13, 2013 at 02:55 PM

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Horace Copeland will hold his free football camp for youths between 5-16 this Saturday at the Anderson Snow Complex, 1360 Anderson Snow Road, Spring Hill.

The free camp runs from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Those interested can pre-register at (352) 754-4031. Registration is limited to the first 300 campers. Check-in begins at 8 a.m.

You can view Copeland’s website for more info here.

National rule changes to high school basketball

Posted May 9, 2013 by Nick Williams

Updated May 9, 2013 at 09:58 AM

The National Federation of State High School Associations announced a few rule changes to high school basketball.

The most notable change is allowing head coaches in high school basketball to come onto the court in an effort to break up a fight or keep a situation from escalating. Previously, the head coach could only enter the court if beckoned by an official.

According to a press release, it was decided that the presence of the head coach on the court could be instrumental in preventing the situation from escalating, and the coach also could assist game officials in controlling the situation.

“By removing the requirement of the head coach being beckoned onto the floor by the officials, it should result in a more expedient resolution of the situation and restoration of order,” said Theresia Wynns, NFHS director of sports and officials education in the release. “The change also will allow the officials a greater opportunity to assess appropriate penalties by being able to observe the situation because of the increased assistance the head coach(es) will provide by their presence.”

In other changes, the rules committee approved the use of electronic devices during the game in certain instances. Rule 1-19 now will allow a coach to take advantage of electronic devices for use in coaching and gathering statistics. Teams cannot use electronic equipment for voice communication with players on the court, and the use of electronic audio and/or video devices are not allowed to review a decision of the contest officials.

The committee also added leg-compression sleeves to the requirements of arm-compression sleeves to thwart the use of leg-compression sleeves for non-medical reasons. Leg-compression sleeves shall be white, black, beige or a single solid school color; shall be the same color for each team member; must meet the logo requirements in Rule 3-6; and must only be worn for medical reasons.

The final rules change approved by the committee for the 2013-14 season will permit a single, visible manufacturer’s logo/trademark/reference on the team jersey, not to exceed 2¼ square inches with no dimension more than 2¼ inches. The manufacturer’s logo may be located no more than 5 inches below the shoulder seam on the front of the jersey, or 2 inches from the neckline on the back of the jersey, or in either side insert.

River Ridge QB Josh Maisel commits to LaGrange College

Posted Apr 30, 2013 by Mike Camunas

Updated Apr 30, 2013 at 09:59 AM

River Ridge quarterback Josh Maisel said via Twitter that he has committed to LaGrange College.

“Ready to be a panther!” Maisel added.

In the past two seasons, Maisel led the Royal Knights to a 10-10 record, while throwing 15 passing TDs ans rushing for 12 more. Despite going just 3-7 in 2012, Maisel passed for 1,002 yards.

Maisel was named to honorable mention of the Tribune’s 2012 All Pasco County Football Team this past season.

LaGrange is a Division III, private, liberal arts college located in LaGrange, Ga., and the Panthers were, ironically, 3-7 last season.

Correspondent Mike Camunas can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or follow him on Twitter @MikeCamunas.