Armwood’s McKinney fills the gaps

Posted Nov 18, 2009 by Adam Adkins

Updated Nov 18, 2009 at 11:16 AM

Armwood’s football team faced a huge problem entering the 2009 season. A ton of talent was lost to graduation from the Hawks’ 2008 defense, and the unit sorely needed playmakers to emerge to fill in the gaping holes.

Jermaine McKinney firmly believed he could be a solution to the problem. A starter at linebacker as a sophomore in 2008, McKinney was productive, totaling 84 tackles and four sacks. The Hawks needed better this season, however. And McKinney (No. 4 in photo) knew it.

“I just knew I had to come hard this year,” McKinney said. “I told Coach Cal that this was my year.”

There’s little doubt as the Hawks gear up for another postseason run that McKinney, a junior, has answered the call by elevating his game. Known by the nickname Juice - he got it in youth league after wearing No. 32 (O.J. Simpson’s number) and playing running back - McKinney has emerged not only as one of the Hawks’ top playmakers, but also as one of the top defensive standouts in Hillsborough County.

“He was one guy that we knew could bring everything to the table for us: the speed, knowledge of the game and (someone who could) make big, impact plays,” Armwood coach Sean Callahan said.

To read the rest of the story, which appeared in today’s Brandon News and South Shore News zone sections, click HERE.