The Kickoff Classics are almost here. After two weeks of practice in pads, players from around the county are looking forward to hitting somebody other than a teammate.

It’s hard to argue there is anybody more excited about playing Friday night than Alonso linebacker/defensive lineman Tyler Gimbert. Gimbert doesn’t just love football, he loves football.

“I love hitting,” Gimbert said. “I love the Friday night lights and cracking skulls and seeing who is the better team. I love the game. I love the people. I love the coaches. I love the cheerleaders. I love everything about it.”

Nearly one year ago, Gimbert was told he would never play football again. Read in today’s Tampa Tribune how the Alonso junior defied the odds and with the help of modern medicine, made his way back onto the football field.