ZEPHYRHILLS – This year’s homecoming at Bulldog Stadium will feature perhaps the most successful football player in school history, receiving one of the highest honors the program can give.

Green Bay Packers DT Ryan Pickett, Class of 1998, will return for the Oct. 24 game against Wiregrass Ranch to have his number, 79, retired by the school.

“We’re hoping for a big turnout, a big night,” said Bulldogs athletic director Craig Milburn.

Pickett, who turns 29 next week, was an All-County lineman, known for his strength and pass rushing ability, before accepting a scholarship offer to attend Ohio State.

He was a starter in Columbus for three seasons before being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams in 2001. He is now in his third season with the Packers and eighth season overall.

The night will feature a Pickett-signed Green Bay Packers jersey giveaway, as well as 150 signed souvenir programs for sale.

In addition, Zephyrhills is planning a ceremony after their Nov. 14 regular season finale against Ridgewood to honor another famous sports alumnus, New York Yankees pitching coach Dave Eiland.

Eiland, 42, pitched for the Yankees, San Diego Padres and then-Tampa Bay Devil Rays in spurts from 1988-2000, compiling 12 wins in his 10 big-league seasons. He pitched in college for the University of Florida and University of South Florida as well.

Also known for his resemblance to Actor Kevin Costner, Eiland played a small role in the movie For Love of the Game which starred Costner, as well as serving as his pitching double.