FPC assistant coach Charlie Washington, RB Ehimen Ajede, LB Mathias Parker, OL Mekhi Jones, DT Reagan Melland and DE Brian Veal at Central Florida Media Days. Screen shot
Matanzas head coach Matt Forrest, RB Wiley Conner, WR/DB Brennon Friendly, S Jez McCoy, LB Jack Ferguson and OL Logan Walker at Central Florida Media Days. Screen shot
Highlights from interviews streamed from Central Florida Media Days, July 23 at Seminole State College, Heathrow campus.
FLAGLER PALM COAST:
FPC was 3-7 last year in coach Patrick Turner’s first season. The Bulldogs are in a new district this year with Jacksonville teams Atlantic Coast, Sandalwood and First Coast and St. Johns County teams Creekside and Tocoi Creek.
Running back Ehimen Ajede, whose nickname, “He-Man” is based on his first name. He admitted that his style of running does not match his moniker.
“I love that elusiveness at running back, just to make a guy miss,” he said. “This offseason, I was focused on getting stronger. I'm known for being fast and quick. But at the running back position, you got to be big and be able to take hits and give hits.”
Ajede said his favorite run play is an outside zone with guard Mekhi Jones pulling.
Defensive end Brian Veal, who joined the team this year, said he likes the team’s brotherhood and the way the coaches push the players to be the best version of themselves.
“They push us in practice and in the weightroom and even in the community, how we act towards people, how we are to ourselves and to others,” he said.
Defensive tackle Reagan Melland on his emphasis during the offseason: “I've been working mostly on my mental side, trying to stay locked in and not trying to focus on other things. Football’s my number one priority right now.”
MATANZAS:
The Pirates were 7-4 last year. They move to a new district with Gainesville Buchholz, Ocala Forest, Ocala West Port and Orange Park Oakleaf.
Running back Wiley Conner, who ran for more then 1,000 yards and scored 11 touchdowns last year, said his best trait is “going downhill really quick.” Conner, who also plays linebacker, was asked if he prefers offense or defense. “I like scoring on the offensive side, but I like the contact on defense,” he said.
Offensive lineman Logan Walker: “I’ve been working on getting a quicker off the ball and being a better offensive lineman all around, playing all five [positions], just being versatile for the team.”
Safety Jez McCoy, is a senior who had 53 tackles and two interceptions last year. but he said he started playing football late and has been working on improving his football IQ.
