VERO BEACH — The Vero Beach varsity football team took to Billy Livings Field at the Citrus Bowl Tuesday morning not for a game but for their annual media day. Players donned their new black and red uniforms for team and position photos and answered questions from the media.
For many players it was their first experience with media day but for some seniors like Antonio Jones Davis it was their third.
“I’m kind of used to it now cause it’s my third one,” Jones said. “Our summer workouts have been going great. We are getting bigger and stronger and I predict a great season this year.”
Senior defensive end Tyler Horstman has missed the majority of the summer workouts due to a splenectomy.
“I have missed a lot of practices because of my surgery and I can’t wait to get back on the field,” Horstman said. “It’s been hard to sit out of practice. I have missed being out there with the guys and I have lost some size. I‘m looking forward to getting back in the weight room and returning to the field with my teammates.”
Several spots have been vacated on both sides of the ball as a result of graduation. Such players as quarterback Dalton Stokes and receiver/ defensive back Will Dawkins have graduated and moved on to play at the next level.
This situation begs the question will Vero be able to fill these voids effectively? Defensive backs coach Bryan Rahal says yes.
“Every year we have to fill holes on both sides of the ball because of graduation. It’s just a part of high school football,” Rahal said. “We have a couple of young guys that are inexperienced but they have shown us some good things and they look promising.”
The main question is who will be the offensive leader for the Fighting Indians this season. Senior Carter Stanley played periodically for Vero Beach last season when Stokes was injured or a specific package was inserted into the offense.
Saint Edwards transfer Carson Proctor sat out last season because of a nagging back injury but during the summer workouts and seven on sevens that he has yet to concede the quarterback position to Stanley.
Carter said that the competition for the number one spot is good for both of them. “Carson and I are friends and we are both competitive,” Stanley said. “We are making each other better and pushing each other every day for the top spot.”
Special teams is also going to be a concern for the Fighting Indians but Coach Mickey Groody is confident that he will have the right players on the field and game ready.
“We have been fortunate the last two seasons to have solid kickers and Punters in Karson Dietrich and Jason Rivas.” Groody said. “This year Ryan Tamuleicz will be our punter and Aaron Kuh will be our kicker. They have doing well over the summer and I think they can do the job this season.”
Vero Beach will open the 2014 season Aug. 29 at home against Sebastian River.
