Coach Robert Weiner anticipated a load of talent coming through his program in 2012. It has arrived, and it's ready to produce.
Photo by Marc Estrada
There’s no Aaron Murray on this year’s Plant squad. Nor is there a James Wilder.
Ironically, the team that
Plant (Tampa, Fla.) fields this fall could be its most talented squad top-to-bottom in recent years. Its size, speed and depth set this team apart from Plant teams of years past.
MaxPreps Preseason Top 25 High School Football Early ContendersOffensively, it begins on the line for the Panthers, who return three starters in
Richy Klepal,
Richard Bush and
Ray Raulerson. Klepal is one of the top 2013 linemen in the state, while Bush and Raulerson will be heavily pursued 2014 recruits.
Dynamic running back
Wesley Bullock returns after rushing for 1,308 yards last fall. Though he’s only 5-foot-6, he’s a very physical runner and pound for pound one of the best that Plant has had. Star safety
Paris Bostick and sophomore
Patrick Brooks will also get carries in coach Robert Weiner’s offense.
Senior
Aaron Banks, a dual-threat signal-caller, is the favorite to take over for the departed James Few.
Colby Brown, a transfer from Olympia, is not far behind him.
Senior Aaron Banks is likely to land the startingquarterback job this season for Plant.
Photo by Marc Estrada
On the outside, Plant returns
Dereck Mann and
Alex Jackson. It lost star receiver Austin Roberts, who transferred to Carmel (Ind.), but it gained University Lab (Baton Rouge, La.) standout
Tristan Cooper.
Defensively, three starters return up front, including
Mitchell Wright,
Zach Seaberg and
Quinn Metoyer.
The linebackers, though inexperienced, will have great size. The secondary, with Bostick,
Mazzi Wilkins and
Reeves Rogers, will be critical in replacing Drew Madhu and Antonio Crawford, who roamed the secondary last year for Plant.
Local look: “At the beginning of last season, which would end with the Panthers claiming their fourth state title in six years, head coach Robert Weiner didn't know what to expect, but he did know one thing: they would be even better in 2012. At this point, there's no reason to think Plant can't be better. The offensive and defensive lines are anchored with Division-I talent, plenty of skill players return, and finding a quarterback has never been an issue for Plant. Weiner and his staff also have a knack for getting their teams to improve throughout the season, so don't be surprised at all to see the Panthers hoisting yet another championship trophy this December."
- Laura Keeley, Tampa Bay Times
