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Hernando Today

Two-Way Threat Relocates to Polk County

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By MARTY MILLER

Hernando Today correspondent

Published: May 23, 2008

There are many things to consider when a high school senior decides on what college to attend, especially for an athlete.

They have to consider how big a school they want to attend, how far away the school is from home and what kind of education they'd prefer.

For Nature Coast Technical lineman Brandon Nuby, that decision came down to staying close to home and what sort of education he wanted.

That is why the Shark senior recently signed to play football at Webber International University, located in Babson Park, Fla.

"It's a lot more affordable for me and it's in Florida," said the 5-foot-7, 215-pound lineman. "I'm used to the weather here and its close home."

Two-way leader

Nuby has been one of the leaders for the Sharks on both the offensive and defensive lines and his coach Jamie Joyner says he maybe one of the best lineman he has coached.

"Nuby's one of the most athletic offensive lineman I've ever coached," described Joyner. "A lot of schools may have underestimated him because of his size.

"For the better part of two years, he was one of our best offensive linemen and I've never seen a kid with such a work ethic."

The NCT senior wants to major in sports management in college and he chose Webber because of that reason.

"Eventually I want to get connected with a team and become a high school coach and then opening up my own business," said Nuby.

His father, John Nuby, is an associate professor at Rasmussen College. He also believes that going to Webber is in his son's best interest.

"That's one of the reasons we choose Webber; it's that they have a good sports management program and it's a degree program," insisted Mr. Nuby. "I think it's a good path for him and it will be something he'll be happy with."

This year along with playing football at NCT, Nuby also wrestled and he believes he needs to improve on some things to play college football.

"They have a junior varsity program and of course, they aren't going to tell me I can step right in and play," remarked Nuby. "I've got good footwork but I'll probably have to improve my speed and power just to take the next step as a football player."

Why Webber?

His father also believes having the school located just three hours away from home was a big selling point to his son.

"He's close enough that if something happens or he needs money, he can always jump into a car and get home," he said with a laugh.

"It's exciting to see this happen," said the elder Nuby. "He's living his dream. He's been playing football since he was 8-years-old in the Pee Wee league. And to be able to watch him go from there to be able to play college football is very exciting."

While making the step from playing high school football to college worries a lot of athletes, Nuby believes strongly his faith will cover him.

"I'm not worried about it," he said about making the shift from high school to college. "I pray every night and I trust in God. I am nervous because I'm going to be on my own. Whenever I get homesick I can get back home instead of being far, far away and not being able to."

BY THE NUMBERS: BRANDON NUBY
- Compiled by TONY CASTRO

YEAR SOLO ASST TTK TFL SK QBP CF FR BLK PB INT
2005 00 03 03 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
2006 13 11 24 4 1.0 5 0 0 0 0 0
2007 09 12 21 4 1.0 1 1 0 0 0 0
TOTALS 22 26 48 8 2.0 7 1 0 0 0 0

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