No breaks for Drake

Perhaps the biggest offseason move for Nature Coast Technical's prolific scoring machine wasn't on offense.
The Sharks paced Hernando County in scoring in 2008 averaging 37 . 4 points per game. NCT finished tied with Hernando Christian Academy as each tallied a mind-boggling 48 touchdowns. The Lions did it in 10 games; the Sharks in nine.
Interestingly, the team's leading scorer, Tevin Drake, with 53 career touchdowns and 10-of-14 two-point conversions, has taken on even more responsibility this season.
In his first three years, former Head Coach Jamie Joyner prohibited the 6-foot, 200-pound Division I prospect from playing defense. He believed he needed him to stay as fresh as possible - especially for a tailback who averages 153 carries per season. That's a lot of wear and tear.
But this season, first-year Head Coach Mark Lee rightfully believes Drake is one of his best athletes and should be allowed to play both ways.
So, don't be surprised to see jersey number four floating around at outside linebacker for Defensive Coordinator Charles Liggett's unit.
How's the move going?
"It gives me a different prospective," pointed out Drake, who hasn't recorded one tackle in his three previous varsity seasons. "It's not like I've never played on that side. I played defense in middle school and HYL (Hernando Youth League). It's not like it's my first year ever.
"I like it 'cause when other people hit me, well, now I can hit 'em back on defense. I like playing safety, but right now playing outside linebacker is a better fit."

Drake 101

It's not like Drake has never excelled on defense before.
At Parrott Middle School, he went both ways for the 2004-05 Leopards.
As a seventh-grader, that team went 3-2 overall and permitted more points (60) than they scored (48).
But as an eighth-grader, Drake's team out-scored the opposition, 262-12, and posted five shutouts.
While he was at Parrott, the multi-sport athlete also played basketball and ran track.
Once he matriculated to NCT, he continued to shine in multiple sports.
Besides beginning his fourth year of football, he's played basketball for three seasons (JV as a freshman) and has run the 100, 200 and 4x400 for the past three seasons in track.
Tevin is the middle child of three siblings to Brooksville's Earnest and Belinda Drake.
The 17-year-old Drake, who was born in West Palm Beach, has lived his entire life in Hernando County.
What are his goals for 2009?
"I want to rush for over 2,000 yards, score over 20 touchdowns, win every game and win states," emphatically stated Drake in that order. "If you don't shoot high, what's the sense of trying?"
Is there a sense of unfinished business?
"What happened to us last year gives us plenty of motivation this year," replied Drake, who carries a 2.0 grade point average and has already qualified academically for college by scoring high enough on his ACT. "As far as I'm concerned, it should have been us in the Final Four last year. I know if we would have played, we would have gone at least that far."
Any concerns due to a revamped O-line?
"I don't worry," shrugged Drake. "Coach Lastra knows what he's doing. It's like guys leave and it no big deal. He replaces them. Those new guys come in and do the job. Because of it, I never worry about it."
What about defensive fronts keying on you?
"That's fine if they do that," smiled Drake. "I see us tearing down defenses. I like our offense. We have more than one formation. If people key on me or Antwan (Story), that's fine. We've got other guys who can hurt 'em."
Is there more offensive balance with this year's offense?
"Oh yeah," said Drake. "C.J. (Baker) can throw the ball. It helps our run game because we can throw it to Braddie (Ellison), Jamel (Byrd) or JaJuan (Story), too. I think we can run it and pass the ball."

By the Numbers: NCT's Tevin Drake
- Compiled by TONY CASTRO