Feeling right at home

One of Hernando County's finest athletes, William Bennett Alderman, needs a nametag whenever he walks the hallways for the school he plays for. Why?

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Alderman can be easily identified if he were striding on campus. But you see William has been home schooled by his parents, Ralph and Elaine Alderman, his entire life.

Born in Winston-Salem, N.C., the Alderman's relocated to the Sunshine State approximately 10 years ago.

Alderman 101

William, the third of four children, lives with his family in Brooksville. The Alderman's moved to Hernando County after residing in Clearwater.

William may be one of county's best-kept secrets. He's one of the Leopards' most versatile athletes.

He arrived from modest roots.

In Pinellas County he played recreation ball for four seasons with the Countryside Cougars and eventually played linebacker at the junior varsity level as a freshman at Countryside High.

After relocating to the Nature Coast, Alderman has earned two varsity letters in football at HHS. He's played at such a high level he's a two-time All-County selection excelling at right tackle and at linebacker/defensive line for the Leopards.

In 2008, Alderman exploded on the scene with a team-best 110 tackles, edging out inside backer Thomas Bronson by two total tackles.

Last fall, Alderman was utilized primarily as a defensive lineman. Though his numbers declined to 56 tackles, his presence could be felt behind a team-best 14.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He added six quarterback pressures and has 10 for his career.

Displaying his versatility, Alderman has also played two seasons of varsity basketball and competed two years in track and field, excelling in his specialty - the 110 high and 300 low hurdles. In fact, Alderman is the reigning Hernando County 110-meter champion.

His favorite sport is difficult to select.

"My favorite team sport is football," said the 17-year-old Alderman. "But I also love baseball. I grew up using a broom stick and a tennis ball. If it wasn't because of my commitments with chorus I'd play more baseball."

It was not shocking to learn which side of the football field Alderman prefers.

"I like defense," he smiled. "I realize you hit people as an offensive lineman, but it's different on defense. When you tackle a running back it's a great feeling; it's very fulfilling."

Alderman emulates Baltimore Ravens' All-Pro Ray Lewis' game.

"I don't want to be somebody else," admitted Alderman. "But I like his game. I love the intensity he brings to each game."

Alderman: The flip side

Of course what most fans don't know is Alderman is a tremendous student/athlete. His parents stressed education and Alderman carries a 3.7 grade point average into his senior year.

His favorite class is mathematics, "I like it the most; it kinda comes easy to me."

Alderman, who also performs in the 12-member Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church choir, aspires for a career in sports science, possibly as a personal trainer when his playing days are completed.

"I love being home schooled," explained Alderman. "This prepares me for college and allows me to get my priorities in order. Me playing so many sports allows me to interact with many kids.

"Home schooling has helped me with my time management," added Alderman. "There's never been any friction with my family; this is what I'm comfortable with."

William's parents have also stressed that if he plays sports he must work hard and "always give my best at whatever I do."

Alderman is quick to credit HHS Head Coach John Palmer and his staff for pushing him.

"The coaches at Hernando have stressed playing at a consistent level," he recalled. "Coach Palmer wants us all to become state champions, but most importantly become the best men we can be."

Alderman believes he has not reached his full potential.

"I've improved on everything on the field since my freshman year," he said. "My bench has gone up, I've reduced my 40-time, I've studied more film, everything. When you settle, you start losing your instincts."

Alderman believes he's a role model for many of the others on the team.

"Sometimes being a leader means being a vocal guy," he said. "Sometimes it means leading by example. I kinda do both. There's a time and place for everything."

Can Alderman guide this team to the playoffs?

"Depth is a concern, but we've got guys that are willing to step in and play other places that they're not necessarily comfortable at," noted Alderman. "That willingness to sacrifice is very big; that will carry us far."

By the Numbers: HHS' William Alderman
- Compiled by TONY CASTRO

DEFENSE
YEAR SOLO ASST TTK TBL SK QBP CF FR PB BLK INT
2008 51 59 110 0 1.5 6 0 1 0 0 1
2009 25 31 56 14.5 0 4 0 0 1 0 0
TOTALS 76 90 166 14.5 1.5 10 0 1 1 0 1