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Off-Season Training Begins With Endings Of Games

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By DAREK SHARP

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 20, 2008

PLANT CITY - When the fourth quarter comes around, the Durant High Cougars want to be the last team left standing. The whole focus of the off-season was hitting the weights.

Players who didn't oblige were told to hit the road.

"We have most everyone on board, 90 to 95 percent took part in the weightlifting," Durant head coach Mike Gottman said. "Those who had a problem with doing things our way, they're outta here. Vacations, of course I understand that, but the people who were in town and chose not to participate, no."

Gottman said the whole "fourth-quarter team" theme has been a big one for the Cougars, who want to be stronger than their opponent at the end of the game.

Durant hit the practice field for the first time last week and is building toward the Sept. 5 season opener against Plant City. Before that, Durant has a preseason contest at Gaither.

"So far the players have been great. We're excited; we're hungry. The kids want to win," Gottman said.

One of the biggest personnel decisions recently was naming a quarterback. The Cougars will go with Je'Twan Smith, who was the junior varsity signal caller last year. He had to beat out two seniors for the varsity job.

Smith, a sophomore, got a start at running back for the varsity last year and went for 210 yards and two scores. But Gottman still has 1,000-yard rusher Ryan Rice to hold down the tailback role with Smith taking the snaps.

The team also includes Cole Gilliam, the standout senior offensive tackle who is being recruited by several Division I colleges. Gilliam is not expected to lead only on the field.

"He has been exceptional as a leader. Already Cole has basically taken the whole offensive line and coached them himself on what they have to do," Gottman said.

Others expected to lead for Durant are senior safety Marvin Dexter, lineman Austin Devall and linebacker Ruben Garcia.

Reporter Darek Sharp can be reached at dsharp@tampa

trib.com.

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