With more than 70 players at practice, St. Petersburg has one of the biggest groups in the area this spring. • But injuries have taken their toll on the Green Devils’ depth the past two weeks. • “When you have a few injuries it’s kind of hard to get any continuity,” coach Joe Fabrizio said.
About 10 players have had to miss time. But most of the main ones St. Petersburg will rely on in the fall are available.
Quarterback Rob Tribolet took some snaps last season behind Corey D’Angelo and is working with the No. 1 offense this season. At 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, Tribolet stands out.
“He’s a big kid,” Fabrizio said. “He’s getting better and better.”
Three others who got starting time last season will see playing time at different positions. Senior Riley Barr will be used mainly on the defensive line. He will also be used at fullback in goal-line situations. Barr is getting looks from small colleges, including Dartmouth, which came to see him Wednesday.
Senior Maurice Hemingway was a running back last season but will get most of his time at defensive back this fall. And senior Chris McCrea was a defensive back last season but will be used on the offensive line exclusively this fall.
“Riley and Maurice will be our leaders on defense,” defensive assistant coach Dusty Boylson said. “And Chris is more of an offensive-line type player. He’s really soaked it up like a sponge.”
Two players will be difficult to replace for St. Petersburg.
Kicker Sean Covington is off to UCLA and tight end Jeremy Kerr is off to Florida State. There is an open competition at those positions this spring.
St. Petersburg plays its spring game Friday at home against Sarasota.
Top of the charts
After a breakout season in 2012, East Lake receiver George Campbell has rocketed up the national rankings.
In the latest by 247Sports, Campbell was given a five-star rating and selected as the top receiver in the Class of 2015.
Campbell has 23 offers, including every major state school. He had to sit out this spring after surgery on his left wrist in April.
Spring showcase
Thursday night, Palm Harbor University hosts a three-team jamboree with Countryside and Largo that starts at 7. PHU and Largo play in the first half, followed by Countryside vs. Largo and PHU vs. Countryside. There is a 10-minute break between each half.
The biggest matchup will be the Packers and Cougars. Last fall, Largo handed Countryside its first regular-season loss in more than two years. Both teams have plenty of Division-I recruits, and Hurricanes coach Matt LePain anticipates there being enough recruiters that he set up a hospitality tent for colleges.
Two other games are scheduled Thursday. Clearwater Central Catholic hosts Lakeland Victory Christian at 3 p.m. Dunedin hosts Seminole at 7. Marauders coach John Davis said the players who transferred during the spring semester will have to sit out, including defensive lineman Justus Reed (Clearwater) and fullback/linebacker Connor Dorris (PHU). Caanan Brown will miss the game because of a shoulder injury. In the other game, Seminole’s new coach, Chris Miller, will get a chance to observe his team for the first time.
Compiled by staff writers Rodney Page and Bob Putnam.