We're featuring some of our HomeTeam 100 players, including our No. 42 player, Tampa Bay Tech QB Deon Cain:
Make no mistake about it, says Tampa Bay Tech coach Jayson Roberts, “Deon Cain is our quarterback.”
Despite being recruited by the likes of FSU and USF as a wide receiver, Cain could take every snap this season for the Titans (though Roberts will certainly be tempted to line up Cain wide a few times, just to vary the attack).
Either way, the Tech coach is expecting a big season from his junior signal caller.
“Last year, we threw him to the wolves as a sophomore and when we got to the playoffs we got what you’d expect from a sophomore in the playoffs for the first time,” Roberts said. “This year we’re looking at a guy who is close to a polished and finished product as a passer and definitely more accurate and poised under pressure.”
Cain (6-1, 180) may be a receiver at the next level — he opened eyes during the 7-on-7 season and at an FSU camp this summer — but he plans on enjoying his time under center at this one.
A quarterback at heart, he thinks he has improved enough, along with his teammates, to lead his team all the way to a state title.
“Actually, I feel way more comfortable this year,” said Cain, who completed 132 of 245 passes in 2012 for 1,645 yards and 10 touchdowns. “I’ve worked hard on my accuracy, my dropbacks and mechanics. And I think you will see more athleticism … and more aggressiveness.”
Some of the skills that made Cain stand out this offseason as a receiver, namely his speed and running ability, will come into play in the fall. He promises opponents will have to deal with a more dangerous quarterback, able to put the ball where he wants it or tuck it and sprint to the end zone.
“His athletic ability,” said Roberts, “is off the charts.”
Also in this series:
Players 91-100
Players 81-90
Players 71-80
Players 61-70
Players 51-60
Players 41-50