Houston Bound: Team Florida Heads to Junior Olympics

When Team Florida assembled back in January for player tryouts, the field was filled with individuals vying for college scholarships, as well as spots in summer camp showcases.

Now, at the end of July, these individuals are the exact opposite: they're a team.

"I really did not know any of these guys and, now, we are a family," said Team Florida wideout and St. Petersburg high player Jalynn Williams. "I can call up any one of these guys and we will hang out, go to dinner, or they will just be there for me."

"What can I say - we are brothers." Said linebacker Khalan Tolson of Admiral Farragut Academy. "The fact that we have become this close in such a short time is so amazing."

The coming together of this group has led to significant college offers from schools like Michigan, Florida, Ohio State, UCF and USF. But these players are not focused on a college scholarship, they are focused on a gold medal at the Junior Olympics in Houston.

"This is going to be a lot of fun,"said Jakob Parks' who player quarterback at Clearwater Central High School. "I am really looking forward to going to Houston with my Pinellas County brethren and bringing home gold. It's what we are there to accomplish."

While the accomplishments on the field make Team Florida's coaches proud, it the change they see in these young men, as people, that outshines all the scholarships and trophies.

"Just the fact that these kids are facing so muhc adversity and overcoming it, that is what I love," said a smiling Team Florida head coach, B.J. Hall. "The violence, the gangs, the possible negatives that are out there for these kids, yet they become better people and work hard every day. These are special kids. You can't just be ordinary."

"To see the growth in these last six months is everything you want to see happen, away from the field," said assistant coach Justin Davis.

So, now, these individuals will head to Houston - united as one. They are looking to represent their respect for the game, love of each other, and their commitment to being better people each and every day.