TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Wharton Pair Just Glad To Be Here

National Signing Day At Wharton High School

Wharton High seniors Josh Powell and Andreas Shields sign letters on intent together. Powell plans to play football for Army at West Point, and Shields will stay close to home and play for the University of South Florida.

ADVERTISEMENT

By Nick Williams of The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 6, 2008

New Tampa - 1:15 p.m. - Wharton's Andreas Shields and Josh Powell didn't expect to be in this position today.

Shields, a tight end, and Powell, a linebacker/strong safety, each had a rugged road in getting to National Signing Day.

Shields, who signed with USF, didn't even play a down his junior season after dislocating his knee as he was practicing the day of the Wildcats' season opener against Freedom.

"(USF) is looking forward to getting him out there," Wharton coach David Mitchell said. "They saw his height and they said 'this is the guy we want in our program."

USF offered the 6-foot-6, 215 pound tight end during the spring and Shields committed on the spot.

"I've always waited for this day," Shields said. "I'm more determined now."

And Powell, who will attend Army, was the starting quarterback in 2006 but thrived after moving into the secondary last season. This season, he played seven positions (linebacker, strong safety, punter, fullback, running back receiver and backup quarterback) for the Wildcats.

"He's a natural athlete," Mitchell said. "Josh will make an impact anywhere he goes. To be honest, they don't know what they're getting. He's a leader."

"This is a chance a lot of people don't get," Powell said.

Powell will follow the example of his stepfather, Army Col. Scott Rey.

'' not looking at football. He's looking at his life,'' Rey said. ''I'm proud and honored.''

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT