Every year, the Plant City Times & Observer asks the head coaches which three players will make a big, positive impact for their teams. For 2017, Durant head coach Mike Gottman chose linebacker Tanner Jurnigan, quarterback Carlton Potter and running back Cameron Myers.
Tanner Jurnigan
How do you feel, going into this season?
I think we’re going to be good. We’ve got a lot of young guys that haven’t started before but they’re learning the defense. I’ve played a lot, so I’m teaching them. I think we’re going to be pretty good.
How are you adjusting to your new leadership role on the defense?
Just making sure they stay focused, making sure the moment doesn’t get bigger than what it really is. You’re still just going out there to play football, so that’s what it comes down to.
What’s your proudest moment as a Cougar?
Probably the first moment that I made was my freshman year, against Plant City. I got a strip sack for, like, 40 yards and a tackle for loss. That’s one of the biggest moments that I’ve had … I’ve been in a lot of games, played a lot of downs, so a lot of good times.
What’s something people should know about Durant football?
That we might be underrated this year, but we’re coming for them.
Carlton Potter
How do you feel, going into this season?
I’m really excited about the season coming up. We’ve got a lot of young guys and a lot of guys that haven’t really played that much, but they’re all hungry at the skill position. And then we’ve got Cameron (Myers) and David (Tabakovic) in the backfield, and a great o-line. I think our offense is gonna be really good and our defense is looking really good.
Who are you looking forward to throwing to this year?
We’ve got Jory (Cole) at tight end right now and he’s just been killing it in the middle of the field. He’s been owning it. We just recently got a new freshman receiver who’s really surprised a lot of us and he’s just made plays consistently.
What’s your proudest moment as a Cougar?
My proudest moment would be the East Bay High School game that we played last year. It was my first game throwing for over 200 yards. I had three touchdowns in the game and we ended up beating them, 38-3, in a really good district win.
What’s the most important thing somebody should know about Durant football?
We’re coming at it. We’ve put the most work in in the offseason and we’re all a family. We’re coming at it.
Cameron Myers
What are you looking forward to about this season?
I’m looking forward to a disciplined team that has each other’s back. I want everybody on the team to do their part so winning will be easier.
Everybody knows Durant loves to run the ball, but what’s something not a lot of people know about this offense that they should know?
Our offensive line is better than ever. Coach (Wesley) Wyatt has done a great job with them. Since spring, we’ve worked really hard on the running game. Our running game is gonna be a threat.
What’s your proudest moment as a Cougar?
Last year against East Bay, when I scored four touchdowns and had over 200 all-purpose yards in one game.
What’s something people should know about Durant football this year?
We’re a really underrated team but, when it comes down to it, hard work and preparation is all that counts. That’s the key to a successful season.