October 01, 1985
By Joe Williams of The Sentinel Staff
LEESBURG — There's no mistaking that Leesburg High School's Jon Cannon is a major- college prospect.
College recruiters are at almost every game, and many stop by to watch him practice. One came by Monday afternoon's practice session. Others will drop by from time to time just to see how he is doing.
The University of Minnesota and Florida State University are the two biggest followers now. But before it becomes time for him to commit to a college next February, other schools will probably join in.
Cannon, 17, is under the microscope. Every move he makes is scrutinized. But Cannon, who is smart enough to realize a pot of gold in the form of a grant-in-aid awaits him, knows that each day brings a new beginning. He attacks each practice and game with intensity. He is one of the hardest workers on the Yellow Jackets' football team and that dedication is beginning to pay off.
Cannon, who rushed for 105 yards on 20 carries and scored the tying touchdown Friday night when Leesburg came from behind to defeat Eustis, 7-6, has been selected the Lake Sentinel's Player of the Week. He edged Wildwood linebacker Darin Glover, who caused two fumbles and recovered both to set up touchdowns in the Wildcats' 41-0 victory over New Smyrna Beach.
Cannon, 6-feet-3, 225 pounds, is playing fullback for the Yellow Jackets, but the colleges are interested in him as a tight end. He would rather be playing tight end, but he is playing where he's needed.
''I know I don't have the speed to be fullback in college,'' Cannon said. ''I'd like to be playing tight end, I like catching the ball, but I don't mind playing fullback.''
He has put together a rather impressive seven-game streak of 100-yard plus games. It began with a 172-yard effort against New Smyrna Beach last season. He finished the year with 115 yards against St. Cloud, 139 against Orlando Bishop Moore and 103 against Eustis. He gained 143 yards in the season opener against Candler Lake Weir and 116 yards two weeks ago against Rockledge for 893 yards during that span.
Statistics like that don't surprise Leesburg Coach Gene Foster.
''He's getting in shape, he's stronger and more mature than he was at the start of last season. He's reading his blocks extremely well,'' Foster said. ''He has committed himself to being the best that he can be. I think he sees a future''
Despite all the attention he is receiving, Cannon said he doesn't feel any added pressure.
''If I thought about it, I suppose I would feel the pressure, but during a game I don't even think about it,'' Cannon said. ''I just try to play like I normally do.
''The scholarship is something down the road. School just started. The main thing on my mind is to work hard and be a leader.
''I try to look at it as though I'm just like everybody else,'' he said. ''I don't want to be the star, or get the big head.''
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