Franz Beard
Sports Editor
Daily Commercial
Wednesday August 6, 1975
During the next several days, former Leesburg High School Stars Bubba Pratt and Kim Etheridge are going to be getting a first hand look at the place they will be spending the next four years of their lives.
Pratt and Etheridge are members of the North All-Star football team and they will be playing in the 27th annual North-South All-Star game Saturday at 7:30 p.m. And since they're both planning on playing football at the University of Florida for the next four years, they'll both be getting the feel of the things in Gainseville and find out what it is all about at Florida Field.
At 6-1, 210, Pratt was a two-way star for LHS, playing fullback on offense and linebacker on defense, Etheridge on the other hand, was a two-way star also, although it is his toe that sent him packing to Gainesville for the All-Star game. Etheridge is a place kicker with outstanding range.
Although Pratt starred on both offense and defense in high school. It is probably the only action he will see in the All-Star game is at Linebacker, which according to his former high school coach. Max Wettstein, is his best position.
"There are a lot of good running backs around, but Bubba is very agressive and he really loves to hit, so I think linebacker is where he'll be playing," said Wettstein, Tuesday Morning in his office.
As for Etheridge, Wettstein feels he will concentrate mostly on placekicking, but he admits there is a chance he will play some defense at linebacker or perhaps at guard, "Like Bubba he is very aggressive and loves to hit." said Wettstein of the 6-1, 190 pounder. "He could play somewhere else, but he really excels as a kicker".
Once in college, it is likely that Pratt will stay at linebacker and that Etherigde will concentrate on kicking, but again, Wettstein doesn't rule out the possibilities of either one playing somewhere else.
"Bubba's a good runner, "said Wettstein "He's real hard nose and physical. He could play there and do a good job, but linebacker is probably going to be his best position because he's more adaptable on defense. I think he would be more valuable in college on defense because he's got great range, he's a punishing tackler and he takes on blockers well.
As far as Wettstein can tell, the only thing Pratt needs improvement on as a linebacker is reading the offensive keys. "Once he gets that down pat, he's going to really be a good one", Wettstein said that Etheridge "does have college possibilities at a regular position, but it will probably be his kicking that gets him the most recognition.
"I talked to some people at the University of Florida" he continued, "and they like his aggressiveness. They said he might be able to fit in right off on the special teams."
His kicking will probably be a valuable asset to the Gators.
"He has 50-yard field goal range right now and he's getting to the point where he can consistently put the ball in the end zone on kickoffs."
Wettstein feels both will make an important contribution to the North team. If they play like they did in high school, that is a distinct possibility.
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Franz Beard
Sports Editor
Daily Commercial
Wednesday August 6, 1975
Article provided by:
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
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