TAMPA, Fla. — If there’s one thing to know about the Nature Coast football team it's that this group is not short of talent. 

What You Need To Know

  •  Nature Coast Technical finishes season in the first round of playoffs

  •  Four Sharks were invited to NP Champion National Combine

From a star running back, to a young and eager quarterback, down to a fully loaded defensive line. The sharks have proven to be one of the top teams in the county.

It all starts with the work they put in during the off season.

Center Chase Murray told Spectrum Sports 360, “Champions are made in the offseason. So, the more you work, the better you’re going to get out during the season. So, if you’re not working out, then you’re not going to do well during the season and qualify.”

Murray is one of the many on the team showing up in the weight room, even though the football season is over.

Running back Christian Cromer added, “Just staying in shape, because we all get another season, so just staying in shape, getting better for that basically, getting our bodies prepared for next season.”

When they're done in the weight room, they head to the field, regardless of the temperature.

Guard and Defensive Tackle, Trenton Hayes recalled one of the many scorching hot practices. 

“Work in the offseason,” he said, “We ran our butts off, sweating every day and 103-degree temperature. It was sweaty, hot, miserable, but thought the outcome would be good.”

The boys are not just working out to stay in shape; they are maintaining their shape to show off their skills and talent at this year’s NP Champion National Combine.

Murray said, “Getting invited to this combine is a really big accomplishment of mine and I feel like it’s from all the like the fruits of hard work and dedication to the program and offseason.”

Not many get invited and fewer decide to go, but this year four Nature Coast Sharks got the honor… one of them got the surprise announcement while we were there.

Quarterback Jackson Hoyt added, “I kind of just found out now. He just called me. And it was exciting. He told me just come here and do this and it’s an exciting moment. I appreciate it. Football’s not really like my main sport. So just even to get any type of recognition organization or like love, I appreciate it. A lot. It keeps me going.”

An opportunity that can give them the chance to play at the next level if they choose.