TAMPA, Fla. — Hundreds of college prospects around the country will have their football dreams come true when they hear their names called at the NFL Draft.

But in Hernando County, there is a new team that's trying to give exposure to some talented local players, in hopes of advancing their football careers.

What You Need To Know

  •  Hernando Hawks, new football program in Hernando County

  •  Austin Webster is the 25-year-old owner and father to be with girlfirend Gabrielle Valenzano 

  •  The team provides a great opportunity to aspiring football players

For Hernando County resident Austin Webster, the hard work starts after his 9-to-5. 

He gets home after an exhausting day working as a lineman and has just enough time to sit with his girlfriend for a little bit.

Austin and Gabi are about to be parents for the first time.

These days, they’re taking the little free time they have together to prepare for their newest addition. 

“I can’t wait," Austin said. "I was a little nervous when I first found out with everything that’s going on in my life right now," he said. "First-year football team, working a new job, it was definitely a shock, but I can’t wait. It’s so exciting.”

While they continue to play the waiting game, Austin gets ready for his 5-9 after his 9-5.

He’s the owner and head coach of the Hernando Hawks, a semi-professional football team in Hernando County. 

This is new for him, but his newest pride and joy.

“Really, I just wanted to give a positive atmosphere for some of these guys to have an outlet to come to,” he said.

Twice a week, the team meets up for practice.

The team is going through some growing pains now, but Austin is optimistic that they’ll turn things around.

His main goal is to give these guys an opportunity to get better at the game and hopefully land a dream opportunity.

“Some of these guys are 18-19 years old, having a chance at a pro (career( and that’s what I want to provide is that platform to get there.”

The hard work and long hours will soon take a back seat once the baby gets here, which is why he’s putting in the long hours now.

He said he doesn’t mind because for him the outcome outweighs it all. 

“Honestly," Austin said, "this is more than I could’ve ever imagined. I kind of just put together a couple guys, come out here and we can get some good football in. But I never imagined it would turn into this organization it has, that’s what’s really cool.”