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Harrell To Be Freedom Coach

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By BILL WARD

wward@tampatrib.com

Published: February 4, 2009

TAMPA - Former NFL linebacker James Harrell, co-defensive coordinator on Plant's 2006 and 2008 state title teams, confirmed Tuesday night he has been offered the head coaching job at Freedom and is likely to accept it. An official announcement from the school is expected this week.

"I think it's a great opportunity because there's a good nucleus of kids there and great support from the school and community," Harrell said. "We just need to build on what's there and, hopefully, we can do that."

Harrell will replace former University of South Florida quarterback Marquel Blackwell, who was removed from his Freedom position by Principal Chris Farkas on Jan. 9. Blackwell coached the Patriots the past two seasons, going 1-9 in 2007 and 4-6 last fall.

Harrell said he was not interested in being a head coach until recently despite nearly two decades of prep coaching experience - including stints as a defensive coordinator at Tampa Catholic and Jesuit - and NFL coaching internships with the Lions, Jaguars and Chiefs under coaches such as Wayne Fontes, Steve Mariucci and Jack Del Rio.

When Freedom's job came open, Harrell, who lives in nearby Lutz, said "everything fell into place" for him to lead a prep program. Part of that formula was that his wife, Maria Yoder, supported the decision and their son, Plant sophomore linebacker Anthony Harrell, could join him at Freedom for his final two years.

"The calling wasn't there at that time for me to do it," said Harrell, a former University of Florida standout who played eight seasons in the NFL. "I was always happy with the role I was in. It's all worked out to where now, it makes more sense to me. My son will be a junior, so if you're going to be with your kid the next two years out there anyway, why not be a head coach?"

But Harrell said his desire to be a head coach extends beyond his son.

"I also just like the idea of giving back to the youth," he said. "I feel like I can make a difference in a kid's life by getting them involved in athletics, a team sport and building camaraderie."

RIVERVIEW: Senior linebacker Shannon Burch has verbally committed to Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, a Division II program, Sharks coach Bruce Gifford announced. Burch, who suffered a torn ACL midway through his junior season, bounced back with a big senior year and finished second on the team with 104 tackles.

DURANT: Senior offensive lineman Cole Gilliam has decided to attend the University of Florida. Gilliam, a Tribune All-Hillsborough County second-team selection as a junior and senior who also earned all-state recognition both seasons, had scholarship offers from five programs. He will join UF as a preferred walk-on.

TAMPA CATHOLIC: Senior defensive lineman Brandon Green, the Crusaders' sack leader last season with 12, has received a preferred walk-on offer from Florida A&M. Depending on the number of athletes the Rattlers sign today, Green's offer could turn into a full scholarship. The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder was among Tampa Catholic's leading tackles last year with 47. He also was an offensive lineman.

Staff writer Adam Adkins contributed to this report.

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