Of all the personnel decisions the Durant Cougars made in the offseason, moving senior Bradley Guasto to outside linebacker was among the best. Guasto has thrived in his new role with the team and leads a defense that’s allowing just eight points per game in 2019. Against Blake on Monday, Guasto led all Cougars with 10 tackles (seven solo, three assisted) and four tackles for loss, and he also recorded a sack for a loss of 10 yards. He now has 24 total tackles on the season, plus three sacks and nine tackles for loss.
Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.
You played well Monday night and have been playing well all season, really. What’s working for you this year?
I’m playing a different position now. I think I get to utilize my speed a little bit more. As far as containment goes and getting into the backfield, I have more opportunities.
How has the switch to a new position been going?
It’s been pretty easy. Just the increase in opportunity to make plays. I have more opportunity to get into the backfield, all in all.
When I talked to you for the Football Guide, you were big on the movement for the team to stay positive. Three weeks into the season, how’s that working out for everybody?
I definitely think the players are more motivated than they were last year. The positivity’s definitely gone up… I think we’re doing good.
What motivates you?
You know, I’ve been playing for a long time. I don’t really know. I’ve always really liked football and I’ve been playing since I was little.
Do you have goals you set for yourself when you go out on the field, or do you take things play by play?
I always try to do the best of my ability. I try to help the team out as much as possible.
How long have you been playing?
Since I was about 12 or 13.
What made you stick with the game?
My little league coaches, they always tried to help me out. Especially starting out. I wasn’t really the most knowledgeable player, but they saw my potential and I started to see it as well.
Any college plans?
I would like to go D-I. Hopefully local. I’m not really sure what I want to go for yet, but there’s still time.
What’s your favorite subject in school?
Science.
How do you get in the zone for a game?
I think about my assignments and what I have to do. Sometimes I’ll visualize what’s gonna happen before it actually happens.
What’s your proudest moment as a Cougar?
Maybe my commitment to staying here. A lot of other people have left, but I’ve stuck through it.