Plant City picked up a 22-7 win over East Bay Friday, Sept. 25, and leading the defense was linebacker Steven Ogletree. The junior finished the game with 19 tackles and one sack, and now has 60 tackles through five games.
You really did your thing out there last week. What were you feeling before the game?
We felt confident going out there. We’ve just got to keep pitching hard. Got to keep playing.
With two big wins in a row to start district play, how are you feeling about the Friday, Oct. 2, matchup with Tampa Bay Tech?
We’re ready for anything. We’ve been practicing hard and studying as a team. We’re gonna be good.
When I talked to you before the season, for the Football Guide, you said you were ready to take on Armwood and shock people. That didn’t go quite as planned. What did you take from that game?
Just to not underestimate anybody.
Any college prospects?
I have three offers right now, but I’m getting a lot of interest.
Who’s offered you?
I have FIU, FAU and Temple.
What would your dream school be?
I want to stay home. So, Florida, Florida State or Miami.
Do you play any other sports?
I play basketball as well. Power forward and shooting guard.
Is football your favorite?
Football’s my favorite.
How did you first get into it?
When I was 6 years old, coach Greg (Ruth, PCHS linebackers coach), he introduced me to football. He’s coached me ever since then.
What team did you start with?
I started off at the Plant City Eagles, but then (Ruth) introduced me to the Dolphins, and I got better.
If you could play any sport you’ve never tried before, what would it be?
Baseball. Probably outfield.
What’s your favorite pro team?
I don’t do that.
So you’re a college guy. What team did you grow up rooting for?
I grew up rooting for Florida, all my life.
How do you think their season is going?
They played good. They had a good win this past weekend. They’re going to be good. I think they’re going to go all the way.
You think coach McElwain’s the right guy?
Yeah, I like coach McElwain a lot.
What’s your favorite subject in school?
Math.
What’s the best football movie of all time?
“Remember the Titans.”
If you could meet any famous person, who would it be?
Ray Lewis.
What would you want to do if you could hang out with him for a day?
I’d tell him to give me advice on how to be successful.
Let’s say you make it to the pros and get a $1 billion paycheck. What’s the first thing you buy?
Something for my mom. Anything she wants. Probably a new house.
If you could have any superpowers, what would they be?
Super speed. I would run all over the football field. Speed kills.
Let’s say a kid is coming up through the Dolphins, learning football for the first time, and he asks you how to be a good player. What’s the first thing you tell him?
Just work on your own and play hard.
Of all the people who have helped you out in life, who’s the biggest influence on your life?
I would say Coach Meyer. He changed me. Here, I could have started as a freshman, but I didn’t want to, because of my attitude and stuff. But then, I got up here and he taught me a lot.
Do you have any goals for the rest of this season?
My goal is to get 175 tackles by the end of this season.