The best two teams advanced to the finals at this past weekend’s IMG 7 on 7 Championship in Bradenton, FL – Team South Florida Express and Team Tampa. While Team Tampa ended up hauling in the National Championship, Team South Florida Express had nothing to hang their heads about.
While the tournament was stacked with talent, South Florida Express probably had the most star-loaded team with the likes of wide receiver Ermon Lane, defensive back Quincy Wilson, quarterback Sean White, linebacker Richard Yeargin and running back Sony Michel.
The talent didn’t just stop there. While they were stacked at top, the South Florida Express had incredible amounts of depth; 2015 defensive back Tyrek Cole was one of those players.
Standing at 5-foot-10, 160-pounds, Cole is a slim, speedy defensive back. The Miramar product displayed good ball skills and solid speed to go along with great closing speed and a high football IQ. While that is a great start for a prospect just finishing his sophomore year of high school, Cole told me that he did want to work on his tackling and improving his technique. Cole hopes to see a rise in his interceptions next season. “I only got three (interceptions) last year,” Cole said. “I have to get more next year.”
Cole, who has offers from just about every big name school, said that while he has about twenty offers, “Florida, Miami, Florida State, South Carolina, and Clemson, are standing out.” At Florida, Cole said he talks to defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson about every other week and has spoken to head coach Will Muschamp twice.
After playing well at the IMG National Tournament, Tyrek said that he has at least one summer plan ahead; “I’m going to go to Friday Night Lights. That is one (camp) that I really want to be at. It’s going to be live.” After that visit, Cole says he doesn’t have any other plans set in stone.
Cole was wearing a Gators hat at the IMG event and when I asked if it meant anything, Cole just smiled.