By Samantha Roseff - Ethan Dagostino, Bryan Hall, and Julian Ayala, these are 3 names you may not have heard of before but from now on, you will remember. Get to know their names as it won’t be the last time you hear it!
1.Ethan Dagostino ‘25 K
Ethan is ranked 17th in the nation, a 5 star punter, and a 4.5 star kicker, but still doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.
During the game against Atlantic, PBC was on the 46 yard line, and on the 4th down, he told the coach repeatedly to put him in. Coach trusted him and sent in the kicking team. Ethan stated he “knew the whole time that it was going in, as long as Richie and Ryan got my snap and held it good, which they did amazingly.” Ethan was first to put PBC on the board, making it 3-6.
When asked about his goals and expectations for his future, he like everyone mentioned the NFL but jokingly mentioned he wanted “to get a free degree out of it." But he also mentioned wanting to win states and also the Lou Groza Kicking Award.
Not only is Ethan exceptional on the field, but he is also a beast in the classroom. With a 5.2 GPA, top 3%, AICE Diploma recipient, president of the Environmental Honor Society, and Math Honor Society member, he is the Class of 25 Vice President. With no offers yet, he is truly a player you want on your side.
“I just know this is all part of the process, and God’s plan. It’s all going to happen when it happens, and as long as I do my best, the rest is out of my hands. Sometimes it gets tough, but I just stick to that mindset, and it’s all good.”
2. Bryan Hall ‘25 OLB
Bryan Hall is a 6’4 230 lb outside linebacker who will do anything in his power to stop the run and rush the QB.
Bryan uses his build to his advantage, like against Atlantic, he was able to get past the offensive line and attack quarterback, Lincoln Graf. He also managed to acquire 1.5 sacks and 3 tackles for loss during that game.
When asked how he stays motivated as a player that doesn’t get recognized enough, he stated, “I want to gain that respect. I know who I am as a player, and [playing] is the best opportunity to show [my talent].
Bryan has received 3 offers in less than a year from Temple, Toledo, and UT Martin. He is an athlete who’s willing to do anything it takes to help his team, which is why his coaches and teammates speak so highly of him.
This will only be Bryan’s second season but already has one of the biggest hearts for the sport. When asked about the future, he said, “I want to take it as far as I can; I have no ceiling." As far as this season, Bryan is “looking to prove why I am one of the best outside linebackers in South Florida.”
3. Julian Ayala ‘27 QB
Julian is only a sophomore and is already proving himself to be a top quarterback.
Just in his freshman year, he played for JV as the second-string QB and acquired 9 TDs and over 300 yards. Back in May, he moved up to varsity for the spring game, where he threw a touchdown for over 50 yards.
I wanted to know how he is able to play at such a high level as someone so young, and what he said stuck out to me. He stated, “I put in extra work after practice [by] training outside. Also, because [I am] a 2nd-string quarterback, when I’m not in, I can observe our offensive plays and players.”
Julian uses being young and a second string to his advantage; he loves to learn from those around him. When asked about who helped him get to this level, he of course mentioned his friends and family, but he also mentioned starting quarterback Chance Rouston. Julian stated, “Everyday before and after practice [Chance] would help with what I needed to work on, from my release to my footwork, my ball placement, and more.” This year Julian hopes to grow as a leader and “of course [have many] more touchdowns.”
He is also an athlete who is selfless. When asked about his future football career, he said he wanted to “experience the journey of leading a college football offense." This attitude is what sets him apart from anyone else. He also doesn’t take anything for granted. Julian’s way of staying motivated is by “using every rep like it’s my last.”
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