Jacob Rios racked up 32 stops during his junior campaign for a strong Tampa Catholic defense.
The Crusaders kept their first four foes in single-digits, including a 48-0 shellacking of St. Petersburg Catholic in week three, en route to winning eight games and reaching the second-round of the playoffs.
"It was my first year at a new school," said Rios, who transferred to Tampa Catholic from Wiregrass Ranch. "It went good. I had a lot of tackles against Northeast and Alonzo."
His pass-rushing skills (nine quarterback hurries) helped the Crusaders keep opposing offenses off-balance.
Rios is accustomed to seeing talent at practice every day with teammates Corey Martinez (nation's No. 14 OG) and T.J. Harrell (four-star OLB).
"I'm looking to get more exposure," he said. "I was invited to FAU's junior day. I love it there. It's the home-town school. I went to their last game of the season."
Rios talked about his resume.
"I'm good at reading plays," he said. "I have good instincts. I'm quick and explosive. My particular goals are to get my strength and speed up. I throw the shot put and discus in track."
Expectations are high for Tampa Catholic in 2013.
"We're going to be a powerhouse," Rios said.
His report card is dotted with A's and B's.
"I take the ACT in April and SAT in May," he said. "I'm going to a lot of summer camps."
Rios' motto is "keeping God first."