LAND O’ LAKES — The Gators aren’t starting from scratch. Far from it.
Yes, key seniors graduated. Yes, their star quarterback transferred after a season-ending injury. And yes, several JV players will be asked to step into starting roles. But fifth-year coach Dan Goodspeed likes what he’s seen so far — from the incoming players to his new quarterback to the offensive line, which he coaches himself.
“The strength of our offense, of any offense, is going to be the offensive line,” said Goodspeed, a former NFL lineman who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when they won Super Bowl XXXVII in January 2003. “We were young last year on the line, so those guys got reps. This year we have a strong offensive line, and in high school, if you have that, it takes 90% off the quarterback and running back.”
The proof, Goodspeed said, is in the pads.
Players were measured at the end of last season and fitted for next year’s gear. By the time spring practice began, linemen Grayson Benoist, Xavier Tavo, Bryce Norrie, Azaia Abel and Alejandro Davies all needed bigger sizes.
“That’s a great offseason,” Goodspeed said. “Watching strength across the board go up means they were doing what they were supposed to be doing in the weight room.”
The quarterback those linemen will protect is, fittingly, Cannon West. He takes over for Chance Houston, who transferred to Tampa Catholic after missing the final two and a half games of 2025 with an injury. Houston passed for 1,615 yards and 14 touchdowns and rushed for five more before going down.
West started the final two games — a 21-0 shutout of Wesley Chapel and a 28-7 loss to Tallahassee Chiles in the first round of the inaugural Florida Invitational Tournament. He threw for 256 yards and a touchdown.
He also threw seven interceptions.
Goodspeed said he’s pleased with West’s growth and his natural fit for the role, though he acknowledged the offense will need adjustments.
“Kids graduate, kids leave, you get new kids — you’re always changing it slightly to match what you want to do,” he said. “But he’ll have help.”
That help starts with junior running back Elisha Melendez, who led the team last season with 519 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Junior Xavier Henderson, up from JV, figures to get a heavy share of carries as well.
On defense, coordinated by assistant and former Gator Anthony Hendrix, new names will fill big shoes. Christan Vollstedt and Jake Mason — who led the team in tackles (75) and sacks (10.5), respectively — have graduated and signed with Southeastern University in Lakeland.
Goodspeed and Hendrix are looking to Gabe Garcia and A.J. Pergola to step in. Garcia matched Vollstedt’s 75 tackles last season and added a sack.
“Part of the process of getting guys playing time in certain situations is that the game ebbs and flows,” Goodspeed said. “It’s a developmental process. The next guy steps in for Jake or Christan, and that player can go right into the game.
“No, we’re not starting from scratch. The players know what’s expected of them, and they’re ready to step up and go.”
Spring Game
Land O’ Lakes vs. Gulf
When: May 20, 7 p.m.
Where: John Benedetto Stadium, 20325 Gator Lane, Land O’ Lakes