Mistral Raymond finally gets scholarship

Entering his senior year at USF and second as a starter, Palmetto High grad Mistral Raymond got good news recently when Bulls head coach Skip Holtz told him he would now be on full scholarship.

It was particularly satisfying because Raymond gave up scholarship offers to other schools after he finished at Ellsworth Community College so he could be close to his family and play for USF. He was the only starter for the Bulls without a scholarship.

He made the decision to play at USF after the home his mother and other family members occupied in Palmetto was shot up by assailants, who reportedly targeted the wrong house.

The 6-2, 192 free safety began last season as a backup and worked his way into the starting lineup eventually finishing with 40 tackles, which is the most among the returning USF defensive backs this season. He had 21 solo tackles and one interception.

“Mistral has great passion for football and is very energetic on the field. He is a senior and knows now is his chance. He is going to have to play corner and safety for us,” Bulls defensive backs coach Rick Smith said.