Poole named Reebok First Team All State Pre-Season; Sandberg chosen for second team

Friday Night Football Florida is out on the newstands and as reported here weeks ago Southeast High defensive back Brian Poole and Manatee quarterback Cord Sandberg received high honors.

Poole was named to the first team of the Reebok Team Florida defense and Sandberg was named to the second team offense.

In regards to Poole, the magazine stated the 5-10, 195 pound defensive back has "combined speed, athletic ability and a knack for reading offenses to become one of the best at his position in the state."

The first team offense was comprised of all seniors and there were nine on the second team. The 6-2, 205 pound Sandberg was one of only two juniors named to the second team along with Lake City Columbia offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil. Nick Patti from Orlando Dr. Phillips was the first team quarterback.

Southeast senior offensive lineman Kevin Williams (6-3, 295) was named to the third team offense. Venice High offensive lineman Omari Phillips was named to the first team.

The magazine's top 100 seniors in the state had Poole at number 7 and Williams at 85. It included Manatee High defensive back Clinton Heaven (#87) and Hurricanes linebacker Darius White (#91).

Poole, Sandberg lauded along with other top county players

Six players from Manatee County were cited for their extraordinary talent in Friday Night Football Florida magazine due to hit the stands soon.

The top honor went to Brian Poole, Southeast High’s highly touted defensive back, who was selected to the Reebok Team Florida first team defense. Manatee High junior quarterback Cord Sandberg was selected to the Team Florida second team offense, which makes him the second best quarterback in the state heading into the season.

The All-West Coast team, which includes schools from Manatee County south through Naples (including Polk County), has three Southeast players in Poole, defensive lineman DeAngelo Dawes and offensive lineman Kevin Williams.

Manatee High’s two representatives are defensive back Clinton Heaven and Sandberg. Palmetto High linebacker DaQual Randall was also named. Manatee is rated the top team.

Sandberg gets another accolade

The accolades keep rolling in for the Manatee High quarterback Cord Sandberg, who has yet to start a regular season varsity game.

The lefty was listed among the top 100 sophomores in the country this week by MaxPreps, which has been taken over by CBSSports.com.

The 6-1, 180 pounder gained a lot of notoriety last spring when he threw five touchdown passes in Manatee’s 48-41 victory Palm Bay Side, connecting on 21 of 23 passes for 320 yards.

The best part is that he is obviously more than a one night wonder. Sandberg looked good in several college football camps this summer, particularly impressing the coaches at Auburn, who told him he was high on their radar screen and would likely get a scholarship in the not too distant future.