The Right Way at GC

Glades Central defensive end Robert Way was pleasant surprise for the Raiders’ coaching staff this fall. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Way was not a starter heading into the spring game against Miami Central in May, but ended his junior season holding the Glades Central sack record, totally 24 quarterback takedowns. That ascent took many by surprise, including Way.

“I did better than I thought I was going to do,” said Way. “I didn’t expect all that (sack record), but it turned out good.”

It has turned out pretty good for the 2011 prospect, which has parlayed his success on the field this past fall into interest from BCS schools.

“I’ve been getting letters, but no offers,” said Way. “I got some from Nebraska, Ole Miss, Michigan State, and Wisconsin.”

Way’s slight frame draws questions on if he will be able to stay at defensive end in college, or becomes the 2011 version of Homestead’s Darrin Kitchens. Kitchens, a Florida signee in 2010, led Dade County with 19 sacks at defensive end. In Gainesville, he will transition to outside linebacker.

Way recently logged a 4.45-second electronically timed forty at the Miami NIKE Camp, so the transition is not out of the realm of possibilities.

“Whatever school I do go to, if they want me to play linebacker I will, just whatever it takes to get on the field,” said Way.

Way used that speed and quickness to tally his record number of sacks this fall, but conceded he needs to add strength and weight to his frame.

“My advantage is my quickness, but I’m all around good player, I just need to work on my power and putting on some more pounds,” said Way. “I just threw fake moves, spin moves, anything (to get sacks). If I’m quick when I go outside they try to jump so I just spin inside and stuff like that.”

The secret is out on Way and opposing offensive lineman will try their best to corral this talented speed rusher. It will be tough for Way to match his junior numbers on the field, but he plans to do that and more as a senior.

“I want to have 100 plus tackles, I want to break my record, and I want to have a state ring.”