We spoke with Florida Christian football coach Joe Burmeister about this year’s Patriots team, his time in coaching, and more.
Q: How many years have you been a football coach at Florida Christian, as well as coached overall?
A: I have been coaching at FCS for 11 years and have been the head varsity coach for five years now. I’m on my 21st year of coaching football for my career.
Q: How does this Patriots team compare to some of the previous teams you’ve coached?
A: This year’s team is different because a huge core of the players have been together for over three years now. They play hard for each other, set goals, and are attacking them. They also play with a swagger.
Q: Your defense has been very impressive so far this season. What has made this group so good?
A: Well, again, many of them have been together for two to three years now. We added some critical pieces and a new defensive coordinator. They just like to play physical and fast and very aggressive. Starting with our middle linebacker, Ladarius Blackman, who leads our team in tackles, we (also) have four-star Antonio Robinson at corner; four-star DL Jamaal Whyce, who is a monster; and Tyler Green, who we moved from DE to safety and is having fun with it.
Q: Who are some players that you have seen take a noticeable jump from last season to now?
A: I would have to say I have seen Ladarius Blackman (LB) take a step up from only playing one year of linebacker. He plays faster and more aggressive this year because I think he understands his role more.
Tyler Greene (S/WR) is someone that now takes the game seriously and is a D-1 player and has raised his game tremendously on both sides of the ball.
Antonio Robinson at corner has become very comfortable and understands the game very well but has shown growth in his leadership but also aggressiveness and (is) willing to hit.
Perry Pitelli has stood out since taking a year off. We moved him from linebacker to DE, and he is doing great.
Sam Looez, despite fighting through a serious injury (collapsed lung missing three games), has come back with an attitude and is having a lot of fun on the field at O-line and D-line.
Falique Andrus is new to us, but has shown growth quickly in the running back position at 6-feet, 225 ppounds. He is a big load that wears teams down.
Treyvan Scott-Pitelli has grown huge as well and is a tough kid that will lay the wood and makes big stops at corner as well as playing receiver for us.
Written by: Matt Melton
