Despite Spring Game Loss, Indian Rocks Christian Coach Sees Positives

Spring football games are largely used as an evaluation tool for inexperienced players who get to snap on a chin strap for a high school varsity level game often Most of the time it's their the first time or a new position.

So Indian Rocks Christian coach Mark Buchanan was not torn apart when his Golden Eagles lost to St. Petersburg Catholic 38-34. Buchanan saw quite a few positives to take away from the game and to build upon for the fall season.

In short, his defensive line could be one of the best in Pinellas County.

Three of the Golden Eagles starting defensive linemen very well could be playing Division-I college football.

Spencer Adkinson, Devonte West and Sean Culkin are all big, have the physical strength and are fast.

"Devonte, he is pretty much unblockable at our level on defense," Buchanan said. "He had a great game at St. Petersburg Catholic. Now, the only question is we have to figure out [what college] he is going to."

Adkinson is another stout tackle who is a beast against the run, but the major surprise is Culkin at defensive end.

Culkin is a strong basketball player who was getting some college offers on the hardwood, including Liberty University. But Buchanan coaxed Culkin to play football which he hadn't before. He exploded against St. Petersburg Catholic.

Culkin is a perfect combination of size, speed and strength. Already the offers are rolling in for Culkin including Northwestern. Florida wants to bring Culkin in for a workout. Miami and South Florida have expressed interest.

Coaches "see the size and speed and athleticism and they are falling in love," Buchanan said.

The Golden Eagles also showed their passing game may be pretty good as Buchanan came away from the spring game content with how his team threw the ball.

"We threw the ball 30-40 times and I was pretty pleased with how we protected [the quarterback] and how we threw the football. That is something positive to take away."