The Players Corner-Nick Bartalo, Tampa Gaither, LB

<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong><em>The Players corner is a fun series where I get to sit down and interview prospects in the Bay Area. It's a fun way to get to know some of these players outside of just evaluating them. We at Prep Redzone Florida want to bring you all-access into these players, it's important to get to know them as individuals and what makes them great on the field! This series will give you the ability to get under the helmet and see what makes these prospects click and gives you behind the scenes coverage</em></strong></span> &nbsp; Nick Bartalo could end up being one of the best linebackers in the Bay Area this year. He's got prototypical LB size at 6'1 220 lb., physical tackler with a strong upper body. He's quick diagnosing plays, extremely aggressive, has the athleticism and can run and hit. Nick doesn't take plays off and plays with a lot of emotion and passion. He comes from good football Bloodlines; his dad Steve is the all-time leading rusher at Colorado State and one of the best running backs in Colorado State history. His brother Tony is entering his freshman year as a quarterback for Bethune-Cookman. What I like about Nick is he's a very unselfish player, he helped his team out last year by playing offensive line/Tight End, but his true position where he really excels at, and what he will play in college, in my opinion, will be on the defensive side of the ball. Nick is severely under-recruited, whatever schools jump on him first is going to get a difference-maker in their program. &nbsp; <em>Tell me about last season and how it went for you and your team?</em> My junior season was pretty fun, and we went up against some tough teams and I learned that size doesn’t matter on the football field. OL-20+ pancakes. The position I’m focused on this year is MLB and TE. &nbsp; <em>Who is the biggest role model in your life?</em> My biggest role model and guide is my dad, he coaches me up and keeps me going during games. &nbsp; <em>What would you say are your biggest strengths and weaknesses as a player?</em> My biggest strengths in my game are my drive and my toughness. My biggest weakness is trying to do too much and getting out of position. &nbsp; <em>What colleges have looked at you in terms of interest and offers in particular as a rising senior?</em> a few colleges have looked at me like Navy, Samford, Air Force, and Stetson, and the only offer I had was to Florida Tech, who recently ended their football program. &nbsp; <em>What’s it like to play for Coach Karsen, who is regarded as one of the best coaches in Hillsborough County?</em> Playing for Coach Karsen has been enjoyable because he knows when to mess around and have fun and when to dial it up and get serious. &nbsp; <em>What are your personal goals for this upcoming season? What sets you apart from other LB recruits in Tampa?</em> My favorite part of the game is either after a big hit when you’re celebrating with your brothers or after a tough win, being able to enjoy the bus ride back home with my teammates. My ultimate goal is to be remembered as one of a kind person by later groups of kids that go through the systems I’ve been through. &nbsp; <em>What NFL player do you try and emulate your game after?</em> My favorite player is Luke Kuechly and I try to take after him and even wore his number last year.3 &nbsp; Hudl Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/9625743/Nick-Bartalo">https://www.hudl.com/profile/9625743/Nick-Bartalo</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong><em>You Can Contact Shannon Jordan with a prospect or team information on Twitter @in_huddle or shannon.jordan.ib@gmail.com</em></strong> &nbsp;