Super 16: Pitts Will Be Busy on Field

Sun. August 19, 2012 at 2:11 a.m. | By Solange Reyner

Ridge's Shykeem Pitts will see plenty of action on offense and defense this year as he will play multiple positions. (Photo by MICHAEL WILSON | THE LEDGER )

By SOLANGE REYNER | THE LEDGER

LAKELAND | After three years, Shykeem Pitts still continues to surprise his high school coach.

And not only with his moves.

"He's never really been injured," Ridge Community coach Richard Tate said. "He's durable as heck, and he can take a big hit."

That's a big deal considering three things. Pitts, a rising senior, rarely comes off the field for Ridge. In most games, opposing coaches try to stop him. And, he's not huge — at 5 feet 10, 175 pounds.

"Having him on our team gives us a great advantage," Tate said. "It really keeps a defense on its toes."

Pitts, a PolkPreps.com Super 16 selection, will be tougher to cover this season. Last year, he was limited to the quarterback role. This year, Tate is letting him loose. Pitts will be used as a receiver, a running back and spell Jordan Ousinski under center in some wildcat-type formations.

On defense, he'll stick to safety, a position he likely will play in college.

To get to the next level, Pitts has to buckle down on some test scores, but he's working hard to get there because he wants the opportunity to get further his education.

"I want to make something of myself," Pitts said. "Where I come from, there's lots of violence, shootings and I don't want to be stuck there. College is a way for me to find a way out."

So far, Pitts has college offers from the Tennessee and Marshall and has interest from Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Florida State.

"I think he understands that he has the chance to go to college and get a degree and change the path of his life a little bit," Tate said.

"I know in our talks, he definitely wants to improve on his life for his family."