I spent the afternoon down in Tampa today to do one last photo for the upcoming issue of Gator Country magazine.

Michael McFarland, a 6′6″, 230 lb. tight end from Tampa Blake High School, has already made a verbal commitment to be part of the 2010 signing class for the Florida football team. He’s got the frame to put on however much weight coach Mickey Marotti deems necessary, and gigantic hands that will catch a lot of passes or snare plenty of tackles.

He was playing in a summer basketball tournament at Alonso High School against Tampa Catholic. Blake won, 62-49 (I think), with McFarland scoring about half of his team’s points, I think. (I wasn’t keeping score)

While he’s an talented athlete of impressive stature, his off-field story is even better. I’m very happy for him because he’s become a great role model for his teammates and several children. I’m even more impressed with his legal guardians, Calvin and Consandra Barrs for what they have done for a few other young men.

I don’t want to give too much away, so don’t miss the next issue of Gator Country magazine. David Gardiner wrote an outstanding piece about McFarland and the people in his life who have helped him get where he is.