Florida high school football recruiting: Emmanuel Small sets physical tone for Eau Gallie

MELBOURNE — As Eau Gallie prepared to close out its first spring practice Monday with a 7-on-7 session, Commodores head coach Chris Sands had a firm message for rising senior athlete Emmanuel Sands.

“It’s no contact,” Sands said. “Seriously, don’t hit anyone.”

Small assured Sands that he'd never do that, but his smile said something different.

“I’m known for hitting people in 7-on-7,” Small conceded. "I’m not really a 7-on-7 type of guy. I’m always a physical person. I bring energy to the team. It’s very hard not to hit, but I’ll get used to it.”

Sands says it's not just 7-on-7 drills where Small is looking to make a big hit.

“Whenever Emmanuel Small is on the field, the concern is to keep people safe because he’s full speed no matter what,” Sands said. “He doesn’t know any speed besides full speed. So, we can’t go 50 percent with him. When he’s on the field, he’s going to go full speed.”

Small’s energy level and physical style are two of the things that have caught the eye of colleges. His offer sheet includes Indiana, Pitt, West Virginia, Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina, Marshall and several others.

Depending on the school, Small is being recruited to play either defensive back or running back.

Last season, the 5-foot-9, 198-pounder was second on the team with 103 tackles, second with five sacks and third on the team with 21 tackles for loss. Small also had 30 carries for 245 yards (8.2 yards per carry) and scored three touchdowns.

Small said he doesn’t care where he plays at the next level, he just wants to play. Sands has a stronger opinion.

“I think he’s wasted on offense because of how physically-minded he is,” Sands said. “As a defensive player, that really helps. Whether that’s playing safety or alley or star or whatever you want to call it. Put that kid on the field and he’s going to make plays all over it.”

Small said he plans to announce his college decision before Eau Gallie’s season opener in August.

“I’m still in the process of thinking about where I want to go, but I’m narrowing it down,” he said. “I’ve got a top three. … I’m looking for a team that’s not going to make me too complacent. A school that’s going to push me to be the best I can be.”