LB/TE Brady Nowlan, Jr., Nature Coast

One of the area’s top two-way players, Brady Nowlan is adept at catching passes and bringing opposing ball carriers. 

On offense, Nowlan leads the Sharks in receiving yards (446) and is tied for the team lead in touchdown receptions (three). 

But it’s on defense where Nowland really shines. He has a team-leading 102 tackles and three forced fumbles and is tied for the team lead in sacks (four) and interceptions (two). 

His performance is a big reason Nature Coast finished the regular season 7-3 and is traveling to play Chamberlain in Friday’s Class 5A region quarterfinals. 

Two weeks ago, Nowlan had six catches for 92 yards and a touchdown on offense and five tackles, a sack and a forced fumble on defense in a win over Weeki Wachee.

Fans took notice. Nowlan received 74 percent of the votes (288) in the Hernando County football player of the week poll to beat out Hernando’s Brian Lewis, who had 26 percent (100 votes.)