Strong, Charismatic, Caring, Christian, and all Gator! These words can be used to describe one of Sarasota Counties best former high school football players. This week FLA Preps in Tempo News took time to interview Ernie Dubose Jr.
FLA Preps: Your father Ernie Sr, cast a pretty wide shadow with his high school football playing career. What was it like for you playing the same sport in that shadow?
E Dub: It was pretty easy actually. My father and uncles were great football players. Their success helped me understand the importance of developing goals for myself. I learned at an early age by watching them that nothing would be given to me. That motivated me to work hard in order to accomplish the goals that I set for myself, even beyond the football field.
FLA Preps: Per our conversation, if you include your uncles and father you do come from a very athletic family. Who is the best all around athlete when you all get together?
E Dub: Man that’s tough. I would have to say my uncle Keith Dubose would have to be the best athlete. He is only 4 years older than me but he also got drafted in baseball. He went on to play football at Duke University for our old coach Steve Spurrier. I would have to say that my Dad is the best football player, but Keith is the best all around athlete.
FLA Preps: What lessons did you learn while playing for Port Charlotte High that prepared you to win a national championship at the University of Florida?

Ernie DuBose Jr working with youth at Port Charlotte football camp
E Dub: You know, I learned a couple of key things while at Port Charlotte. First is how to be a good teammate. I learned to do whatever it takes to be a winner. Some kids don’t find this out until its too late but it is much better to be a small piece of a winner than it is to be a large piece of a loser. Secondly, I learned that it takes very hard work in order to succeed and accomplish your goals. Most people do not want to fail. Everyone else is working hard to succeed so you better be also. You can accomplish anything that you set your mind to if you are willing to sacrifice and work hard.
FLA Preps: Injuries derailed your playing career, however, you have been very successful off the field. What are you currently doing in your professional life?
E Dub: I am currently a Project Manager for Sarasota County School Board. I am in charge of the $50 million rebuild for Booker High School.
FLA Preps: Let’s get back to your playing days. What was it like as a running back for the Gators with guys like Elijah Williams, Fred Taylor, Errict Rhett, and Terry Jackson playing the same position?
E Dub: Very competitive! Those guys were great runners. From a pride and ego standpoint, I didn’t accomplish all of the goals that I set for myself individually. However, every one of those guys that played in front of me had very successful college and NFL careers. We are talking SEC All Conference guys, All Americans, top NFL draft picks, and even a future Hall of Famer! I must have been pretty good myself to play with them.
FLA Preps: What advice do you have for any current high school football player who would like to have similar success?
E Dub: They have to set goals. Start off with smaller goals that you can accomplish so these goals set you up to achieve the larger goal. Then they have to understand the process and the methods it takes to achieve their goal. Be committed to that goal, make it a priority. Like I said earlier, when I played for the Gators I couldn’t run a 4.3 40 yard dash like Fred Taylor. I didn’t have the football IQ of a Terry Jackson. However, I was the strongest player (besides the lineman) on the team. I worked hard on my strength because that was something that I could do better than they could and it would help me accomplish my goal of playing for a championship.
FLA Preps: Finally, is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?
E Dub: I would just like to thank my family. My lovely wife Deanna Dubose for supporting me for the last 13 years. My 10 year old son Deric and my 13 year old daughter Deja. Also, through all of my successes and failures I credit my Lord, Jesus Christ. He gave me the ability to stand here today as the man that I am.


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