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Performance trainer's emphasis on speed continues to attract talent

Photo from Rob Oppedisano

DeVon Hicks, left, a former Pasco High standout, with performance trainer Rob Oppedisano. Hicks has been working out with Oppedisano to improve his quickness and speed in hopes of returning to professional football.

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By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: June 22, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - Whether it's striving for a second chance, giving reaching the next level the old college try or just keeping in shape for an upcoming season, local strength and performance trainer Rob Oppedisano continues to provide what athletes are looking for during the offseason.

Along with his usual work with area prep football players this time of year, Oppedisano has taken on ex-Pasco High School standout DeVon Hicks and ex-Blake receiver Daunta Peterson. Both were signed as NFL free agents in 2007 but were unable to keep a roster spot.

Oppedisano previously worked with another former Pasco High alum and NFL player, linebacker Darren Hambrick. It was Hambrick who keyed Hicks into Oppedisano last year, Hicks said, as the latter was trying to bounce back from a severe groin injury.

If training guidance on the North Suncoast is what's being sought, word appears to be spreading that there's no need to search far. Oppedisano holds many of his programs right on the Gulf High School campus.

Football players are Oppedisano's largest client pool, especially this time of year. He believes he has something to offer any athlete who enters into his program.

"That's what they were meant to do, play football," he said. "So I just help get them in better shape and ready to go and, hopefully, turn someone's head along the way."

Oppedisano's conditioning program, Opt 4 Speed, combines elements of strength, agility, flexibility and explosiveness that are geared toward lowering sprint times that make coaches and scouts swoon.

Although there is heavily weighted emphasis on 40-yard dash times among college and professional scouts, Oppedisano's logic seems solid.

"We really concentrate on those first 10 and 20 yards," he said. And according to Hicks, the approach has been paying dividends while he strives to land a professional contract.

"It helped me out tremendously where I can get off the ball quicker than I was," he said. "Every time I'm home I'm going to try to get with Rob because the things he brings to me are very important."

Peterson is reaping the program's benefits as well. The former Buffalo Bills signee's 40 time ballooned to 4.78 last year before seeking out Oppedisano. Now it is down to as low as 4.42 with a final goal of 4.37, which is acceptable for an NFL-quality receiver.

As Oppedisano's reach has spread, he's begun having collegiate pupils bringing along teammates.

Oppedisano's camps typically run for four weeks and are open to anyone interested. For more information on what Opt 4 Speed has to offer, go to www.opt4speed.com>.

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