SARASOTA, Fla. — The Sarasota Booker Tornadoes are gearing up for what promises to be a grueling 2026 campaign, and the excitement is already building as spring practice gets underway. Fresh off back-to-back state semifinal appearances, head coach Carlos Woods has his squad hungry for more.

There's something electric about the first day of spring football practice, and for Booker, it's more than just drills and conditioning—it's a chance to build on a proud tradition. After capturing a regional title in 2024 for the first time since 2005, the Tornadoes are determined to take the next step and compete for a state championship.

"This is an exciting time because a lot of our guys are unknowns right now," Woods said. "We know them within our program because we've developed them. They've come along as rotational guys, and now it's their time to shine. Even though they may not be highly ranked or highly sought after, they're really good football players. As we get closer to the season, more college programs will know about them—just like Jordan Booker."

Speaking of Jordan Booker, the 2027 athlete is poised to become a cornerstone for the Tornadoes. Last season, the defensive back led the team with five interceptions and added 40 tackles, helping Booker reach the state semifinals. This spring and fall, he'll be asked to shoulder even more responsibility, playing both defensive back and wide receiver.

Booker won't have to do it alone, though. The Tornadoes added a key piece in quarterback Mason Summer, who transferred in from Bradenton Manatee. Last fall, Summer saw significant playing time for the Hurricanes, throwing for nearly 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns while helping Manatee reach the FHSAA Class 5A region finals.

With a mix of rising stars and a battle-tested coaching staff, the Tornadoes are ready to navigate a challenging schedule and prove they belong among Florida's elite. Keep an eye on Booker this season—they're not just rebuilding; they're reloading.