'I'm just a natural pass catcher': Winter Haven TE Guiseann Mirtil far from satisfied

Already committed to Tulane University as of June is all-county Winter Haven tight end Guiseann Mirtil. But there was never a point in which he chose to rest on his laurels ahead and through the 2023 FHSAA football season.

Following his verbal commitment, the-now senior immediately resumed running on a sandpit hill in Mulberry over the summer in an effort to maximize his foot speed despite tallying 29 receptions for 466 yards and six touchdowns in 2022 ― all team highs.

Following stringent practices during the week, one could find Mirtill running up and down the hill not only for his footwork, but to develop his stamina as well. He played both offense and defense last year as a Blue Devil, so to be that much better and a focal point on offense, he knew he had to work on footwork like there was no tomorrow.

“I feel like that’s the most crazy preparation (I worked on) for the year,” Mirtil said. “…I’m just trying to be the best player I can be for my time, contribute to more success.”

The work has led to some results for Mirtil. In a Week 1, 39-0 drubbing over Kathleen, the top tight end racked up four catches for 72 yards, including a 20-yard haul-in from new quarterback John Kostuch, who transferred from Ridge Community to Winter Haven this past off-season.

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Still, the work that Mirtil put in is thanks to his brother, a former Auburndale basketball player who used the same hill to work on his footwork. Right now, he attends Boston College for academics.

“I would always go with my brother and see how rigorous the workouts were. I felt like that helped me nowadays so I would (just) go again and again,” Mirtil said. “…I felt like it pretty much helped me everywhere: running routes, creating separation. I feel like it helped me mainly with after-the-catch runs.”

That was exhibited in Week 1. And Mirtil said it helped him with endurance, too.

“I can definitely feel the conditioning part. I don’t think I’m as tired as I was last year I think.,” Mirtil said.

But the work doesn’t stop for Mirtil. He constantly stays after practice, working on his route running, including being able to break in and out of his routes.

Mirtil is already a serviceable blocker, but he wants to get even better.

“I feel like it will take more effort than anything ― just being willing to put somebody in the dirt because last year I feel like I wasn’t giving my all blocking-wise and I don’t think I really seen how much of an impact it can have on the run game,” Mirtil said.

There have been eyes on Mirtil for the potential services in college football. And it is a widely accepted view that blocking is very important for the next level. That, and having remarkable grades, which Mirtil has already thanks to his 4.3 GPA.

For now, he said he will keep his grades up, while also working on his route running and blocking well through the season. But there is no question he is already a top tight end prospect despite wanting to refine his skills, as this is accentuated by the 29 offers he already has.

“I’m just a natural pass catcher. I have a big frame — long arms, 6-8 wingspan. I’m really good at catching and creating separation, so I think what I’m best at is being a really big target, sure hands, third-down guy,” Mirtil said.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Winter Haven's Guiseann Mirtil avoids resting on laurels