Florida 2024 WR/ATH Griffin Gisotti clicking at right time with Venice

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

High school football teams in the state of Florida are not liking what is happening at Venice High School… the Indians are hitting their stride. If you are a fan of the Indians, you can see it happening – the team is getting close to peaking ready to make their third consecutive state championship run. Over the offseason, Venice added new talent to their 2023 roster, and that included do-all athlete Griffin Gisotti (6-0, 185). Gisotti’s play making skills and blazing speed are proving to be a difference maker for the Indians, assets that are drawing in college coaches.

After tallying 1,340 all-purpose yards with 13 touchdowns and two picks a year ago with Cardinal Mooney, Gisotti updated his senior run with Venice.

“It is going really well,” Gisotti said. “I am having fun with these guys. I am progressing as a football player and as a person with this program. Against this competition, with the skillset I have, I am showing schools what I can do against a higher level of competition.”

With all the talent on the Indians roster, head coach John Peacock is putting all his trust in Gisotti in more ways than one.

“I am playing receiver, that is my main position, and I do a lot on special teams,” Gisotti stated. “I’m returning kicks and punts, and I do the Wildcat on the two-point conversion.”

More than just an athlete, the trade skills are shining through for Gisotti this season.

“What is really sticking out for me that may not have been showcased as much last year is my speed,” Gisotti said. “I am beating some of the fastest dudes in Florida. This season I am showing that I am a true 4.4 guy.

“In our games, I am going over top on a defense and getting behind the coverage. I am working on my route running, running quick routes, and being a physical receiver. I can run through people and use my speed, or a juke move or two, to add more yards to the play.”

Stetson and Southeastern have offered, interest is picking up now that college scouts are seeing what Gisotti can do against top Sunshine State competition.

“I am picking up attention from Bowling Green, App State, I am still in contact with Holy Cross, FAU, Eastern Kentucky, East Carolina, New Hampshire, and Kennesaw State,” Gisotti shared.

Gisotti added, “I’m in contact with Holy Cross, I talk to them regularly, Stetson, and FAU. My position coach reached out to East Carolina and Eastern Kentucky; they are showing interest.”

One of the squads taking a closer look at Gisotti may get him in Boone, North Carolina, soon.

“I might go up to App State at the end of the month,” Gisotti said. “I am excited to get up there and see what they are all about.”

The developing connection with the Mountaineers’ staff was covered.

“That relationship is in a good place,” Gisotti noted. “They want to see more of me as the season goes on. It is a new relationship. They are getting to know me, and I am getting to know them. I am really excited about them; this could be something good for me.”

One game-day visit has been taken, in addition to Appalachian State, more trips will be added to the travel itinerary in the coming weeks.

“I took one visit to Stetson; it was a good visit,” Gisotti shared. “I checked it out. I think later on this season I will take more. I’m not sure which schools or the dates, but I plan on traveling and checking out some schools.”

BEYOND THE INTERVIEW

Gisotti spoke about the impact of being a Venice Indian, “I really like where I am at with Venice. I am making my way up the rotation as one of their leading receivers. I will see more action the rest of the season.

“I am learning a lot from my positional coach, Denzel Nickerson. He has taught me a lot. If you listen to him, he will lead you in the right direction. I am happy about what I have learned as a player and as a man at Venice.”

2022 POSTSEASON HONORS

At the end of his junior season, Gisotti was widely recognized for his play on the field earning Florida All-State Utility Player of the Year second team honors, Sarasota All-Area Athlete, and Cardinal Mooney Athlete of the Year.

*Click the link for the June 7 RNG interview with Griffin Gisotti.