Posted on Thu, May. 01, 2008

Hallandale senior Frankie Hammond Jr. will be on the receiving end of passes by Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow this fall at Florida.

Hammond, who is 6-1, should add even more excitement to the Gators' passing game and kickoff returns with his speed (4.5 in the 40-yard dash) and jumping ability (41-inch vertical leap).

He is coming off a breakout senior year in football in which he established career highs in receptions (47), yards (900) and touchdowns (13; 11 receiving and two running).

On Friday, Hammond hopes those physical attributes can help him win the high jump title at the Class 3A state track-and-field meet in Winter Park. On Monday, Hammond, who helped lead the Chargers to the 2006 state title and has been a state runner-up the past two seasons, discussed his last shot at the state high jump title that has proved elusive and the discipline and sacrifices it takes to be a model student-athlete.

Q. You jumped a career-best 6 feet, 10 ¼ inches March 8, which ranks sixth overall in Florida and fourth in Class 3A. The favorite Friday is Booker senior Marquise Mack, the state leader at 7-2. Do you prefer the role as an underdog, and what height do you believe will win the state title this year?

A. When you are at the top, there is more pressure. This way, I can just go out and do my thing. I am not going to underestimate anybody. In my opinion, a 7-2 is the minimal to win states. That is my approach going in.

Q. High jumpers share their gravity-defying feats with great dunkers. Who are the best dunkers in the NBA?

A. Vince Carter. He just dunks with reckless abandon. If he is by the rim, he just takes off. I try to base my jumping ability off him. When I get 21, 22, I want to get up there like him.

Q. I heard you crossed paths with Tebow at the Gators' Orange and Blue spring game two weeks ago. What did you discuss with your future quarterback?

A. I just let him know that he will be throwing the ball to me real soon. I am real excited to get up there. UF liked the fact that I can jump real high and bring the ball down in traffic. When it comes to red-zone territory, they can put it up and not worry about getting it too high.

Q. Why are you a better jumper this season?

A. I've gotten much stronger and faster. UF sent me a workout plan. I put on a couple of pounds and got faster. My 40 was like a 4.5 to 4.8. After working out, I am at a 4.4 consistently.

Q. Sprinters are known to strut around in the blocks and play the mind game with opponents. Have you ever experienced that type of gamesmanship in the high jump?

A. It depends. Some high jumpers have tried to come at me, get me nerve-wracked. But most of them are quiet and friendly. It is a good environment to be in.

Q. You have been able to juggle athletics and maintain a 3.90 grade-point average, which includes honors classes in English, American government and marine science. What type of guidance has your parents given you, and what advice would you give to students who might not have a strong support system at home?

A. Both of my parents support me. Every day they ask me if my homework is done. I thank them for that. For those people who don't have those parents behind them I would tell them to keep trying. At the end of the road, it will pay off. Even if you are not so good at athletics, keep that education up. Half the battle is having that education.

Q. How have you been able to avoid the pitfalls of peer pressure?

A. One thing, I have always been good at seeing stuff before it happens. Not going to a party then hearing the next morning there was a shooting or some trouble. It's something I have a feeling for. When people try to influence me it goes in one ear and out the other. Now I am starting to see what my parents are starting to instill in me to stay focused.