PORT ORANGE — He's entering his 14th season as a coach, but DJ Mayo is treating this spring at Atlantic as if it's his first time on the sidelines.
He extends a handshake and introduces himself, and consciously addresses himself as a "first-year coach." It's a fresh start for both Mayo and the Sharks program, which has gone winless twice in the last three years and has hired six coaches since 2014.
"I joke in saying that it's my first year because I have a renewed energy with this group," said Mayo, who most recently served as Spruce Creek's defensive coordinator. "The kids are really excited and fun to be around, and I like the challenge. It's a challenge, but it's one that is attainable. A playoff spot is within reach."
Reaching the playoffs simply isn't good enough for Mayo; ideally, he wants to earn a first-round bye. Those sound like lofty goals, but Region 3-4A is wide open behind traditional powerhouse Cocoa.
Five of the 14 teams in the region, the Sharks included, won one game or fewer — compared to only four teams that finished above .500. Additionally, the Florida High School Athletic Association voted unanimously to expand the playoff field in Classes 1A through 4A to six teams per region instead of four.
Mayo has not brought up those facts with his group. Instead, he believes the Sharks' postseason dreams are a product of the talent on the field.
"When we (Spruce Creek) played them last year, I didn't think the talent deficit was that bad," Mayo said. "You could just tell they lacked some of the off-the-field stuff. When I got here, my hunch was right.
"It's bad habits, 0-10 habits, things you expect from an 0-10 group. But to their credit, there hasn't been a whole lot of resistance. They are buying in and working really hard."
Several newcomers should play prominent roles for the Sharks, including a pair of former Spruce Creek starters.
Ty Berrong, the No. 9 outside linebacker prospect in 247Sports' rankings for the class of 2020, enrolled at Atlantic in January. Wide receiver Maximus Campbell also made the jump and is currently running for the Sharks' track team.
Berrong said his relationship with Mayo played a big factor in his decision to move across town. When Mayo works with the defensive backs, he said he can trust Berrong to familiarize the front-seven with the intricacies of his scheme.
"He has my best interests," said Berrong, an All-Area first team choice who led Spruce Creek with 73 total tackles and four interceptions. "I want to go to college from here, playing for him."
Aaron Manning has taken the first-team reps at quarterback during the first week of practice. Last year, as a freshman, Manning completed 16 of 27 passes for 126 yards with two interceptions.
"Last year helped me. I was trying to pick up the speed," Manning said. "This year, I feel like it's going to be better because I got those reps. I know what to look for."
Mayo pointed out a few other potental breakout players for the Sharks, including cornerback Guyvin Williams, wide receiver Zamari Davis, linebacker Landon Coleman and tackle Jacob Slover.
The Sharks are ready to turn the page after a tumultuous four-year stretch, punctuated by last season in which they lost every game by at least 38 points. Mayo believes he can create a stable, winning program, one which can hit the ground running in 2018.
"We have a high-level staff and a talented group of players," Mayo said. "Our Achilles heel will be youth. We'll start two rising seniors in the spring game. We won't have a ton of depth, but we will be a disciplined group that's in pretty good shape."