Jones, Christian, Millard, Moore, Reed in 2010 prep football spotlight
With only three weeks remaining before the high school football season kicks off, most teams face the issue of replacing a departed star player. Whether he was responsible for most of the team’s offense, set the tone on defense or was largely an inspirational leader, finding the right replacement likely will determine the new season’s outcome.
“When you have a kid who develops into a special player, you can’t just plug somebody else in at their position and expect them to have the same impact,” said Ringgold coach Robert Akins, whose star running back from last year, Martez Eastland, signed with Ole Miss. “It may be a kid at a new position that takes over that role, but you definitely need to identify who can carry you in crunch time.”
Here are the five most influential area players from last season who have graduated, and their likely successors:
* Long gone No. 1: Ooltewah All-America defensive end Jacques Smith is battling for playing time at the University of Tennessee. Smith was among the area’s leaders in tackles for loss (23) and sacks (8.5) and generally drew at least a double team in most games, which allowed other defenders to roam free to make plays.
* Time to shine: You can’t expect to replace a player of Smith’s quality with one returner. Senior Lamech Jones (6-foot-1, 205) started at the other defensive end spot last year and is an impact player in his own right, while linebacker Randall Freeman (5-11, 200) is a college prospect with big-play potential.
* Long gone No. 2: Calhoun All-America receiver Da’Rick Rogers is now at Tennessee, along with last year’s starting quarterback Nash Nance. Rogers, who was named Georgia’s Class AA Offensive Player of the Year last season after setting a state record for receiving yards with more than 1,600, also was a threat as a kick returner in helping the Yellow Jackets reach the state-title game.
* Time to shine: With a new quarterback, much of the offensive burden now falls on senior running back Dustin Christian, who already has three scholarship offers from FBS programs. The shifty Christian (5-9, 175) averaged nearly 7 yards per carry last year and had two three-touchdown games in the playoffs.
* Long gone No. 3: Few players meant more to their teams’ success last season than South Pittsburg quarterback Terrell Robinson, who accounted for more than 1,700 passing yards and 1,300 rushing in directing the Pirates to the Class 1A state final. Robinson, who also started at safety, now is at UT-Chattanooga.
* Time to shine: Senior Travis Millard has been patiently waiting his turn to guide the offense for three years. He has big-game experience after starting against Boyd-Buchanan last year when Robinson was out with the flu and has enough talent surrounding him this season to share the offensive load.
* Long gone No. 4: Ringgold running back Martez Eastland wasn’t just a runner with a bruising style. He also was a threat in situational opportunities at quarterback and amassed more than 1,500 total yards and 24 touchdowns.
* Time to shine: With the Tigers switching to a more pass-happy spread offense, junior quarterback Josh Moore (6-3, 195) now must take the reins as leader. Moore started the Tigers’ final seven games last season and has been impressive during summer 7-on-7 scrimmages. He has attended quarterback camps at Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Arkansas and Middle Tennessee State.
* Long gone No. 5: Boyd-Buchanan running back Ben Beasley helped the Buccaneers reach the Class 2A title game by averaging more than 6 yards per carry and finished with nearly 1,500 rushing yards as the focal point of the offense last year.
* Time to shine: The Bucs have switched to the spread offense under new coordinator Carter Cardwell but still will establish the run and junior Chase Reed (5-9, 165) is expected to get most of the carries. With good size along the offensive line, Bucs head coach Grant Reynolds said he expects Reed to have a breakout season.