McCallie has plenty of reasons for optimism

McCallie's Deangelo Hardy (10) looks to pass against Baylor at Baylor School's Heywood Stadium on Friday, Oct. 13, in Chattanooga, Tenn.
McCallie's Deangelo Hardy (10) looks to pass against Baylor at Baylor School's Heywood Stadium on Friday, Oct. 13, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

McCALLIE BLUE TORNADO

Head coach: Ralph Potter (115-69 in 15 years here; 182-101 overall)

Returning starters: 6 offensive, 5 defensive

Key players: FS Brandon Benn (6-0, 185), LB Kris Bowman (6-1, 205), MLB Quindarrius Dunnigan (6-4, 230), QB Deangelo Hardy (5-10, 185), NG Cameron Stewart (6-3, 310).

Team strengths: Experience in the offensive backfield begins with Hardy, an athletic junior who has worked on his passing accuracy in the offseason, and sophomore B.J. Harris (5-10, 195), who already has offers from several Football Bowl Subdivision programs after a breakout varsity debut. There's also plenty of reason to like about the talent on the offensive line.

Team concerns: Last year's top receivers - Rico Dozier, Jay Gibson and Hakim McMorris - all graduated, so establishing a trustworthy new group will give the offense balance and prevent opposing defenses from keying on stuffing the run.

Newcomer to watch: The offensive line already was expected to be a team strength, but the development of Michael Newman (6-6, 255) has made that group even better.

"He's still got a ways to go, but we're hopeful he'll continue to get there," Potter said. "He improved greatly in the offseason, and I'm anxious to see what he brings this season."

Season outlook: The Blue Tornado averaged more than 36 points per game last year before falling in the state semifinals to Brentwood Academy, which went on to win its third straight title. Much of McCallie's offense returns, and the defense should be improved, putting this team on the short list of Division II-AAA title contenders.

"Our biggest concern is keeping the kids healthy and fresh, because we've got more than usual having to go both ways," Potter said. "The kids seem like they want to do well and are working very hard. It's just a matter of the breaks going our way and being prepared."

It all begins with Hardy, a very good option quarterback who has improved as a passer and has a wealth of skill-position talent around him and a solid line leading the way.

"Deangelo is the kind of guy you want leading your team," Potter said. "There are some guys who get better in the tougher moments, and he's one of those guys.

"We haven't had too many big linemen, but there's good size now and we believe they can play. We're very old on the front line defensively and have three seniors starting at linebacker. We need more depth there and in the secondary, but we like what we've got among our starters."

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