OHS Football Ready for 2023

OPINION —

The Opelika High School Bulldog football team recently finished up six weeks of workouts, including 7-on-7 tournaments and drills and team camps. Head coach Erik Speakman enters his 24th season at OHS and 7th season as the Bulldog's head coach. Speaking on the “On the Mark" radio show on FOX Sports the Game (910-1310), Speakman talked about the 2023 team and expectations. The following is a summary of our conversation.

Speakman said he was pleased with the six-week workout period with the exception of players attending individual college camps.

More college teams are holding individual camps that attract players who would normally be with the team working out.

Returning quarterback Roman Gagliano, perhaps the most prolific offensive player on the team, has picked up several college offers including his latest from Georgia Southern. The rising senior visited

BYU and Penn State but has not received a formal offer from either school.

Look for Gagliano's popularity among college coaches to continue to rise as they watch him play and see his leadership skills and football IQ.

Speakman said Auburn High School transfer Tyler Johnston is the number two quarterback as of today. Other players on offense looking to put up numbers include: receivers Jamari Miller and Jordan Tolbert, Brody Jones and Bennett Young and Calvin Hughley, and running backs Tommy Johnson and Javion Williams. In 2022, Williams’ season ended abruptly after an injury kept him sidelined. Speakman feels like he will have an explosive 2023 season.

Defensively, Devin Dixon, Tyree Pitts, Cory Ingram and JP Phillips return in the secondary, giving the Dogs several players to rotate. The defensive line should be big with Amari Smiley, Malik Autrey, Jaqie Lighfoot and Malik Jackson.

See ON THE MARK, page B3

Dream Day Event

Scheduled for July 15 — B8

Thursday, July 06, 2023