2023 Norman Tigers Football Preview

NORMAN TIGERS

Despite a 3-8 record for Norman High last season, the Tigers managed to make it to the 6A playoffs. As Rocky Martin enters his ninth season as head coach, this season will look a bit different.

OFFENSE

There will be a new quarterback at the helm after Tias McClarty had the reins for three seasons. Martin said there have been two guys battling for the position - junior Phoenix Murphy (6’0”, 160lbs) and sophomore Crew Noles (5’11”, 165 lbs). Martin likes what he sees from both and knows how tough it is to replace a three-year starter.

“Whenever you lose a guy like that, you really have to start evaluating, and that’s what we’ve been doing,” Martin said. “Phoenix Murphy had varsity reps last year, and he’s gotten his foot in the door with experience. Crew Noles, who’s just a sophomore, had a good spring. Both are going to compete and battle this thing out.”

The positive news for the Tigers is they bring back a heavy number of playmakers on both sides of the ball, starting with senior Dax Noles (6’0”, 185lbs). Dax Noles has been a catalyst for this Tigers team, especially last season. The “Noles Package ‘’ came into effect in 2022 with direct snaps to Dax Noles in short-yardage situations. On defense, he was always around the football.

“We’re going to use him a ton, and in different spots on the field,” Martin said. “That is what’s hard to prepare for as an opponent. We can use him as a wide receiver, and we can use him in the backfield, whether it’s quarterback or running back. He’s just a kid that can do it all.”

The Tigers return some important pieces from the offensive attack last season. Senior Devin Alexander (5’9”, 170lbs) will be the main ball carrier, and we know the track speed that Alexander provides. He was the second leading rusher on the team last year, behind McClarty, rushing for 556 yards and two touchdowns. Alexander will be eager to get those touchdown numbers up.

The Tigers will also have senior Judd Divelbiss (5’8”, 160lbs) and junior Kamran Donald (5’8”, 160lbs) that will see reps in the backfield.

Norman High’s passing game was a problem last season, only throwing for a total of 693 yards as a team. It’s a run-heavy type of offense for the Tigers, but there were some key misses through the air on important possessions. The passing game will feature some big targets for the Tigers. Senior Port Hartsock (6’1”, 170lbs) will be a receiver that will step into a bigger role. He’s someone that will cause some mismatches for linebackers and safeties. Dax Noles will see some action in the passing game as well, having one receiving touchdown last year.

Dax Noles

The offensive line had a bunch of shifts throughout the season, due to injuries and new guys stepping up. Two of the starters up front return for Norman High, based on the starting lineup late in the season. Senior Caleb Roberson (5’11”, 315lbs) and sophomore Julius Stevens (6’4”, 295lbs) will be relied on to keep the running game at an elite level. Roberson was a consistent starter for Norman High, meanwhile, Stevens was a freshman that merged into the lineup late in the year.

DEFENSE

If there’s one thing to take away from last season, it’s that the Tigers can play defense. There were a few moments in the season when the defense kept Norman High in the game.

The Tigers return both inside linebackers and all of their secondary, which is a great sign for Martin. Dax Noles was their leading tackler last year with 124 tackles, followed up by senior Lance Eubanks (6’0”, 200lbs) with 86, then Behr Boyd (5’11”, 190lbs) with 74 tackles.

“We’re pretty fortunate to have these guys back on defense,” Martin said.” They’re also track guys that can show off their speed. Two guys that really came on later in the year were Lance Eubanks and Behr Boyd.”

The defensive line will be a question mark for the Tigers. They lost their top three sacks leaders from a year ago and will look for guys to step into a bigger role. Senior CJ Moore (5’11”, 275lbs) will lead that position group, after being a starter at nose guard last year. Moore had one sack and a fumble recovery.

At secondary, the Tigers bring back some ballhawks. They return both starting cornerbacks, senior Kurt Carter (5’7”, 150lbs) and junior Kenneth Rosario (5’8”, 155lbs). Junior Jaxon Ford (5’11”, 165lbs) was a rover for the Tigers last year and will see significant time this year. Dax Noles will be shifting from linebacker to free safety at times.

Martin pointed to some improvements his team needs to make this season.

“Obviously, turnovers and penalties were a big one,” he said. “We just can’t hurt ourselves. We did that a number of times last year. Another thing is that we need to be able to throw the football. Teams were able to load the box against us last year. Defensively, we need to eliminate the big plays that we allowed at times last year.”

Norman High will open against Norman North in the Crosstown Clash on Aug. 31 on krefsports.tv.