HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW GAMEDAY 2015 1
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HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW 2017 GAMEDAY
CONTENTS PLUS ... COLLEGE PREVIEW
30 CLEMSON TIGERS 6
12
18
Tigers hit the reset button for 2017
24
DANIEL LIONS
SENECA BOBCATS
WALHALLA RAZORBACKS
WEST-OAK WARRIORS
Daniel looking to build on success of Fruster’s first season
Capps, Bobcats on the same page in 2017
Johnson excited about second season at the Razorbacks’ helm
West-Oak still young, more experienced for new season
EDITOR STEVEN BRADLEY GRAPHICS BY MELISSA BRADLEY
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Lions looking to build on success of Fruster’s first season BY ALEX MAMINAKIS
THE JOURNAL 66 THE JOURNAL
D
DANIEL HIGH SCHOOL head aniel High School football considered coach Jeff Fruster helm of the his first year at the The Lions program a success. record at finished with a winning 6-5 and made it to the first round of the 4A state playoffs — not head coach. for a first-year bad But now, Daniel wants more. from last year Fruster and the Lions are returning 13 starters take and are hungry to improve. While he doesn’t last year’s know there are things this success for granted, Fruster does year’s team can do better. because “I don’t want to take away from what we did I don’t first know too many head coaches that get winning seasons. a tarnished Usually, when they brought you in, it was to replace that’s season, and rebuilding from the tarnished season, tough,” fact that we had the he said. “I would never overlook a winning done things percentage, but I also see where we should have to focus on.” better that we didn’t, and that’s we’re going what been Now in his second year, Fruster said it’s actually tougher because he preparing for the season as opposed to last year wants more he out of his team knows what it takes to win and to strive to and his players. He puts that on himself pressure want to be better.
Dr. Eric Blundy is the only Board Certified “I think last year, with it being the first year, it was just trying Dr. the only Board Certified Eric Dr. EricBlundy Blundy&isisART theCertified only Board Certified to survive riding that high — I was just so jaded that it was Chiropractic Neurologist practitioner in the area. &University ART Certified Neurologist & ART Certified practitioner the area. hard to grasp what was going on, game-wise,” Fruster Chiropractic said.He also Chiropractic currently worksNeurologist with Clemson Track in & Field. “This year, still grateful, but now I’m much more goal-oriented practitioner in the area. He also currently He also currently works with Clemson University Track & Field. Dr. is the only Board Certified Eric Blundy in my second year. Now, I want to go after it. I don’t just want to works with Clemson University Track & Field. Chiropractic Neurologist & ART Certified practitioner in the area We excel in the treatment of: be successful, I don’t want to just not lose games; I want to go He also currently works with University We excel in Clemson the treatment of: Track & Field. win. I think I put a lot more pressure on myself this year than I � Athletic Injuries have the last year.” � Athletic Neck and Low Back Pain � Injuries The Lions finished 2-2 in region games last season — We excel in the treatment of: � Knee and Foot something else Fruster is focused on improving this year. He � Neck and Low Pain Back Pain � Concussion Screening and Rehab knows that part of the schedule means everything for Daniel’s Knee and Foot Pain �� �Athletic ShoulderInjuries Injuries playoff hopes, and those playoff expectations are rising for the � Concussion Screening and Rehab
Dr. Eric Blundy is the only Board Certified Dr. Eric Blundy is the only Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist & ART Certified practitioner in the Chiropractic Neurologist & ART Certified practitioner the area He also currently works with Clemson UniversityinTrack & Fi He also currently works with Clemson University Track & Field.
Lions. Daniel has put together a string of three years in which it has reached the first round of the playoffs — again, considered successes — but there’s more that the Lions want to accomplish. “I tell the kids all the time, ‘Never be satisfied. Complacency is the enemy,’” Fruster said. “Last year marked the third year in a row that we were out, early exit, first-round loss. We’re working hard toward having a better finish in the region — we went from fourth to third last year, can we get second? Can we finish first? That’s the goal.” OFFENSE Daniel returns six starters on offense this season but will have a new face at starting quarterback. Junior Noah Lupton proved himself last year when he took advantage of limited playing time as a sophomore, and now he’s ready to be the full-time starter. “Very high on Noah Lupton right now — I think he’s the leader that this offense has kind of been looking for,” Fruster said.
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[OPPOSITE PAGE] Daniel High School, which finished with a winning record at 6-5 and made it to the first round of the 4A state playoffs in Jeff Fruster’s first season at the helm, aims to take another step this fall. “I’m much more goal-oriented in my second year,” he said. Rex Brown | The Journal HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW GAMEDAY 2017 7
DANIEL HIGH SCHOOL
Elsewhere on offense, Billy Bruce and Kiandre Sims are back at running back — the two combined for 857 rushing yards last season. Dylan Shiflett, Donovan Morris and Daymian Green all return to sturdy up the offensive line, and the receiving corps led by seniors Bryson Smith and Isaac Weaver gives Lupton some serious weapons in the passing game. DEFENSE Seven starting defenders return for Daniel, and the defense should be as strong, if not stronger, than it was last season. Palmer Story, Trevor Collins and Jared Kirksey are three defensive linemen who Fruster said can be difference makers up front, replacing some of the production that Miles Turmon took with him to North Carolina Central University. At linebacker, seniors Jake Venables and Cody Barnes lead an experienced group that includes five seniors, and in the secondary, Tyler Venables and
Michael Becker return at safety while Jaylin Gibbs and Paris Gideon will be at corner. “I think depth-wise, we’re going to be fine,” Fruster said of his defense. “Experience-wise, we’re going to have to get them up to speed real quick.” SPECIAL TEAMS This is the position group with the most question marks for the Lions. Kicker Nick Muchow, who booted 22 PATs and 10 field goals last year, is gone, leaving a big void to fill. Kick returner Brandon Peppers is also gone — after racking up 787 total return yards last year. Both competitions are still ongoing, but especially at kicker, Fruster is still left with a big question mark. “We’ve had multiple candidates, nobody’s solidified a spot, and I mean nobody,” he said. “There are no frontrunners, no special JV kids coming up. We had two or three backup kickers Junior Noah Lupton is being counted on to be “the leader that this that we’re going to let battle it out, but as offense has kind of been looking for,” according to Daniel High of right now, there are no frontrunners.” School head coach Jeff Fruster. Rex Brown | The Journal
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DANIEL HIGH SCHOOL
STEPPING IT UP
Venables takes lead role for Daniel defense
A
s the fourth day of Daniel High School’s fall football practice came to an end in Central and the majority of the Lions made their way back to the locker room, Jake Venables headed toward the far side the practice field. He wasn’t done working just yet. Along with some of his fellow linebackers, Venables worked through a few more defensive exercises before calling it a day, smacking aside football dummies as he envisioned pouncing on ball carriers. The extra work Venables likes to put in is something he said he picked up from older players when he was in his first years at Daniel. Now a senior, it’s an example of his leadership among the linebackers and the Lions’ defense as a whole, which includes his brother, sophomore safety Tyler Venables.
Daniel High School linebacker Jake Venables (15) finished his junior season with 59 total tackles, including 15 for loss, to go along with three sacks and three interceptions. Rex Brown | The Journal
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by ALEX MAMINAKIS
“Most of our ‘backers, I think we only have one guy that’s going to be returning on varsity (next year), so we’re going to have to step it up, teaching the younger guys,” Jake Venables said of his expanded leadership role. “Just every day in practice, when it comes to the littlest things — from a false step to a gap control to pass rush moves, all that stuff.” Venables finished his junior year last season with 59 total tackles — good enough for second most on the team, and most among returning players for Daniel’s defense this year. Of those 59 tackles, 40 were solo tackles and 15 were for a loss — both team highs. He also added three sacks and three interceptions. Second-year Daniel head coach Jeff Fruster knows Venables will be a leader on his defense this season and is excited about
his veteran linebacker corps. “Linebacker-wise, I think we’re as deep as we’ve ever been,” Fruster said. “I think we’ve got five seniors for three spots, it’s a good situation to have. Obviously, Jake’s going to lead that group.” Venables has already turned his skills on the football field into a commitment to play at Clemson for his father, Tigers defensive coordinator Brent Venables, after high school, which he said gives him some peace of mind as he prepares for his senior year at Daniel. It’s one less thing to worry about, and it allows him to focus on helping the Lions make a playoff run. “Definitely takes some weight off my shoulders,” Venables said of his Clemson commitment. “It feels good to know where I’m going and I’m at home, so I don’t really have to focus on that as much.”
DANIEL HIGH SCHOOL Venables, left, cited capturing a postseason victory — something that has eluded him in his prep career — as a primary goal for the 2017 season. “That’s definitely big motivation,” he said. Rex Brown | The Journal
DANIEL LIONS ROSTER No. Name
2016 RESULTS
Opponent Result
“I haven’t made it past the first round (of the playoffs) since I’ve been in high school,” he added. “So that’s definitely big motivation.” Venables said he admires defenders such as Ben Boulware, J.J. Watt and James Harrison and tries to learn from watching them play. He plays with a similar intensity that those professional players bring, and certainly an intensity characteristic of his father along the Clemson sidelines. He said he kept busy this summer staying fit and recruited his teammates to join him in doing so. “From weight lifting to watching film to eating food, running, conditioning — I’ve been trying to get all my other guys to come, too. And that’s been a big part, because I can’t do it by myself,” Venables said. Now, as he prepares for his senior year, he’s ready to help Daniel take that next step. Venables is a solidified leader on the defense and will lead a talented group as the Lions strive to improve from a season ago when they finished 6-5 and got bounced out of the first round of the 4A state playoffs. “I definitely think from last year to this year, physically, we’ve improved so much,” Venables said. “I thought that a couple times last year we’d get tired real early. I definitely think we’ve improved in all areas, now it’s just time to see.”
Berkeley Easley at Seneca at Greer Westside at Wren at Ninety Six Belton-Honea Path Greenville at Pickens at York
W, 33-21 W, 29-28 W, 27-0 L, 42-28 L, 41-3 L, 35-30 W, 34-33 L, 14-0 W, 20-19 W, 38-21 L, 35-10
2017 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 18 Aug. 25 Sept. 1 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27
at Berkeley at Easley Seneca Greer at Westside Bye Wren Ninety Six at Belton-Honea Path at Greenville Pickens
BREAKING DOWN THE LIONS LAST YEAR >>> 6-5 (2-2 4A Region I); lost in first round of playoffs HEAD COACH >>> Jeff Fruster, entering second season at Daniel RETURNING STARTERS >>> 13; 6 offense, 7 defense PLAYERS TO WATCH >>> QB Noah Lupton, LB Jake Venables, RB Billy Bruce, DE Palmer Story, WR Bryson Smith, OL Dylan Shiflett KEY LOSSES >>> QB Ben Batson, LB Peter Cote, WR Will Swinney, DB Malik Watt, K Nick Muchow, WR Brandon Peppers, DL Miles Turmon PRIMARY STRENGTHS >>> While Daniel lost a lot of experience from last season’s team, it still returns 13 starters and has good depth at a multitude of positions, including linebacker and wide receiver. The Lions defense should give them a chance to be competitive in every game. With five senior linebackers, disruptive pass rushers and a secondary that returns Tyler Venables and Jaylin Gibbs, Daniel’s defense should be a strength this season.
QUESTION MARKS >>> Fruster admits the biggest question mark this season will be how quickly the younger, inexperienced players will be able to pick up the system and the schemes. He said there might be “a little rough sledding” at the beginning of the year, but thinks by the time region play rolls around, the team should be in good shape. Something else that’s still up in the air is who will replace Nick Muchow as the team’s place-kicker. As fall practices began, Fruster said there were no frontrunners at the position. OVERVIEW >>> In Fruster’s first year at the helm last season, Daniel finished 6-5 after a first-round playoff loss — an improvement from a 4-7 year in 2015. The Lions want to continue that upward trend and, in particular, improve in their region games and make a deeper run in the postseason. Lupton will take over as quarterback after getting a taste of the starting job last season and will be surrounded with playmakers on offense. The Daniel defense should be stout, and the Lions are anticipating a second winning season under Fruster.
1 2 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 23 24 25 27 29 30 32 33 34 36 40 42 43 44 48 51 52 55 57 59 62 63 64 70 71 72 74 75 78 80 84 88 89 90
Michael Becker Hampton Earle Kiandre Sims Drew Swinney Bryson Smith Max May Billy Bruce Noah Lupton Jaylin Gibbs Dallas Odom Isaac Weaver Jake Venables Lucas Weaver Chris Barnes J.T. Bandy Romaun Myers Paris Gideon Camron Jones Tyler Venables Marnelius Cobb Bubba McAtee Alex Joplin Cam Fuller Cody Barnes Jaylen Reese Donovan Hunter David Cote Tyland Mattison Matthew Maloney Jacob Delk Troy Johnson Alex McBride Palmer Story Daymian Green Dillon Bullock Cody Rollins Miguel Vazquez Trevor Collins Dylan Shiflett Noah Saffer Kyle Gillespie Cambel Guffee Donovan Morris Jerry Allen Barlow Kahare Teasley Thaddeus Major Justin Olvera Brenton Benson Charlie Smith Clay Mohr Jared Kirksey
Class Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr, Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. So.
HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW GAMEDAY 2017 11
Senior Braden Galloway offers Seneca High School a big target in the passing game. Rex Brown | The Journal
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SENECA HIGH SCHOOL hen fall camp began for the Seneca High School football team last team, the seniors were getting to know their fourth different head coach in as many
seasons. That meant new terminology, a different practice schedule and a lot of unknowns. The transition wasn’t smooth in the early going; after winning their opener, the ‘Cats dropped three straight games. But a team meeting among the players helped hit the reset button, and Seneca went on to win six consecutive contests, claim its second consecutive Western 3A title and advance to the second round of the playoffs. When the team gathered on July 28 to officially begin a new season, most of the question marks were gone. Yes, the offense is under the direction of
a new coordinator — Jay Abercrombie — but Capps is still the man at the top, and players were happy to see a familiar face when they got back to business. “At the start of last year, we had to come out the first few days and learn what the new coach expects, the flow of practice and stuff like that, how fast we’re going to play,” wide receiver Coleman Smith said. “But this year we ran out here the first day and knew what we were doing. We just got in, got going and got into practice, so it’s a lot easier to get in the flow immediately as opposed to last year where it took a while, like week two and week three.” OFFENSE Running back Jacory Benson has
graduated, taking 4,500 career rushing yards and 62 touchdowns with him. The team is also without quarterback Jacob Lynn, who grew into an outstanding signal caller as the season progressed. But the team has plenty of returning talent, and Capps likes the makeup of the crew. “We’ve got four returning starters on the offensive line (Luke Lynn, Freddy Cleveland, Tyler Broome and Keylin Holden) so we feel good about that,” Capps said. “We have some new coaches on staff this year, too, and I’m proud of the way those guys have worked. “When you look at our receivers we’re in good shape with Smith and (Clemson commit) Braden Galloway and those guys. Drew Boggs is back, so we feel good about our receiving corps.” The backfield raises the most questions, but Capps thinks there are answers.
DEFENSE There is good experience on this side of the ball as well, and Capps also expects some newcomers to step in and step up. “We’ve got three starting defensive lineman back (Jalen Wilkerson, Darius Galloway and Mikal Clark), feel good about that,” he said. “We have a good linebacking corps. Only one true starter back in that group (Trey Smith), but a lot of younger kids have stepped up and we have a couple of kids who’ve come out for the first time this year and we’re trying to find a spot for them to play.” The secondary remains a work in progress, but Capps says once the players learn the schemes and terminology they’ll be ready to go.
“We felt like in the backfield it was going to start out being running back by committee … we’ve got two seniors, a junior and a sophomore all competing,” he said. “(Junior) Jeremiah Mackey, right now, looks like he’s going to take the bulk of snaps.” The quarterback spot will be held down by sophomore Cole Bay, who did a nice job in relief of Lynn last year and even has a Friday night start under his belt. “Cole got some good playing time at quarterback last year,” Capps said. “He’s a sophomore this year and right now he’s taken the helm at quarterback. Cole has a lot of God-given ability, but the best thing is that he has a lot of heart. He works hard, and he’s a natural born leader. We expect him to be able to move us down the field.”
[LEFT] Jalen Wilkerson (55) will be counted on as one of the anchors of the Seneca High School defensive line this fall. [RIGHT] With four returning starters on the offensive line in Luke Lynn, Freddy Cleveland, Tyler Broome and Keylin Holden (61), Seneca High School head coach Hal Capps said he has confidence in that position group going into the season. Rex Brown | The Journal
SPECIAL TEAMS Hunter Pearson has one of the strongest legs in the state and has already committed
to Virginia. Kohl’s Kicking Camps ranks him as the No. 5 prep placekicker in America. Pearson also handles punting chores for the Bobcats. “We’ve got Hunter back, and that’s a good weapon to have,” Capp said. “Aside from field goals, you feel good that the other team is going to start out on the 20 yard line every time he kicks off. “And he’s a great punter for us, too.” HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW GAMEDAY 2017 13
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SENECA HIGH SCHOOL
WINNING ATTITUDE PREVAILS IN BOBCAT COUNTRY
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s an all-region player for the Seneca High School baseball team, Coleman Smith was an integral of the Bobcats’ memorable 2016 season — one that saw them finish as runners-up in Class 3A. Smith pitched, played infield, helped his team with his bat … he did everything he could to move his teammates and himself closer to their goals. Now that he’s strapped on the helmet and pads as a member of the SHS football team, the senior wants to do it again. Last season in four region games, Smith had 12 catches for 114 yards — a 9.5 yard per catch average. Certainly, training for baseball is vastly different than getting in football shape, but Smith said lessons learned on the diamond can translate to the gridiron. “Definitely the mentality at practice is something you can take from baseball to football,” said Smith, who was also an all-region selection in football last fall. “In baseball we really worked on having a championship mentality going into practice and going into games and stuff, and knowing that we were going to win was such a key in baseball. “So taking that attitude to football means we have to work on getting that championship mentality and having that edge that will get us in football where it got us in baseball.” ‘Cats coach Hal Capps said the wideout brings lot to the table, as both a leader and a competitor. “Coleman is going to work hard and do everything he can to help the team,” Capps said. “Those are the players you have to have to be successful, and they have to lead by example. When you have someone like him out there, you know you’ll get his best every time.” Smith likes the makeup of the 2017 team
by SCOTT ADAMSON
An all-region performer on the baseball diamond, Seneca High School senior Coleman Smith will be counted on as a top target in the passing game for the Bobcats on the gridiron this fall. Rex Brown | The Journal
and is confident that everything is in place to extend the campaign far beyond the regular season. And he admits there was a sense of relief when he got on the practice field in the fall and knew he’d have the same head coach as he did the year before. “I think at the start of the year it was tough, dealing with a new coach where we had had lots of turnover and we were just trying to find a groove,” Smith said. “But once we found that, things started rolling and going our way. Having that continuity from last year roll into this year will help out big-time. We have a lot more confidence at the start of the year.”
BREAKING DOWN THE BOBCATS LAST YEAR >>> Finished 9-4, won Western 3A title for second consecutive season, lost in second round of the playoffs. HEAD COACH >>> Hal Capps – 9-4 at Seneca, 223-102 in 25 seasons as head coach. RETURNING STARTERS >>> 12, 5 offense, 6 defense, placekicker/punter PLAYERS TO WATCH >>> WR Braden Galloway, WR Coleman Smith, QB Cole Bay, DL Jalen Wilkerson, K Hunter Pearson KEY LOSSES >>> RB Jacory Benson, QB Jacob Lynn, OL Patrick Goodine, LB Drek Maddox PRIMARY STRENGTHS >>> Plenty of talent returns to the lineup, but perhaps the most important aspect of the 2017 team is continuity. Last season, Bobcats players had to adjust to their fourth different head coach in four years, but Hal Capps is back for his second season in charge and the players now have a familiar routine. Bay gained valuable experience at QB last year,
even earning a start as a freshman, and he has several good receivers at his disposal. QUESTION MARKS >>> Benson was the focal point of the Bobcat’s offense last season, and when the team needed yards — or a big play — Benson was there to deliver the goods. Now a freshman at South Carolina State, he is no longer there to lead the running game. Capps says he has three solid backs battling for playing time, and how soon one (or more) steps up and puts some relief on the passing attack will go a long way in shaping the offense. OVERVIEW >>> All the tools are in place for the Bobcats to win their third consecutive region title and make a deep run in the playoffs. After a 1-3 start a year ago, Seneca rebounded to win six consecutive games. Players — and Capps — admitted there was a period of adjustment last year, but as a new season dawns in 2017 the men on the sidelines and young men on the field are on the same page. HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW GAMEDAY 2017 15
SENECA HIGH SCHOOL
Running back Jacory Benson accounted for a big chunk of Seneca’s offense a year ago, but the Bobcats were hardly afraid of passing. Opponent Result Date Opponent This season should see a bit more emphasis on the aerial attack, with the likes of Smith, Clemson W, 17-12 At Berea Aug. 18 Berea commit Braden Galloway and Drew Boggs on the L, 47-34 At Chapman Aug. 25 Chapman receiving end of Cole Bay tosses. Daniel L, 27-0 “We’ve got weapons, big-time,” Smith said. Sept. 1 at Daniel At Powdersville L, 38-31 “We’ve got people who were hurt last year who’re Sept. 8 Powdersville W, 12-7 Easley back, and we’ve definitely got the pieces to make W, 38-20 Pickens Sept. 15 at Easley another big run. W, 41-0 West-Oak Sept. 22 at Pickens “To be able to get (Bay) under the lights last W, 45-3 At Walhalla Oct. 6 at West-Oak year was really good, because it’s a whole different Crescent W, 45-19 Oct. 13 Walhalla experience starting a game for the first time.” At Pendleton W, 42-25 Seneca opens its 2017 season at home against Oct. 20 at Crescent W, 45-14 Berea Berea on Aug. 18. Oct. 27 Pendleton L, 41-18 Chapman And Smith said once game day arrives, he’s determined to channel the same kind of winning attitude that propelled the baseball team tantalizingly close to a championship. “The key is to go out every No. Name Class No. Name Class time expecting to win, and that’s the attitude we had during the 2 Braden Galloway Sr. 35 Jaylon Campbell So. baseball season,” Smith said. 3 Zion Blassingame Jr. 36 Chris Nelson Fr. “There’s no reason we can’t do 4 Aireez Alexander Jr. 37 Jackson Winchester Fr. that again with football. We’ve 5 Darius Williams Sr. 38 Tyler Arnold So. got everything we need to be 6 Shawn Travis Holden So. 40 Te McCauley Fr. successful.” 7 Malachi Hunter Fr. 41 Jackson Robinson 8 Rome Tarbon Sr. 42 JJ White So. After transitioning through four head 9 James Gaines Jr. 43 Elijah Cobb So. coaches in four years, Seneca players will 10 Cole Bay So. 44 Jacquez Harrison So. have an added measure of stability and 11 Chad Brewer Jr. 48 Moses Rodriguez Fr. consistency this season as Hal Capps returns 12 Dorian Jones So. 50 Josh Dolina Jr. for his second season at the helm. 13 Drew Boggs Sr. 51 Javier Blassingame So. Rex Brown | The Journal 14 Jake Moore So. 52 Tyler Broome Sr. 15 A.J. McRoberts Jr. 54 Luke Lynn Jr. 16 Carson Smith So. 55 Jalen Wilkerson Jr. 17 Stephen Chatfield So. 56 Mikal Clarke Sr. 18 Coleman Smith Sr. 58 Dreak Wright So. 19 Hunter Pearson Sr. 60 Noah Holland Fr. 20 Foster Seitz Fr. 61 Keylin Holden Sr. 21 Cameron McCutcheo Sr. 62 Freddy Cleveland Sr. 22 Caleb Maleca Jr. 65 Demorea Williams Jr. 23 Jeremiah Mackey Jr. 73 Marques Cleveland Sr. 24 M.J. Washington Jr. 74 Caleb Poole So. 25 Jonathan Wilber Jr. 77 Colton Hires So. 26 Brandon Stewart Sr. 82 Quay Lewis Fr. 27 Tre Smith Sr. 84 Damian Worley So. 88 Brady Morgan Fr. 29 Gavin Broom Sophomore Cole Bay 30 Jacob Tuck Jr. 90 Darius Galloway Sr. is the heir apparent Fr. Sr. 31 Mason Treadway 91 DK Campbell to Jacob Lynn at the 32 TZ So. 92 Devante Sr. Staggers Henderson quarterback position Jr. Jr. 33 Jakhri Simmons 99 Steve Jones for Seneca High School. 34 Jamarcus Walker Jr. Rex Brown | The Journal
2016 RESULTS
2017 SCHEDULE
SENECA BOBCATS ROSTER
16 THE JOURNAL
Senior Patrick Nations will be counted upon to contribute on offense, defense and special teams for Walhalla High School this fall. “Patrick can catch, run, hit, tackle, kick, sell hot dogs, you name it,� Razorbacks head coach Padgett Johnson said. Rex Brown | The Journal
18 THE JOURNAL
WALHALLA HIGH SCHOOL
Johnson excited about second season at the Razorbacks’ helm
T
he 2016 season might’ve been seen as an experiment at Walhalla High School. The Razorbacks were under the guidance of a coach, Padgett Johnson, who had never worked at the prep level, and he installed a spread offense that was vastly different than the run-and-grunt attack the program had employed for years. But when all was said and done, the experiment was mostly successful. A 4-7 record might not look so good on the surface, but this was a squad that made the playoffs and showed it could compete with almost every team it played. “I feel like we’ve taken it from basic math last year to maybe Algebra 2 this year,” Johnson said. “We haven’t gotten to Calculus or anything yet, but we’re at least up a grade level. That was the thought process.” Hopes are higher this season, with plenty of talented players back in the fold and the expectation to take a step up. “I like where we are,” Johnson said. “We don’t have quite as many players as we did a year ago, but I think the players we do have are the kind we can plug in and be ready to play.” OFFENSE Chris Meadors will do the driving at quarterback and Johnson believes a beefed up In Padgett Johnson’s second season as Walhalla High School’s head coach, the Razorbacks will look to improve upon last year’s 4-7 finish that included a trip to the playoffs. Rex Brown | The Journal
BY SCOTT ADAMSON line can help plow the road for a couple of outstanding running backs. “We have four out of five on the O-line played a lot last year,” Johnson said. “And our QB and running back played a lot last year. At H-back we lost Brandon Holmes, so we lost some leadership there but gained some athleticism.” While Meadors has a good arm and passing will be a major part of the
Razors’ attack, the running game might just be the focus. “Adrian Massey and Gavin Holbrooks are both coming back, and then we’re also going to look at Jaden Grant there,” Johnson said of his backfield. “He’s going to be a good fit there. It’s new to him and he’s learning the position. He’s a big, strong kid who moves well. We’ll use our other back primarily as a slot guy. But we know that Adrian and Gavin can both do some really good things.” All the backs have solid experience from last season. “Mason Cochran played some varsity for us last year when we brought him up from JV, so we have pretty good depth at back,” Johnson said. “I’m excited about our running backs. Maybe they’re not all game breakers, but you have to respect all of them.” Patrick Nations — who does a little bit of everything and all of it well — will be Meadors’ primary receiver. DEFENSE In 2017 Walhalla is moving away from a 4-3 set and will work primarily out of a 3-4. “Defensively we’ll have two new defensive backs we’ll work in,” Johnson said. “We went to 3-4 late in the season last year and we’re going with that this year. So we’ll have eight starters back on defense, depending on how you want to count it.” Nations will be a defensive leader at the safety spot. “Patrick is going to be at the top of the list on defense at safety,” Johnson said. “And
HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW GAMEDAY 2017 19
WALHALLA HIGH SCHOOL
David Langston is a kid who didn’t play last year but he’s a safety who I think can help us in the secondary. “Grant and Corbin Fitzgerald were both all region defensive players last year, and I think Matthew Reese Aaron Moran are solid linebackers back there.” Nick Shultis and Corey Talley are being touted as standouts on the line. “Nick looked really good all offseason, he’ll help us on the D-line,” Johnson said. “And we have a big sophomore noseguard who can really move, Corey Talley. He’s going to be a nuisance for somebody. “No high school is real deep anymore, but we’re at least legitimately two-deep at most positions.” SPECIAL TEAMS Nations is a nationally ranked placekicker and excellent punter, so he can not only get points for the Razors, but also flip the field. “Patrick can catch, run, hit, tackle, kick, sell hot dogs, you Adrian Massey is part of a name it,” Johnson said. “He stable of backs, which also truly is the jack-of-all-trades includes Gavin Holbrooks, Jaden Grant and Mason on this team. He’s just a terrific Cochran, that will provide player all the way around.” the horsepower in Walhalla High School’s backfield. Rex Brown | The Journal
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HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW GAMEDAY 2017 21
WALHALLA HIGH SCHOOL
MEADORS READY TO RUN THE RAZORS’ SHOW IN 2017
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by SCOTT ADAMSON
hris Meadors was a do-it-all player for the Walhalla High School football team a year ago, a dynamic young athlete who played every skill position on offense and did quality work at
each spot. A sophomore, he spent much of the year splitting time behind center with Corey Donald, who began the season — and the program’s new spread offense era — as the starter. But as Padgett Johnson starts his second year in charge of the Walhalla football program, Meadors — now a junior — is poised to have the signal-caller spot all to himself. It’s a position he’s earned through talent and hard work. “It feels pretty good,” said Meadors, who has bulked up since last fall and is showing plenty of zip on his aerials. “I’m going to do the best I can do to help this team win and just come out and compete and do my best. Whatever it takes for this team to win, that’s what I’m going to do.” There were times in 2016 when Meadors
No. Name
Junior quarterback Chris Meadors is expected to be a dynamic dual threat for Walhalla High School who head coach Padgett Johnson says will be “a lot of fun to watch this year with what he can present running and passing.” Rex Brown | The Journal
seemed like a one-man show on offense. But now he’ll be tasked with not only making good plays, but making smart decisions every snap. “Chris has a lot more responsibilities presnap and post-snap than he did a year ago, and hopefully it’ll highlight his skillset,” Johnson said. “He’s a multi-faceted player, someone who can run and throw and do a lot of good things. That’s the plan is to have a dual-threat quarterback.”
BREAKING DOWN THE RAZORBACKS LAST YEAR >>> 4-7 (1-3 in 3A Region 1); lost in first round of playoffs HEAD COACH >>> Padgett Johnson — second year at Walhalla, 4-7 in one season RETURNING STARTERS >>> 14, 6 offense, 7 defense, placekicker/punter PLAYERS TO WATCH >>> QB Chris Meadors, all-purpose Patrick Nations, RB Adrian Massey, RB Gavin Holbrooks, LB Jaden Grant, LB Corbin Fitzgerald KEY LOSSES >>> QB Corey Donald, RB Brandon Holmes, RB/DB Isaiah Garcia, RB Logan Maitland-Smith PRIMARY STRENGTHS >>> Walhalla has experience at the skill positions and is entering its second season under the spread offense installed by Johnson. Aside from the players being used to the pace of play now, they also had solid summers participating in 7-on-7 camps. On the defensive side of the ball the Razors have switched from a 4-3 to 3-4 look and Johnson says the unit is twodeep at every spot. While 2016 was something of a transitional 22 THE JOURNAL
WALHALLA RAZORBACKS ROSTER
year, Walhalla expects to compete and win this fall. QUESTION MARKS >>> There aren’t many on either side of the ball, since most players who’ll take the field not only have previous experience but earned quality playing time in 2016. As is the case every year, though, going toe-to-toe with the rest of Western 3A will be the biggest challenge. Seneca, Pendleton and Crescent are all expected to be strong in 2017. While that still leaves a fourth playoff spot to be taken by the Razors — true improvement will come in the form of a higher finish in the region. The tools are in place for Johnson and company to make another step forward. OVERVIEW >>> The Razorbacks had a complete makeover in 2016, complete with a new coach and new offensive scheme. Still, the Razors showed marked improvement from previous seasons and managed to earn a playoff berth while staying competitive in most games. A veteran team returns this fall, and with dynamic quarterback Chris Meadors leading the way, Johnson’s team should be able to put plenty of points on the board and build on their previous successes.
Class
2
Chris Meadors
Jr.
3
Trey Burrell
Sr.
4
Aaron Moran
Sr.
5
Zack Neal
So.
6
Corey Loggins
So.
8
Patrick Nations
Jr.
13 Matthew Reese
Jr.
16 Korbin Fitzgerald
Jr.
19 Aaron Seigle
Jr.
20 Cameron Syck
Sr.
21 Toney Wiley
Sr.
23 Adrian Massey
Sr.
24 Gavin Holbrooks
Sr.
28 David Langston
Sr.
32 Carter Ward
So.
33 Declan Kapusta
So.
34 Mason Cochran
Jr.
40 Jadan Grant
Sr.
51 Austin White
Jr.
52 Micah Kelley
Sr.
53 Kory Talley
So.
54 Nikolas Shultis
Jr.
55 Cristian Cruz
So.
56 Ryne Chmelar
So.
57 Ryan Grant
Sr.
58 Leland Martin
Sr.
60 Gray Lusk
Jr.
61 Tyler Richardson
Sr.
63 Kody Butts
Sr.
80 Adam Thorsland
So.
82 Trey Keys
Sr.
88 Alex Cox
Jr.
89 Brandon Holmes
Sr.
WALHALLA HIGH SCHOOL
In region play in 2016, Meadors averaged 93 passing yards and 62 rushing yards per game when he was behind center. Rex Brown | The Journal
2016 RESULTS
Opponent Result At West-Oak Liberty Travelers Rest At Blacksburg Landrum Crescent At Pendleton Seneca At West-Oak At St. Joseph’s At Powdersville
W, 33-13 L, 21-17 W, 32-15 L, 28-11 W, 17-16 L, 35-25 L, 48-10 L, 45-3 W, 35-6 L, 50-18 L, 32-12
2017 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 18 Aug. 25 Sept. 1 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27
West-Oak at Liberty at Travelers Rest Blacksburg at Landrum at Crescent Pendleton at Seneca West-Oak St. Joseph’s
Meadors knew he was in line to take the top spot on the depth chart in 2017, so he never really stopped working on his QB skills once last season ended. “I’m really excited about the quarterback spot with Chris having a full spring and summer throwing ball and learning how all the pass routes work together and how to read pass routes and putting him in a situation where he can be successful every play,” Johnson said. “He’s really taken ownership of it and become a leader of the team. “I think he’ll be a lot of fun to watch this year with what he can present running and passing.” In region play in 2016, Meadors averaged 93 passing yards and 62 rushing yards per game when he was behind center. “I play other positions other than quarterback, but I tried to work on
quarterback as much as I can all last spring and this summer,” Meadors said. “I came on the field in the offseason and worked with my wide receivers, and Coach Johnson — when we got in for spring — we talked about our reads, so I already know what I needed to do when we started fall practice.” Meadors said participating in 7-on-7 camps was also a big aid in preparing him for what’s ahead. “Really, the 7-on-7s this summer helped me with the pace of the game,” he said. “When I was playing 7-on-7, it helped with my reads and who I read presnap and trying to make the right decision.” Johnson likes the way Meadors has taken on his new, weightier responsibilities. He’s also confident this multi-tooled quarterback can get the job done once Friday night lights return. “I’m excited to see Chris go out there and show what he can do,” Johnson. “Of course we know what he can do, but now he has another year behind him, and I think this year he’s going to have a really good offensive line in front of him and some good receivers to throw to. “We know he can run, but he’s going to be a really dangerous player for us all the way around. He’s worked hard to get to this point.”
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West-Oak still young, more experienced for 2017 BY ALEX MAMINAKIS
West-Oak High School senior Jordan Lee has improved in the kicking game over the offseason, according to head coach Josh Pierce. “We should be a little better kicking the ball this year,” Pierce said. Rex Brown | The Journal
24 THE JOURNAL
WEST-OAK HIGH SCHOOL
T
his summer, the West-Oak High School football team drew motivation from its 0-10 season a year ago and worked on the positives that came from that experience. Injuries, a lack of depth and inexperience hurt the Warriors last season, but those injuries allowed some younger players to step in and gain experience in the system, something West-Oak and fifth-year head coach Josh Pierce hope to benefit from this year. West-Oak returns 11 starters in 2017 but is still a young squad — the junior and senior classes are the two smallest classes. Pierce identified one of the Warriors’ biggest problems last year as finishing offensive drives with points, but with more experience and depth this year at the skill positions, he’s hoping to improve in that category. “The biggest thing is consistency, I’m talking from an offensive standpoint,” Pierce said. “We moved the ball well on everybody we played. We doubled our offensive output last year in everything
515 By Pass 123, Seneca
but scoring.” West-Oak opens its season Aug. 18 at Walhalla in the Apple Bowl and hopes to start the year off on the right foot. If the Warriors can stay healthy and utilize what they’ve worked on this summer and translate it to Friday nights, fans could see improvements on the scoreboard. Pierce knows his team has the work ethic to be successful. “This is a close-knit group of kids. They tend to take care of stuff in-house, and I like that,” Pierce said “We’ve got some vocal leaders, but at the same time we’ve got a lot of kids who are silent leaders — they’re leading by example. This group has been a blessing in disguise. They are one of the hardest working groups I’ve ever coached.” OFFENSE West-Oak returns six starters on offense this season, double the amount of starters they returned in 2016. Gavin James, Noah Sheriff and Garrett Patterson will help solidify the offensive line and protect their quarterback — junior
Peyton Tollison. Tollison suffered a seasonending broken leg in West-Oak’s sixth game last season, but he’s back and ready to go, and says the starting experience last year as a sophomore will help him this season. “It was good, I loved it. It was a good learning experience for me,” Tollison said. “I won’t be as nervous (this year), I’ll be more confident in the pocket and lead the team down the field.” Pierce added that the first parts of the summer and into fall camp have helped shake some of the rust off of Tollison and get him back to where he was last season before the injury. At running back, seniors Jordan Lee and Ryan Butts, along with junior Blake Marcengill, will compete for the majority of the reps. Butts is another Warrior returning from a season-ending injury in 2016 — a knee injury against Pickens. “We’re going to have a little bit of depth back there,” Pierce said of the running backs. “We’re doing a few different things offensively just to try to keep people on the field that we need on the field. Our
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WEST-OAK HIGH SCHOOL
wide receiver corps should be a little bit stronger just because of playing time last year.” DEFENSE Pierce is excited about his defense and the five returning starters he has on that
side of the ball. From the defensive front, which will include two-way players like James and Sheriff, to the secondary, Pierce thinks his defense can take a step forward this year. “Defensively, we’re a better tackling team this year,” Pierce said. “We are a little more solidified on the defense right now. I like that.” Joining the ranks along the defensive front will be junior Tristan Parker at defensive end, a player Pierce said Noah Sheriff, right, is one of the twoway players who will help anchor both the offensive and defensive lines for the West-Oak High School football team this fall. Rex Brown | The Journal
has stepped up during the offseason and has “done nothing but slim down and get stronger and a little bit faster.” At linebacker, senior Jeremiah Gibson has been impressive in practice — a pitcher on the West-Oak baseball team who hasn’t played football since his freshman year. Cole Carter, Brandon and Blake Marcengill and Houston Stone all have also been getting reps at linebacker and should create good competition. In the secondary, Lee will return at safety, and Shane Strickland and Andy Rosado will be back at corner. SPECIAL TEAMS Pierce admits the kicking and punting game are still question marks for WestOak, as the Warriors struggled last season kicking the ball. Lee has been working on his kicking in practice, and Pierce does believe he’s gotten better from last year. “Jordan’s gotten better at it. We shouldn’t struggle as bad as we did last year,” Pierce said. “We should be a little better kicking the ball this year.”
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WEST-OAK HIGH SCHOOL
WARRIORS EMBRACE UNDERDOG MENTALITY FOR NEW SEASON by ALEX MAMINAKIS
T
he start of a new season is always refreshing — every team has a clean slate to work with and a whole season ahead to look forward to. And for a team such as West-Oak that finished the 2016 campaign with an 0-10 mark, a new season brings new opportunities to prove people wrong and embrace the underdog role — something the Warriors are already doing. “I think that we all like this idea that we’re the underdogs,” senior offensive lineman Gavin James said. “People are going to say this and that about us, but we have so much fight and so much will to get things done … I feel like that’s a lot of momentum for us as we’re going into the season, as well as going
Junior quarterback Peyton Tollison believes an improved mindset chould help West-Oak High School avoid a winless campaign such as the one it suffered in 2016. Rex Brown | The Journal
through the summer. “We say, ‘Well these people don’t think we can do anything, so let’s go out there and show them that we can.’ But it starts here, practicing and grinding and busting your tail every day.” James serves as a team leader on and off the field for what is another primarily young WestOak team this season. The state wrestling champion will split time on the offensive and defensive lines for the
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Warriors, as he’ll try to help lead the team to a better year in his final one at WestOak. Head coach Josh Pierce said he wasn’t the one behind the underdog mindset in the West-Oak locker room this offseason, that it was the players who developed that mentality among themselves behind leaders like James. It’s an
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WEST-OAK HIGH SCHOOL
attitude he says he likes to see from his team. team is hoping history won’t repeat itself ourselves. I believe that’s a big stepping “That’s just the way this group is,” Pierce this season, and the players are focusing on stone for us this past summer, I believe that’s said. “These kids got after it. They got so staying healthy. something we’ve done,” James said. “We much better during the summer, whether “That’s another thing this year about believe that we can compete with these guys it was in the weight room, on the field, it having another start is we have an and we can win games — we can do it, we didn’t matter they just got after it, and they opportunity to take care of ourselves on can. We have the tools, we have everything got after each other, which is something and off the field and stay healthy, and I we need, we have the work ethic. I believe you like to see as a coach. We’ll see how that think we’re in a really great position to do that once we get in that roll, everything translates.” that right now,” James said. “I feel pretty else is going to start picking up around us. Peyton Tollison will be behind center for confident about that, us staying healthy We’re going to control the input and let God West-Oak this season — now a junior who this year. Hopefully it’s going be different; it control the output, as Ben Boulware said.” suffered a broken leg in West-Oak’s sixth should.” game last year. The quarterback is feeling With a new field, new helmets — matte more comfortable with the Warrior offense, grey, which the players are excited to wear as he said more of the younger players are, — and a healthy roster, the Warriors are and shared James’ view that the mindset of ready for their fresh start, which begins Aug. the team this preseason is more promising 18 at Walhalla. James and Tollison believe than it has been in years past. the team has taken positive steps forward “We’ve got guys that were young last this offseason, and they’re ready to put their No. Name Class year, like sophomores like me, and now work to the test. that we’re juniors and actually being in “I don’t believe we can expect anybody Sr. 1 Trey Blackwell the program on varsity, we can have some else to believe in us until we believe in 3 Andy Rosado Jr. momentum going into the season,” Sr. 4 Cole Carter Tollison said. “Even Sr. 7 Addell Holland though we were Opponent Result Date Opponent So. 12 Zach Bush 0-10 last year, we have a better at Aug. 18 Walhalla Sr. 14 Andrew Green Walhalla L, 33-13 Chesnee Aug. 25 mentality this year, at Chesnee L, 55-6 So. 16 Jackson Davis at Christ Church Sept. 1 I think, than we did Christ Church L, 56-7 Pickens Sept. 8 last year.” 17 Jeremiah Gibson Sr. at Pickens L, 54-21 Landrum Sept. 15 Injuries like at Landrum L, 56-9 Jr. 18 Peyton Tollison Sept. 22 at Liberty Tollison’s plagued Liberty L, 54-0 Sept. 29 at Pendleton 21 Ryan Butts Sr. West-Oak last Pendleton L, 34-0 Seneca Oct. 6 year and left the Sr. 22 Jordan Lee at Seneca L, 41-0 Bye Oct. 13 Warriors with Walhalla L, 35-6 Oct. 20 at Walhalla 23 Shane Strickland Jr. limited options at at Crescent L, 36-0 Oct. 27 Crescent key positions. The 25 Houston Stone Sr.
WEST-OAK WARRIORS ROSTER
2016 RESULTS
2017 SCHEDULE
BREAKING DOWN THE WARRIORS LAST YEAR >>> 0-10 (0-4 Western 3A); did not make playoffs HEAD COACH >>> Josh Pierce, entering fifth season at West-Oak RETURNING STARTERS >>> 11; 6 offense, 5 defense PLAYERS TO WATCH >>> QB Peyton Tollison, OL/DL Gavin James, OL/DL Noah Sheriff, RB/DB Jordan Lee, DE Tristan Parker, LB Jeremiah Gibson KEY LOSSES >>> WR Jacob Prater, LB Mark Sherman, OL/DL Dustin Duvall, RB Seth McLaughlin, TE Wil Collins PRIMARY STRENGTHS>>> West-Oak’s offensive and defensive lines should again be quite sturdy this season, but the Warriors’ defense, in particular, returns five starters and has improved its tackling, according to Pierce. With James, Sheriff and Parker up front, and experience returning at linebacker and defensive back, the Warrior defense has the pieces in place to be successful. 28 THE JOURNAL
QUESTION MARKS >>> Can West-Oak capitalize on offensive drives with points? Pierce said that was a main hindrance last season after the offense repeatedly worked its way down the field and came up empty. Tollison returns at quarterback, as well as Lee and Ryan Butts at running back, but a vertical threat in the passing game will need to emerge for the Warriors to put pressure on opposing defenses. OVERVIEW >>> The experience that some of the younger Warriors gained last year due to a wave of injuries gives Pierce a bit more depth on the roster heading into his fifth season. Following their winless 2016 campaign, the Warriors are embracing the underdog role and hope to make strides this year in all three phases of the game. A more experienced quarterback and solidified defense should help West-Oak’s cause.
28 Blake Marcengill
Jr.
30 Brandon Marcengill Jr. 50 Tyler James
So.
51 Clay Douglas
Sr.
56 Gavin James
Sr.
58 Tristen Parker
Jr.
60 Garret Patterson
So.
64 Charlie Manley
Jr.
70 Gage Stone
Jr.
73 Landon Carter
So.
76 Noah Sheriff
Sr.
77 Jayce Elrod
Sr.
81 Cory Stoltzfus
Jr.
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Clemson’s offensive line is expected to be a position of strength, thanks to the return of four starters, including AllACC linemen Mitch Hyatt, foreground, and Tyrone Crowder.
HITTING RESET
C
lemson head coach Dabo Swinney spent much of the offseason lamenting the fact so many people were talking about players the Tigers didn’t have in 2017 rather than discussing the ones who’d take the field this fall. That’s no longer an issue. The focus is now solely on what’s ahead, and as Clemson closes in on its Sept. 2 home opener against Kent State at Memorial Stadium, the national championship season is officially in the rearview mirror. Sure, the contest against the Golden Flashes will serve as something of a victory lap — and its one this team has earned after finishing 14-1 and claiming the College Football Playoff National Championship. But a new season is at hand — with new goals on the table — and the Tigers will hit the reset button as they attempt to make another charge at ACC and national honors. “We have a long way to go and a lot of work to do,” Swinney said. “We’re starting a new journey, and now we’ll see what we can get done. If we have the right type of work ethic and commitment, we’ll see what type of results we get.”
30 THE JOURNAL
BY SCOTT ADAMSON
OFFENSE Kelly Bryant is No. 1 on the depth chart, and it’s his job to lose. A junior, he played 100 snaps in 2016, completing 13 of 23 passes and rushing for 178 yards and three touchdowns. Redshirt freshman Zerrick Cooper, and true freshmen Hunter Johnson and Chase Brice could push Bryant, however. If the game against the Golden Flashes goes as expected, several signal callers should see action. “We’ve got a whole lot of guys who are twos that are just as good as the ones, so I really don’t like to use those terms as far as ranking players,” Swinney said. “Sometimes you can’t run two guys out there, and you have to pick one. But the expectations don’t change and the standards don’t change no matter when you go out there.” C.J. Fuller, Tavien Feaster and Adam Choice all have a chance to be the team’s featured back, with Fuller expected to get the bulk of snaps early on. Freshman Travis Etienne showed up the first day of practice looking the part of a back who might get plenty of early work. “This is probably the best competition at running back I’ve seen since I’ve been
here,” co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliott said. “Any one of them could be the starting tailback and by the looks of it, there’s going to be some pressure put on by a freshman. “They know what it takes, and they know the expectations, so now we just have to see who wants it the most.” The wide receiver corps is in excellent shape with Deon Cain, Hunter Renfrow and Ray-Ray McCloud leading a platoon of veteran pass catchers who are all capable of earning postseason honors. Milan Richard looks to be the starter at tight end. The offensive line is also slated to be a major strength, thanks to the return of four starters, including All-ACC linemen Mitch Hyatt and Tyrone Crowder. DEFENSE Seven starters are back, and with coordinator Brent Venables running the show, the Tiger “D” is poised to be one of the nation’s best again. Venables says the key to success is making sure the players know they can CONTINUED ON PAGE 32
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CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
TIGERS EMBRACE HIGH STANDARD THEY SET
Kelly Bryant (2) entered fall camp atop Clemson’s depth chart at quarterback, but redshirt freshman Zerrick Cooper, not pictured, and true freshman Hunter Johnson (15) could push him for the job.
never take a day or a play for granted. “If we’re just jogging because ‘it’s just practice,’ or If we’re getting whipped in the PAW Drill and we don’t really care, then we’re going to get humbled,” he said. All-American linemen Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence, along with Fiesta Bowl MVP Clelin Ferrell, will give opposing offenses plenty to worry about up front, and a linebacking group led by Kendall Joseph and Dorian O’Daniel should help make that unit formidable. “We all know what we have on the D-line, just like with the offensive line,” Swinney said. “We’ve got a bunch of guys with great experience, so I think the expectations are pretty high there.” The secondary lost two first team All-ACC performers in Cordrea Tankersley and Jadar Johnson, but Ryan Carter and Van Smith are returning starters in the back, and Trayvon Mullen and Marcus Edmonds are expected to have major roles in the defensive backfield. Tanner Muse and Isaiah Simmons are candidates to start at safety. SPECIAL TEAMS Greg Huegel is back to handle placekicking duties, and the former walk-on is 41 of 51 on field goals for his career. Austin Spence will be the long snapper. Will Spiers, Michael Batson and Carson King will compete at punter, with Spiers listed as the starter entering opening week. McCloud was the Tigers’ leading punt returner last year while Feaster and Fuller fielded kicks. “If we do a good job with our team goals, it’ll allow us to compete at the highest level,” Swinney said. “We have to get all our guys in the right spots to give our team the best chance to be successful.” 32 THE JOURNAL
N
by SCOTT ADAMSON
o matter where a Clemson football player goes, be it the indoor practice facility or the palatial Allen N. Reeves Football Complex, he’s reminded that “Best Is The Standard.” The words are big and bold, and they are on display at various spots throughout the gridiron-centric part of campus.
2016 RESULTS
Opponent Result At Auburn Troy S.C. State At Georgia Tech Louisville At Boston College N.C. State At Florida State Syracuse Pittsburgh Wake Forest South Carolina Virginia Tech* Ohio State** Alabama ***
W, 19-13 W, 30-24 W, 59-0 W, 26-7 W, 42-36 W, 56-10 W, 24-17 (OT) W, 37-34 W, 54-0 L, 43-42 W, 35-13 W, 56-7 W, 42-35 W, 31-0 W, 35-31
*ACC Championship Game, **Orange Bowl, ***College Football Playoff National Championship Game
2017 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 13 Oct. 28 Nov. 4 Nov. 11 Nov. 18 Nov. 25
Kent State Auburn at Louisville Boston College at Virginia Tech Wake Forest at Syracuse Georgia Tech at N.C. State Florida State The Citadel at South Carolina
It’s a slogan to live by — and play by — and Tiger boss Dabo Swinney and his charges take it very seriously. Yet now that they’ve achieved that standard, what’s next? The Clemson Tigers are the defending College Football Playoff National Champions, and fans are eager to see what they have planned for an encore. The team motto crafted by Swinney transcends football; the head coach wants his players to apply it to every aspect of their lives — now and when college is a distant memory. But football is back, and these players are back to the business of playing football. And that means applying the standard to a new season. “Really, why not just win two?” Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins said. “We shouldn’t get complacent because we won one. There’s still more out there for us. If we want to be a good team, want to be good competitors, want to be good athletes, we can never get complacent and be satisfied with whatever we did, no matter how good it is. “There’s always room to improve, and there’s always more out there for us, and we can definitely get better from last year because we weren’t perfect, even though we did win the national championship.” The Tigers slipped up once in 2016 — a 43-42 home loss to Pitt on Nov. 12. But it was not enough to spoil a perfect ending, which came in a 35-31 victory over Alabama on Jan. 9. Clemson played 15 games and won 14, including the biggest of all. However, all that is now history. “It was such a great experience last year, but we’re tired of hearing about last year,” said Hunter Renfrow, who caught the game-winning touchdown pass against the Crimson Tide. “We’re ready to move on and develop the chemistry we need.” And moving on means accepting
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY [L-R] Veteran wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, who caught the gamewinning touchdown pass to beat Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship, says the Tigers are “ready to move on and develop the chemistry we need” to defend their crown. • Clemson All-American defensive lineman Christian Wilkins says the Tigers won’t get complacent after winning a national championship in 2016: “Really, why not just win two?” • Head coach Dabo Swinney says his team will enter the 2017 season with the same goal it was able to accomplish in 2016: “This is a totally new team, but we have the same dream. That don’t change.”
the fact that in 2017 Clemson has the same record as the other 129 teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision — 0-0. “You don’t get to stay at the top of the mountain,” Swinney said. “Last year we made it to the top pf the mountain and put the flag up there, but now we have to start over. We’re back down at the bottom with everybody else.” Like any elite program, Clemson doesn’t so much rebuild as restock. The talent on this team matches up favorably with any other top-tier program, although this iteration of Tigers has more players with something to prove than the 2016 squad. No one expects Kelly Bryant to be Deshaun Watson, but can he play well enough to do what Watson did best, which was win? With Wayne Gallman gone the “Wayne Train” has left the station, but does C.J. Fuller, Tavien Feaster, Adam Choice (or maybe
newcomer Travis Etienne) have enough horsepower to ease the blow? And can receivers like Deon Cain, Ray-Ray McCloud and Renfrow fill the gaps left by the departure of Mike Williams and Artavis Scott? “It’s a daily commitment,” Renfrow said “We didn’t just show up and wake up on third base. We hit the ball and rounded the bases. Every single day, every single play. You’ve got to make that decision every single day that you’re going to run that route to win. Before you can make that throw to win the game, it starts now.” The defense should again be strong, although its emotional leader, linebacker Ben Boulware, is gone, and All-American defensive tackle Carlos Watkins graduated. Defensive backs Jadar Johnson and Cordrea Tankersley have moved on as well, but so many star-caliber players return, the bruise crew shouldn’t miss a beat.
“Our guys know what to do, they know it’s a grind,” Swinney said. “The things that make you successful, you can’t get away from those things. I’m talking about how we practice, how we meet, how we take care of our bodies, our attitude. Those are the things those guys have to bring every single day. They need to show up every day and be a better version of themselves than they were the day before.” Still, claiming a national championship is rare, and winning two in a row is even rarer. Just getting in line for the four-team playoff means winning the ACC title, and last season the conference was second to none. But best is the standard, and the Tigers plan to give it their best shot day in and day out. “This is a totally new team, but we have the same dream,” Swinney said. “That don’t change.”
BREAKING DOWN THE TIGERS LAST YEAR >>> 14-1, National Champions, ACC Champions; defeated Virginia Tech 42-35 in the ACC Championship Game; defeated Ohio State 31-0 in the Fiesta Bowl; defeated Alabama 35-31 in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. HEAD COACH >>> Dabo Swinney — at Clemson 89-28 (56-15 ACC), eight full seasons PLAYERS TO WATCH >>> DT, Christian Wilkins, DT Dexter Lawrence, RG Tyrone Crowder, QB Kelly Bryant, RB C.J. Fuller, WR Deon Cain, WR Hunter Renfrow, LB Kendall Joseph RETURNING STARTERS >>> 12, 4 offense, 7 defense, placekicker
KEY LOSSES >>> QB Deshaun Watson, WR Mike Williams, WR Artavis Scott, RB Wayne Gallman, TE Jordan Leggett, DT Carlos Watkins, LB Ben Boulware, CB Cordrea Tankersley, S Jadar Johnson PRIMARY STRENGTHS >>> The offensive line could be one of the best in school history, with Justin Falcinelli taking over at center and joined by veterans Crowder, Hyatt, Taylor Hearn and Sean Pollard. A solid O-line should provide immense help for a “new” backfield, which will start with Bryant at quarterback and feature Adam Choice, Tavien Feaster and Travis Etienne battling for time at running back. The defense is expected to be another major strength,
with Wilkins, Lawrence and Kendall leading the charge. QUESTION MARKS >>> There are a few, but the biggest is how will Watson’s replacement fare? Taking over for the greatest signal caller in school history is no easy task, but Bryant, Zerrick Cooper, Hunter Johnson and Chase Brice are the three QBs in line to do just that, with Bryant getting the first crack at making the job his own. There are also big-time receivers to replace, and a new featured back must step in for Gallman. The good news is that a solid offensive line might be able to cover some early sins as players adjust to their new roles.
OVERVIEW >>> Winning national titles can be a once-in-a-lifetime achievement, and the Tigers have played for two in two consecutive years, winning the 2016 crown. Back-to-back No. 1 finishes will be a tall order, of course, but there’s no reason to believe Swinney and company can’t make another run this fall. Year in and year out Clemson brings in top talent, and the 2017 squad will have plenty of it. The opener against Kent State will serve as a good audition for new starters, and a Week Two showdown with Auburn will be a big early test. If the Tigers get up to speed early, they’ll have the chance at another 15-game season.
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