Football practice starts at Bob Jones
Bob Jones players and Coach Rose meet the media at FCA Media Day on Sunday August 3
(RECORD PHOTO/Lindsay Vaught)
MADISON- High school football season is officially here as teams began four weeks of practice on Monday, August 4. Most schools in Huntsville and Madison start school on Tuesday, August 5 so no two-a-day practices as teams go immediately into their after school practice mode.
After an 11-2 record and third-round playoff run last season, Bob Jones is picked by many experts to contend for a state title. Despite losing 38 seniors there is still plenty of talent coming back for Coach Kevin Rose.
One reason for the optimism is returning quarterback Jeremy Frye. Also returning is Jonathon Rice who led all wideout receivers in catches and yards last season.
“Many people are finally believing in us because of our offense, they know how well we did last year,” Rice said. “We have a lot of talent coming back.”
Rice was impressive at a Vanderbilt camp over the summer. Vandysports.com tweeted he had the best catches at camp and was the best receiver. He needs a senior season full of highlight catches to garner a coveted scholarship to Vanderbilt, his favorite school.
Rice will be looking to improve on his 27 catches for 539 yards and five touchdowns last year.
Bob Jones averaged over 32 points per game last year.
Frye put up some impressive numbers last year. He was 7-2 as a starter. He completed 124 of 201 pass attempts (62%) for 1650 yards and 16 touchdowns with 6 interceptions. He was the third leading rusher on the team with 483 yards and four touchdowns.
“Jeremy is a special player, when the play breaks down I still feel like something good is going to happen for us. Most teams say we’re in trouble when the play breaks down but at Bob Jones they are in trouble,” Rose said. “He does a good job keeping his eyes down the field finding a Jonathon Rice or a Torrey Hunt.”
On defense Bob Jones returns only 3 starters but they are difference-makers.
Jarek Taylor at cornerback has 10 offers from colleges, they love his size (5-11,190 pounds) and his physical play. Last year the Bob Jones secondary had 10 interceptions.
Taylor’s reputation meant opponents went after the other side on pass plays. This year they will run into Brandon Alexander (Jr. 6-foot-1, 180 pounds) who will get tested plenty.
“I would like to see more passes thrown my way so I could make a better highlight film so coaches can see I can catch and make plays on the ball,’ Taylor said. “Teams may test me at the end so I keep my guard up at all times.”
A.J. Harris returns at safety and Carson Styles at linebacker. Rose said he has a host of young hitters ready on the defensive line.
Harris (Soph. 6-foot-2, 200 pounds) is one of the top players at his position in the nation. He already has an offer from LSU.
There is good news and bad news on special teams for Coach Rose.
“We’ve got Mike Bernier back who may be the best punter in the state. He has worked really hard and had a great summer. We haven’t decided on a place kicker. We will just have to sort it out between now and the first game,” Rose said.
Bob Jones and James Clemens will be in Class 7A, Region 4. They meet September 5.
The longest road trip will be to Gadsden city on Sept. 19.
