Football is here; Bob Jones starts practice today
Bob Jones players Brandon Alexander and Derek Marion flank coach Kevin Rose at FCA Media Day (Madison Record Photo/Lindsay Vaught)
MADISON- Vacation is over for players and coaches. Teams officially begin practice on Monday and Bob Jones coach Kevin Rose got things going early Monday at 7 a.m. for pictures and the first full practice at 4.p.m.
The Patritots will go at 7 a.m. On Tuesday and school starts Wednesday so practice will be at 4 p.m.
“I’m really excited about this football team,” Rose said on Sunday at FCA Media Day. “We don’t have a lot of superstars but a lot of good football players and good kids. Physically and mentally they are in the best shape of their lives and they believe in each other. They have a really good attitude and I expect great things this season.”
We want to make a strong statement in 7A but it’s a process. You have to get better every day, stay healthy, and get some breaks.”
Bob Jones has some new coaches. Dan Styles comes on board to coach offensive line. Styles has previous stints as head coach at Brewer and assistant at Hartselle.
“He will be a good fit with this offensive line,” Rose said. “He is a good classroom teacher and brings that to teaching football schematics and he brings some toughness to the table.”
Styles’ son Drew will play outside linebacker.
Nick Hastings moves from ninth grade coach to receivers coach.
The receiving corp will feature all first time starters. Milkyle Stewart is an athletic target who played the most last year among the returning receivers. Senior Derek Marion has been elected a team captain and is ready to step up.
“We’re excited to finally have a chance to show what we can do,” Marion said. “We got lot’s of depth.
Marion stayed with the program despite playing behind three receivers last year all of whom are now playing college football. The pressure of having one season to prove he can play motivates him.
“You have to put your trust in the coaches,” Marion said. “I’ve seen seniors step up in the past and develop into great players and I have to take advantage of every opportunity I get. Give all my effort on every single play to make an impact. That is the way all of us feel. This group has the potential to do that again.”
The receivers will have the luxury of an experienced returning quarterback, Brady Polson, who Rose said is firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback. Collins Hess has been impressive in summer passing tournaments and is a solid backup.
Rose always prepares two quarterbacks and isn’t afraid to change. The last two seasons the starter at the beginning of the season was not the starter at the end.
Two years ago Rose made a quarterback change in mid-season. Last year the starting quarterback was lost due to injury in week five.
There is a lot of work ahead for everyone especially the offensive line where three new starters move in. Last year Kendall Randolph emerged at left tackle as one of the best in the state. Tucker Walters, regarded as the strongest of the linemen, also returns. Both are juniors.
Walters played right guard last year but will get a look at center during practice. He could be moved back to guard Rose said.
“Randolph and Walters are both good football players and they are surrounded by guys that didn’t play that much but have big bodies and have a chance to be really good,” Rose said.
Daniel Christenson, Mac Regan and Chris Carter are in the mix to claim starting jobs on the offensive line.
Rose said he expects this team to play at a high level.
“I teach a firm commitment to team and having a positive impact on the guy next to you. Our goals are team goals.”
