Atkinson’s return highlights James Clemens spring
HARTSELLE- When Devon Atkinson found the end zone early in James Clemens’ 37-6 win over Hartselle it marked his return after missing last year due to a knee injury. The rising senior rushed for over 1,000 yards two years ago and he was one of several Jets with impressive play in the win Thursday night.
“He was on a fifteen-play limit and he held up very good,” head coach Wade Waldrop said of Atkinson. “We talked being physical, playing hard and taking coaching and they are doing a good job. We have a ton of new faces. It’s spring so you want to see who can block and tackle you want to look at guys in new spots. There are so many questions. We have about six guys returning who we feel really good about.”
Waldrop lost 16 starters to graduation and must rebuild the offensive line with all new players.
Equally impressive was quarterback Jamil Muhammad who completed seven straight passes to begin the game including touchdown passes to Atkinson and Eris Skelton. Unofficially Muhammad completed 8 of 11 passes for 148 yards.
Skelton found the end zone from 35 yards out on a short screen pass. Kylen Swoope caught a 40-yard pass from Muhammed in the first quarter as James Clemens led 24-0 at halftime. The starters played the first half for both teams.
Brody Droppleman kicked a 38-yard field goal.
“Jamil has had a great offseason just getting better playing quarterback. He’s worked hard and it is showing tonight. He did a good job leading the offense,” Waldrop said.
Austin McGhee was held out. He is the leading rusher returning from last year.
Playing on the offensive line in the first half was (r to l) Tyrell Winn, Zach Seals, Cameron Farley, Cameron Handley, and Zach Taylor.
Brad Goan, listed at linebacker, got some carries on offense.
Waldrop has several key returning players on defense including Daevion Davis (6-foot-2, 285 pounds) at defensive tackle who has SEC offers. Linebacker Zach Hopkins returns.
Canon Clark, a rising senior who has primarily played baseball, is playing football for the first time in high school and at 6-foot-4, 270 pounds is getting a lot of playing time on the defensive line.
“He’s had a great spring and has come so far,” Waldrop said. “By the time the season gets here he is going to get better every week. I wish he has been playing for all three years.”
Daevion Davis (6-foot-2, 285 pounds) anchors the defensive line and he is only a rising junior.
Waldrop has a little experience returning in the defensive back field where Chris Sanders, Xavier McKnight, Jalen Ware and Montrell Campbell are working.
Seeing action in the second half was quarterback Jackson Reese.
