Spring practices heat up at Bob Jones
MADISON- Two hour football practices are not the norm at Bob Jones but that is what head coach Kevin Rose had his team working on Monday. Rose must replace 20 seniors, many of whom were three year starters. Positions open include quarterback, four spots on the offensive line, defensive backs and linemen.
“These spring practices are more important this year than ever because we have so many young players who will have to play significant roles,” Rose said. “We lost so many experienced players. A lot of these guys have never played in a varsity football game so the more times we can put them in a competitive situation the better off we will be in the fall.”
Rose said that the players have responded well and are competing for jobs.
“We are going to be playing more young people than ever and they need as many reps as they can get. We’re trying to create competition within the first two groups.”
The coaching staff has stayed intact so Rose doesn’t have to spend time hiring. Offensive Coordinator Matt Patterson and longtime defensive coordinator Brian Styles were busy with their groups on Monday. Consistency on the coaching staff will help bring the young players along faster.
Among the most watched position battle is quarterback where Caden Rose, a rising sophomore, is making a strong push and is running first team. Close behind is Dylan Ray. John Michael Riley has been moved to defense.
Whoever wins the battle, Rose and Ray offer a running threat that the offense has been missing the last two years. Rose ran the read option on the undefeated freshman team last season. Ray played slot receiver on varsity. Ray moves to slot when Rose takes snaps.
“We’re going to let them play through the spring and summer and see where they are most productive,” Kevin Rose said.
Among the notable players missing spring practices for track season is speedster Khalil Griffin a rising sophomore expected to play a lot.
The offensive line will have four new starters but all of them have been in the program for years.
Caleb Lawson returns at center. Joining him and running first team Monday were Colby Morrell, Kevontae Higgins, Jordan Aycock, and Art Allen.
Rose was quick to say that he was not concerning himself with a depth chart.
“We just want to create as much competition and identify what players can make a contribution and play at this level and give us the best chance to win. We have to get ready for seven on seven competitions this summer.”
Rose is not without big time returning talent. And this year it is at skill positions.
Running back Isaiah Hatchett is primed for a huge season as is wide receiver Demontrez Brown who has offers from Central Florida and South Alabama.
“Those guys are going to have to have big years for us.”
Receiver is actually one spot where Rose has some depth.
Defensive end Gavin Lewis has an offer from South Alabama and linebacker Kade Koler also has offers.
Returning experience at defensive back is Jaquirrius Pelmer who played in five games and Jayden Hill who started at cornerback.
Bob Jones will practice Tuesday and Thursday then play a spring game at Pulaski, Tenn on Friday at 6 pm.
