Running game vital for Outlaw’s new coach Bates
DIERKS, Ark.—Dierks head coach Jonathan Bates plans to run his opponents into the ground in his inaugural season with the Outlaws.
Bates inherits Henderson State commit Jarrett Fox (6-4, 250), who he hopes will lead Dierks into the 2017 season.
“We’re replacing 17 seniors and we’ve put a premium on finishing until the whistle,” Dierks head football coach Jonathan Bates said. “If we do everything we’re supposed to do on both sides of the ball, we should be successful.”
Junior Colt Kuykendall and sophomore Chandler Lowery (6-2, 182) have waged a quarterback duel, that has the Dierks’ offensive coaching staff scratching their heads to name a starter.
“Right now, we have a quarterback battle taking place. It may be kickoff before we name a starter. It’s a big time battle for us because our quarterback has to make decisions in our veer offense,” Bates said.
“In our offense, it would be difficult to have a two quarterback set. They’ve both practiced well and have thrown the ball extremely well in practice. We’re going to have to wait and see.”
The Outlaws’ splitback veer offense is a replica of the one ran by Bill Yeoman’s Houston Cougars.
Bates has a plethora of running-backs at his disposal for the upcoming season.
Seniors Elvin Wilson (5-8, 175), Brayden Kirby (5-8, 196), Dalton Vaughn, junior Lane Tabler, and Jace Jackson will handle all of the running back duties for the Outlaws this upcoming season.
“We have three seniors and two juniors in the backfield for us this season, so expect a ton of production out of those guys,” Bates said.
“Kirby is a guy that we’re going to rely on the offensive side of the ball. He’s a downhill runner and a returning starter with varsity experience. He benches 300 pounds, squats 430 pounds and power cleans 250 pounds, so he’s definitely a kid that we want the ball in his hands.”
Fox will play an integral role in the Outlaws offense from the tight-end slot.
“He’s very important in our offense. He blocks, catches and runs good routes for us. Obviously, he’s qualified to play college football because he’s already committed to Henderson State,” Bates said.
Dierks offensive line has shown glimpses of what’s to come this upcoming season and Bates’ staff is pleased with the outcome.
Juniors Kyler Turner, George Thomas, Cameron Pugh (6-1, 237) and Brian Burk (6-0, 205) will provide protection for the quarterback in the trenches for Dierks.
“We’re tickled pink at our offensive line play. They’ve been really getting after it in camp and we can’t wait to see what they do this season for us,” Bates said.
“We have kids coming back for their senior season that didn’t play last year, which adds to the leadership of this team. Sometimes when you see a kid that has sit out for a year or two, you see a drop off but you won’t see that here.”
Fox will join Turner, Thomas, Pugh and Burk on the defensive line this fall for the Outlaws.
“We do not have a limited number of lineman. That’s one of our strengths this season, we plan to take advantage of,” Bates said.
“We have plenty of linemen this season and they’re actually the strength of our team this season.”
Kirby and Wilson will also start as linebackers for Dierks.
Lowery, Jackson, Vaughn, Kuykendall and Tabler will rotate throughout the Outlaw secondary.
“We’re going to try to keep fresh legs on the field. We have a few guys we can put in different spots to help us out this season. It’s hot and we are getting in all the conditioning we can to prepare us for this upcoming season,” Bates said.