BY THE NUMBERS:
talented (in 2013), but I think this group is comparable to that group, except we may have more weapons this year,” he said. “We can spread the field out and do more things offensively. Defensively, we can really run to the ball. We’ve got some kids that can really play on defense and I think we’ll be stronger than we’ve ever been.”
On offense, Cole Kibler is back at quarterback for a second season. The junior had a breakout season last year, earning first team All-Region status after throwing for close to 2,600 yards and rushing for nearly 800 more. He’ll be backed up by Dylan Wright, a good enough athlete to play multiple positions on the field.
Ringgold will employ a running back by committee, but it’s a committee with plenty of power, led by senior Ty Jones. Other names to know include senior Joey Collins, Logan Bales, Bryton McCann, Dalton Green and Din Bilick.
Kibler will have another first team AllRegion performer back in Andre Tarver (42 rec., 1,130 yards, 12 TD’s in 2016). Named as a Class AAA preseason All-State selection by RecruitGeorgia.com and tabbed as one of the top 10 wide receivers in the entire state in 2017 by Georgia High School Football Daily, Tarver is on pace to become one of the state’s all-time receiving leaders.
But defenses who key on Tarver will also risk leaving other quality receivers open, including senior speedster Nathan Camp, 6-foot-3 Pete Brower, Brayden Broome and Blake Goldsmith. Then at tight end, Ringgold has a bonafide college prospect in 230-pound Drake Starks. A second team All-Region pick last fall, Starks had over 600 yards receiving in 2016 and has picked up several college offers already. Austin Goldsmith, another senior, will also see some time at the spot.
But it’s up front where the Tigers may enjoy their biggest advantage.
The offensive line could be one of the best in the region, led by 6-foot-6, 285-pounder Bucky Williams, a second team All-Region