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be the team’s defensive coordinator after working at Trion the past few seasons.
“I think we’ll be better defensively,” Ellis explained. “Coach Groce is really working them hard and the guys are buying into it. It’s nothing we haven’t done in the past, but he just brings a different element to the situation. The kids respect him.”
Groce will direct a hybrid 4-4 defensive front that include Langford, Thomas, Daniel and senior Patrick Howard along the line. Moore, a Walker County Dream Team first team selection last year, is back at linebacker, as is Vines, Jarvis, and Gavin Graham. Hodson will be the starter at free safety, while Thompson, Tucker Miller, Barbee and Cobb will give the Trojans depth in the secondary.
Ellis also believes his special teams will be a strength. Senior Jarrett Lassetter, another wrestling standout, was recently named to the RecruitGeorgia.com preseason All-State Team for Class A Public. He connected on 36-of38 extra points last year, the highest percentage in the classification.
Henry Ellis will likely assume the punting duties, while Lee Frye will give the Trojans another strong legged option.
“The kids are working hard and playing hard and they’ve got a totally different attitude this year,” Ellis added. “It’s a whole different atmosphere than we’ve had the last couple of years. We’ve got a lot of really good freshmen that have surprised me so far. Some of them could end up starting or at least being backups that we can put in the rotation for a few plays.
“We had to move some kids to other positions, but they are taking it really well. They say they just want to win. We just have to stay healthy. We were playing really well last year, but then we had some key people go out and it made things very difficult for us. The whole key to this thing is staying away from injuries.”