Smackover hoping changes to offense pay off in 2021 season
Smackover’s offense struggled to move the football and put points on the scoreboard last year, but as the Bucks gear up for David Osborn’s second season at the helm of the program, there has been plenty of work done in reshaping the unit.
Jerry Stegall was hired from Junction City to be the team’s offensive coordinator, and the Bucks have been diligently making progress during the summer.
As the season gets ready to start, the Bucks will be breaking in a new quarterback with All-Conference pick and Southern Arkansas recruit Austin Goodwin graduating.
Junior Tyler Sexton and sophomore Cole McNeely are vying for the starting job.
“We have had great competition at quarterback this summer with Tyler Sexton and Cole McNeely,” Osborn said. “Both are working hard and are picking up the offense. We are giving both plenty of reps at the position. Coach (Josh) Wesson is doing a great job of really breaking down our offensive concepts for our quarterbacks.”
Smackover has a trio competing at running back in juniors Jarius Burgie and Daylon Curley, as well as sophomore Tanner Mitchell.
“All three are explosive runners and have very good speed,” Osborn said. “What we are loving the most with all three is how fast they get downhill without any wasted steps.”
At fullback and tight end, the Bucks have several players competing for playing time with sophomores Trace Davis and Boone Dearman along with senior Wesley Murphy in the mix. Osborn added that he believes senior Calvin Mitchell could have a big year for the Bucks.
“Our fullbacks and tight ends are asked to do a lot of different assignments in our offense. Trace Davis, Boone Dearman and Wesley Murphy are doing a great job for us and are getting after it in those positions,” Osborn said. “Calvin Mitchell was out at basic training until the 20th but with his return, we are expecting big things from the senior. He has improved his speed in the offseason and as always is very physical. We expect a lot from those two positions and everyone is doing everything we ask of them. Coach (Tripper) Rowton does a very good job with them and also helping up front.”
One area to watch is at wide receiver where junior D’Kylan Hildreth ranks as one of the top players at the position regardless of class.
If he isn’t in the backfield, Mitchell can play on the outside. Seniors Kelvonte Stringfellow and Jakessio Welch, as well as sophomores Nic
Saulsbury and Wyatt Parker give the Bucks lots of depth at that spot.
“We like the competition that we have gotten so far at the position, they are pushing each other every day to get better,” Osborn said. “The depth at wide receiver will allow us to be a very versatile offense. Coach
(David) Preston has done an outstanding job pushing these guys to compete each day at practice.”
Up front, things are still somewhat unsettled, although Osborn indicated that senior Lamon Hicks and sophomore Regan Barton have emerged as the front runners to play at the guard spots.
“We are demanding a lot from these guys each day,” Osborn said. “We feel that this is one of the most important positions on the field. We are still moving guys around to find the perfect combination that we are looking for. We feel we have two good guards with Lamon Hicks being the anchor, with his strength and size and Regan Barton adding to the other side with good quickness and strength.
“Juan Ellingson has been working hard and is very physical. We’ve got a combination of guys such as Kenny Benson, Wesley Murphy, Chris Lawrence, Ty Jones, Dylan Valdez and Daniel Valdez competing for that spot as well. We have a competition at the center position as well with Pete Hatcher, Kenny Benson and Daniel Valdez. We love competition at all positions because when it all comes out in the wash, it will produce the best player for that position.”
So far, Osborn has been happy with the development of the unit.
“The coaching staff is pleased so far with how everyone is working and learning this preseason,” Osborn said. “They have done very well adapting to the new offense. We have been able to install the offense as planned. Just working each day on executing at all positions. Coach Stegall has done a really good job of the install and getting the players bought in. Jerry does a really good job of teaching fundamentals.”