Switch to quarterback could lead to big plays for Hildreth, Bucks
Since joining the varsity squad as a freshman, D’Kylan Hildreth has ranked as one of the top playmakers in the state regardless of class. Now he has a new role. After spending the last three years at wide receiver, Hildreth is moving to quarterback.
The Bucks also have plenty of experience with fellow senior Tyler Sexton in the mix as well.
“He brings a different dynamic to us in the backfield,” Smackover coach David Osborn said of Hildreth.
“DH has really improved on his throwing mechanics this summer and will give us a good run-pass option back there. Tyler played in several games for us last year at quarterback and brings that experience with him.”
The Bucks also have plenty of experience in the backfield with seniors Jarius Burgie and Daylon Curley returning.
Senior RJ Boone is also in the mix, while Sexton and senior Devan Lofton are working at the H-back/fullback position.
“We have a good combination,” Osborn said. “Jarius is the speed guy who likes to get out in space and just needs a small window to break loose. RJ is more of the power guy. When he gets the ball, he is looking for someone to run at instead of away from.
“Daylon is a good mix between the two. He has that breakaway speed, but still looks to stay inside on runs. At the H-back spot, we are working Tyler and Devan. They both are strong, fast and smart kids. It works out well for us that Tyler knows the offense so well also playing quarterback.
“Devan has been out of football for the last couple years, but he is one of the fastest and strongest kids on the team. I really like the combination we can have at those positions.”
Juniors Tanner Mitchell and Wyatt Parker are back to anchor the wide receiver spots with sophomores Zander Olds and Hunter Spradley also competing for playing time.
“Mitchell and Parker return this year after seeing a lot of action last year,” Osborn said. “They are both quick and have really good hands. Mitchell is one of the fastest on the team. Olds and Spradley are young and are improving daily. I really like the work ethic and patience of this group as we install our offense.”
Junior Trace Davis is moving out of the backfield to tight end this season with sophomores Layton Detraz and Justin James also working there.
“Trace is moving over to tight end from the H-back spot this season,” Osborn said. “Trace is a big kid who has really good hands and can move. He has picked up the position well and really has done a good job in meshing the skill with the offensive line. Layton and Justin are two younger guys who have stepped in and worked really hard this spring and summer.”
As is the case at the skill spots, the Bucks have plenty of experience back up front.
Juniors Boone Dearman and Jaquevion Welch are at left tackle, while senior Elisha Stanley and junior Dylan Valdez are at left guard.
Seniors Pete Hatcher and Kenny Benson are competing at center.
On the right side of the line, junior Regan Barton and sophomore Gunner Zeek are competing at guard while senior Juan Ellingson and junior Draven Tatum are working at tackle.
“We are returning several players who saw a lot of time on the offensive line last year,” Osborn said. “The group will be led by Ellingson, Barton and Stanley. Ellingson is a big tackle who has good feet and speed.
“All four of our guards can really move. Barton and Stanley both look like running backs coming through the line. They have good strength and get to their spots with some attitude. Stanley actually started several games for us last year in the backfield, but made the move to guard this year to help the team out. At center, we feel pretty good with both Hatcher and Benson. They are battling it out for that spot
right now. The great thing about this group is the flexibility to play them in multiple positions.”
For the Bucks to have success, Osborn said mistakes and injuries must be avoided.
“We have to limit mistakes and keep it going in the positive direction,” Osborn said. “We need to avoid injures at all costs with our numbers. I feel like we have multiple players who are threats to score and it's our job to get them the ball.”