Second-year Harlan coach Brian Williams has plenty of reasons to make excuses or talk about rebuilding with this year’s Green Dragons. The former Middlesboro and University of Kentucky standout prefers a more upbeat and positive approach when looking at what his team can accomplish this fall despite the loss of several key players from last year’s 2-9 squad to graduation.
“We did lose some talented kids. No question about that. Any time you take on a program you want to put your stamp on it with your expectations,” Williams said. “These kids are coming to practice to work and improve their game on a daily basis. It’s been a fun group to be around. It seems to be important to them. As long as it’s important to them and they are having fun, then anything can happen. I’m extremely pleased with this group. They come to practice every day on a mission to improve their game.”
Williams still has plenty of holes to fill with the top five rushers, top four receivers and 10 of the top 12 in tackles no longer on the roster.
A dearth of playmakers appears to be the Dragons’ biggest question mark going into the season as sophomore quarterback Elijah Caudill and sophomore tailback Boss Bryson take over as the primary weapons in the Harlan offense.
“Elijah played some receiver last year. He is an extremely hard worker who is showing a lot of leadership,” Williams said. “I’ve been very pleased with Bryson’s effort and how he enjoys the game.”
Harlan Marietta, a sophomore, is expected to take over at tight end with 6-foot-3 sophomore Dyson Freeman moving in at receiver opposite Payton Glenn, also a sophomore.
“Harlan has been one of the hardest workers in the summer and in the weight room. I’m anxious to see how far he can take it,” Williams said. “Dyson is a new guy who has good length and runs well. He has a knack for catching the football. Payton understands the system and is improving.”
There are several candidates at the H-back/fullback spot, including Donovan Clark, Landon Kirby and Gunnar Middleton.
“They can play several position. It’s a solid group of guys who are good football players and it’s important to them,” Williams said. “For us to be a good football team, they will have to help us.”
The offensive front features the most experience of the offensive group with junior tackle Jordan Rodriguez (6-0, 291) and junior guard Kameron Witt (6-0, 225) returning from last year’s starting lineup.
“Jordan has experience and one of the strongest kids on the team. He has a great football IQ and is very physical,” Williams said. “Witt played a lot. He was a solid player last year.
Dayjuan Forester (5-11, 245) is the only senior on the Harlan roster and will start at tackle.
“Dayjuan is an experienced player who has played a lot of reps,” Williams said.
Two freshmen, guard Logan Thompson (5-8, 230) and center Gavin Hills (6-3, 260), have also earned starting jobs.
“Gavin is showing great progress,” Williams said. “They are both improving and playing well.”
Williams hopes for more consistency from his offensive front, especially with so much inexperience in the backfield.
“They could have played better last year,” he said. “It’s a process and will take time, but we’ve been pleased to this point.”
Clark, who was third on the team in tackles with 58, is the leader on defense at inside linebacker where he will team with Thompson.
“He’s spent a lot of time on his mechanics and worked to get better. I expect more leadership out of him this year,” Williams said. “Thompson continues to get better as he gains experience.”
Kirby, Caden Mefford and Marietta will share time as the outside linebackers.
“They have come to work and got after it every day as a group. They are handling their business,” Williams said.
Rodriguez anchors the defensive front at nose guard with Forester and Middleton at the tackles.
“Jordan is very talented and does a great job at the three technique,” Williams said. “Middleton has more of an end body. He plays with energy and is physical. Dayjuan is an older guy and understands we need him on both sides of the ball this year.”
Bryson, at strong safety, and Freeman, at free safety, will be counted on to make plays and force turnovers on defense. Glenn and Caudill are the starters on the corners.
“They are starting to understand the schemes on the back end,” Williams said. “Our safeties have a lot of athleticism and cover a lot of ground.”
Joe Reynolds is back to handle kickoffs. The job at punter is still up for grabs.
Williams said he has been pleased with the progress of the Dragons’ younger players.
“They are getting better and gaining experience every day,” he said.
Teamwork, Williams says, will be crucial to the Dragons’ success this season.
“They have to understand they are part of a team, and we have to have 11 guys on the same page offensively and defensively every play,” he said. “There is no question they are getting there. They enjoy the weight room and practice. They like each other and care about one another. They aren’t worried about who gets the credit.”
While most pick Williamsburg and Middlesboro, the last two district champions, as the District 7 favorites this year, Williams insists he isn’t worried about that at this point.
“I don’t know who is the favorite. I’m more concerned about where we are going to be,” he said. “There is good football in this district. I just want to get us together.”