By Zac Chamblee
With the loss of star talent like Julian Conner and Jordan Murphy, the Hattiesburg Tigers enter the 2017 season with not the same preseason, statewide hype they saw in 2016. Fifth-year head coach Tony Vance is ok with that.
“This year’s team, we’re just like everybody else in the state,” Vance said. “Haven’t won a game and haven’t lost one. I tell everybody, ‘What’s your expectation, what’s your goal?’ To be the best team we can be at the end of the season. That’s our goal to improve each week. We’re going to put some guys out there that will be first-year starters but got plenty of game experience last year.”
As a whole, Vance likes his team and their chances, once again, to be a 5A contender.
“I think they fully understand the expectations going into the season,” Vance explained. “I tell them all the time; you get out of it what you put into it. Some of them have really busted their behinds and put a lot into it this offseason.”
Offense:
As previously mentioned, Julian Conner, who started the previous three seasons at quarterback for the Tigers, is gone. Jarod Conner, of no relation to Julian, will assume the starting role for the Tigers. Conner saw action at running back last season for the Tigers and made the position switch this offseason.
Fabian Franklin, a Mississippi State verbal commit, returns for his senior season at running back for the Tigers. Vance says his superstar tailback has only gotten better this offseason.
“The biggest thing is that he’s a lot stronger,” Vance said. “He’s picked up 10-15 pounds in the offseason. I think he’s in the best shape of his life. That’s going to be huge.”
Drexlan Allen, the team’s second-leading rusher last season, returns as well for his junior season. Jamal Donaldson, a sophomore, is also expected to contribute there.
Dandre Humbles returns for his senior season and will highlight the team’s receiving corps. Vance is also expecting big things from junior Darius Ruffin, who could be in store for a breakout season. Jaylynn Page, Jaylan Rogers and Raheem Willis will also play a lot out wide for the Tigers.
Rounding out the rest of the Tiger offense will be the offensive line, which is anchored by a trio of seniors in Josh Dean, Jalen Fairley and Quincy McGee. Junior John Minor should also be a factor there.
Defense:
The Tigers return a handful of starters on the defensive side, including four defensive linemen in Letrelle Johnson, Myles Johnson, Tony Smith and Nigel Willis. Christian Turner, a starter on the offensive line last season, has switched positions and will be a big part of the defensive line, as well.
As a whole, the defense is led by senior linebacker Will Robinson, who is committed to Southern Miss.
“Will is set for a breakout season,” Vance said. “We’ll move him around a lot this year, too. That will give him more opportunities to make more plays for us. He may line up at defensive end, inside linebacker or outside linebacker. He’s versatile like that.”
Jarod Conner, Jaylan Easley, Fabian Franklin, George Murry, Josh Sims and Braxton Thomas are also expected to see a lot of playing time at linebacker for the Tigers.
Seniors Raykell Ducksworth and Dennis Payton will highlight the defensive backfield.
Special Teams:
Raykell Ducksworth handled both the kicking and punting duties last season for the Tigers. He will have some help and competition there in 2017, though. Kendyl Terrell, a soccer star for the Lady Tigers, joined the team this past offseason and had impressed Vance with both her accuracy and range.
“We have a lot of confidence in her,” Vance concluded. “She’s got a very strong leg and made some in practice from 42-out. Very capable and very accurate.”
