New-look Trojans leaning on their lines
Aug. 14—The number of players and which positions they play aren't quite the same as in recent years for Ridge Spring-Monetta's football team, which isn't something that surprised head coach Brian Smith.
He knew adjustments would have to be made, and he knew a team that had previously relied on explosive playmakers would need to make a big shift toward leaning on its offensive and defensive lines to control games.
That's a big change, especially for the skill position guys who were used to having lots of opportunities to make big plays. Despite that, Smith said his team has completely bought in to its new identity heading into this season.
"We've got the best culture we've had. That's not to say it's been bad. I'm just saying it's the best we've had right now," Smith said. "Our kids have really bought in. ... Our kids have kind of bought into that role that everything that they help do is going to make us better, so that's where we are. They've done a great job with that, and I'm proud of them for it because we've been preaching that."
Remedee Leaphart's departure after three years of wide-open quarterbacking — though a few of his favorite targets are still on the roster — and loads of talent and experience up front means this Trojans team will have a throwback feel.
"Offensively, we're totally different than anything you've seen. We are an under center, I formation football team," Smith said. "... I tell people it's Clemson 1985, 1986, you know. It kind of fits our personnel right now. ... We're not that explosive right now. We're just trying to play solid defense and bleed the clock a little bit and play to our strengths, I guess is the best way of putting it."
Some moves have had to be made at the skill positions, like moving James Bosket from wide receiver to quarterback. Senior Ty Adams returns at wide receiver and will play some running back, and junior receiver Tykeem Martin returns after showing big-play potential in his first two years.
Multiple players can line up at quarterback, and Smith has conveyed to his team that being successful out of the I formation will help them control time of possession. He said their willingness to adapt has led to some success in the preseason, and it starts up front with a seasoned offensive line.
"You look at our seniors. Kanaan (Ligons) and Peter Blacks started as freshmen. Toney Ligons started as a sophomore. That's three of our starters. Ivan McCalister, who's starting at left tackle for us, he would've started for three years if he didn't have an injury. There's a ton of experience there."
The other end of that is that Smith expects big things out of the defense, which makes him feel comfortable switching up the offense to fit the Trojans' personnel.
"Man, we've got a ton of kids back on D," he said. "You look at it, the D line is back — Kanaan, Jaden Watson, Jae Cannon. Deante Hopkins is back at linebacker after a great sophomore season there. We've said that we need to play well on defense. We need to get after people and make you huddle and make you drive 80 yards and not give up the big play."
