Auctioneers head into season with new coach, new offensive plan

2008 season: 4-6

Head Coach: Miles Aldridge

Coaching staff: Jimmy Vereen, John Williams, Greg Hill, Brian Hennecy, Dawani Fladger, Daniel Weeks, Derrick Weeks and Tony Nelson.

Camp Confidential:

The Mullins Auctioneers begin the season with a new head coach and new offensive philosophy.

Senior fullback Keyan Rogers said he likes having the ball in his hands as part of the flexbone formation that has been implemented for the upcoming season. Saquan Washington should also be productive filling in at fullback.

“I feel great,” senior linebacker Timmy Johnson said. “Everybody is on the ball on defense and playing more aggressive,” Johnson said. The inside linebacker has been on a tear in two scrimmages and a jamboree in preparation for the season. Another force on defense is sophomore Antonio Anderson at outside linebacker. Anderson is a vicious pass rusher on the edge and solidifies a core of linebackers that include Rogers and senior Justin Legette.

Defensive coordinator Jimmy Vereen said he plans to use a variety of packages to allow his group to make plays on the field.

“It’s going to be a swarm,” Vereen said.

“Our defense is design so our linebackers can make plays,” defensive coach John Williams said.

Offensive coordinator Greg Hill said he likes the fact that the offense uses a lot of deceptive plays and uses a number of playmakers on the squad. “We have a quarterback that’s mobile, a strong offensive line and players that fill in at running back or wide receiver,” he said.

Junior quarterback B.J. Crawford will be counted on to engineer drives and be smart with the football. Crawford is a mobile quarterback with size and a cannon for an arm.

“For this group, the level of commitment is outstanding,” Hill said of the work players have been putting in during the offseason.

Junior Avery Grant anchors the offensive and defensive line at offensive tackle and defensive end. Senior Hubert Davis will be a contributor at center along with junior tackle Kenny Jackson, Wayne Barron, Kendel Nance, Terrance Thompson and senior Lester Smith Jr.

“We’re learning a new offensive but our most experience group is on the strong side,” Fladger said, adding that Grant has came into the season a lot stronger and is showing better footwork and awareness.

“We know we can pass the ball but we have to establish the run,” Fladger said.

The Aucs have a massive frontline with the imposing Nance towering over 6’5” and weighing over 260 lbs. Smith has proved to be very productive on the strong side with Barron at tackle.

“Factor backs” for the Auctioneers will be JimDonovan Reaves, Josh Vandroff, George Page, Rembert Timmons and Josh James.

“I think we’re going to be alright once everybody learns what they have to do and their position on the field,” Nelson said, adding that he wanted his players to stay focus and know their responsibility.

Page has the speed and elusiveness to go the distance, while Reaves has been a consistent threat running the football, showing great balance and change of direction ability to shake defenders. James is an all-around player that can run and produce as a return man and receiver.

Senior Cedric Timmons also fills in at receiver and cornerback and will be relied upon heavily to shutdown the passing game. Cey’Quan Ritter and Marquis Gordon will be major contributors making plays in the secondary.

“We feel like we have a good squad this year,” Timmons said, adding that everybody has been working hard to improve upon last season.

First year coach Miles Aldridge said his players have been attentive since he arrived a little more than three weeks ago and that busy schedule has its advantages.

“We looking pretty good in regards to personnel we just need to add some more depth,” he said, adding the first and second team units have played well.

The Auctioneer offense looks to improved this season and support what should be a very tough defensive unit.