50/50
Fri, 2016-05-27 05:00
News Staff
Dawgs looking for balanced attack in 2016
By TJ MAXWELL
Cove Leader-Press
Gone are the meat plows that helped pave the way for one of the top rush attacks in the state, but a stocked backfield of returning and up-and-coming skill players has Copperas Cove offensive coordinator and associate head coach, Tracy Welch, feeling optimistic about what he’s seen from his offense through 3 ½ weeks of spring practice.
Welch has a returning quarterback in Caine Garner who provides experience in the backfield but also has young gun lefty Jaylen Smith making his presence known under center.
“Anytime you’re able to bring back your quarterback, you have a little more confidence,” said Welch. “You’re always going to lose some linemen, running backs and other skill kids but to have that quarterback coming back who understands what you’re looking for is like having a coach on the field.”
Garner is expected to expand his role to more of a utility player with time spent under center as well as at tailback and wide receiver. Garner displayed running power last year when he dragged a gaggle of Rockwall defenders for an extra 10 yards on a run. Garner’s offseason workout where he’s power cleaned over 300 pounds has helped develop him into a tough runner to bring down.
“Caine Garner is really throwing the ball better and maturing as a quarterback but when he plays receiver or tailback, he’s doing fine job there as well,” said Welch. “He’s hard to bring down. The first week, he ran a screen and when the defensive back tried to tackle him, he drug him about 15 or 20 yards, so he runs with power.”
The lefty Smith impressed with his limited time on the field last year but has stepped up in spring to develop into another legitimate option for Welch at quarterback.
“Jaylen Smith has really done a good job as well,” he said. “He’s had a good spring, so we have a good 1-2 combination and I feel good about both of them. Jaylen is spinning the ball well. He’s throwing it out there, getting a quick release and getting his feet down. I feel good about the quarterback position if those two stay healthy.”
That confidence spills over to the other skill positions as the Dawgs also have depth at wide receiver, running back and tight end.
The Dawgs have at least eight wide receivers at their disposal with more that half with varsity experience.
Soon-to-be seniors Gabe Williams, Kendall Small and Isaiah McGriff and to be junior Josh Canete have all see varsity action and Garner will also bring quarterback experience out to the hash marks. A talented group of receivers will join the ranks in Adrian Alejos, Bryce Ranes, Zane Petit and Michael Vernardos.
“At receiver, we have some good depth,” said Welch. “It allows us to go to some four and five wide with those kids.”
Junior Elijah Washington leads a speedy cast of running backs for that starting nod with senior Kylan Hererra, and juniors Tim Edwards, Jaylon Hanna and Isaiah Hawkins expected to fill the rotation.
“Elijah has had a great spring,” said Welch. “He’s done a very good job.”
The Dawgs bring back experience and size at fullback with Andrew Patterson and Daveon Thomas filling the roles.
It’s still early to tell just what the 2016 incarnation of the Bulldawgs will have in store after having one of the top passing attacks in the state three years ago and one of the top rushing attacks last year.
“I think we have the chance of being very 50/50,” said Welch. “Three years ago when we had Manny Harris at quarterback, we’d look back after games and we’d have 47 snaps running and 50 passing. We were balanced and producing 600- to 700-yard games. When you’re able to go to that balanced set that really helps you.”
Welch is hoping the smaller but speedier lineup will help with that.
“We have a little bit smaller offensive line but we’re quicker than a hiccup,” he said. “If we have to line up in power all the time they’re going to tee off on you, so by having the skill kids on the edges and the quarterbacks to get it out there, it takes some pressure off.
“The line is gelling. It’s not as big as what you’d want to have, but being able to spread it out and hit the perimeter with our running backs and receivers, I feel pretty good.”
The Dawgs were set to conclude their 18-practice spring schedule with the annual spring game last night and Welch knows what they put on film will be picked through with a fine-tooth comb over the summer as they prepare for the fine-tuning that comes with fall practice.
“The film we watch Thursday for the spring game, we will watch all summer,” he said. “That is what we’ll break down and take to the retreat. There won’t be a lot of blitz, trick plays or that kind of stuff. We’re just going to line up and play football and see who has the basics down and where our weak points are.
“Coming back and getting ready for the Abilene scrimmage, these are the things that we have to work on. Maybe it’s plays or defenses we want to run but we’re still not quite there in that position or play, those are things we’ll come back and work on.”
Results of the spring game were unavailable as of press time Thursday. Full results to be in Tuesday’s Copperas Cove Leader-Press.