Page 5 - TL Football Preview Sept 2017

TRI-LAKES EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE FOOTBALL PREVIEW |
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2017
5TT
BRYANT HORNETS
We feel like
we are going
to have
a chance
again this
year and are
way ahead
of where we
were last year
at this time.”
BUCK JAMES
BRYANT HEAD COACH
BRYANT continued from 4TT
Bryce Thomas and junior Joshua Salgueiro both bench-press more than 300 pounds and add beef to the interior.
James said a group of ends are contending for time, including senior Conner Davis, se- nior Nate Wallace and junior Johnny Wallace. Austin Bailey and Cantrell Wallace will add depth at end.
Junior quarterback Ren Hefley leads a veteran offense with a line that underwent a physical transformation over the winter, the coach said.
Hefley totaled 1,770 yards passing with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2016. Senior Reid Mobley also competed for time in the spring. Junior Hunter Ulmer and sopho- more Jake Meaders will add depth, James said.
Senior Kris King saw limited carries as a backup running back last season but could be the featured back this year, the coach said. Junior Latavian Scott is also competing for snaps. Juniors Braylon Butler and Keethan Hudson will help.
Senior C.J. Wallace, who made a crucial catch against Cabot last season, returns at
JUSTIN MANNING/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Bryant Hornets receiver Ren Hefley prepares to make a catch during practice.
slot receiver after missing part of the season with a broken collarbone. Senior Matthew Sandidge impressed coaches in the spring working at receiver, James said.
Senior tight end Luke Curtis caught 16 passes for 152 yards last year. James said he already has four college scholarship offers from NCAA Division II schools.
James said the line was a weak point last fall. This year it will be a strength. Senior left tackle Zak Kemp (400-pound power clean) started every game at left tackle last year and is a college prospect. Senior Preston Kyzer went from weighting 215 pounds to 280 in the offseason and moves from center to left guard.
Senior Logan Burton started the first two games of 2016 before injuring his knee. James said Burton could play center or guard. He has packed 55 pounds on his 6-3 frame in the offseason. Junior Blaise Smith moved from the defensive line to right tackle last year. Senior Joseph Wyllia started every game at tackle last year but will move to guard this year. Junior Clay McElyea had a good spring at guard and seeks time. Junior Josh Stevens started five games at center in 2016 and looks to contribute there this season.