An early look into the 2018 Yoe Football depth chart

In Cameron, it’s never too early to start preparing for a new football season. It’s a new year and 7-on-7 action will get going in about 4 months. Today, I want to look at what the Yoemen will have returning, what was lost, and what should be the strengths or weaknesses.

Offense

Quarterback - question mark

Just like a good portion of offenses, the quarterback position is the most important for this football team, and there will be uncertainty with regards to who is the signal caller heading into next season. The Yoemen are losing two-year starter Zack Andress to graduation. This past season, Andress thew for 2,452 yards, ran for 484 more, and accounted for 36 touchdowns.

At this point, there are three viable options for the starting nod. I believe the leader of the pack is going to be incoming senior Anthony Layne. When you look at Layne, he has your prototypical quarterback build, with good height and a strong arm. With Layne, you are probably getting the best running quarterback you have had in Cameron in some time, and we saw how that worked out for Rockdale in 2017.

We have not seen much in the passing department, but that is what a full offseason and 7 on 7 schedule are for.

After that, you have Braden Brashear, which was the JV quarterback this past season, and Zach Hafley, the freshman quarterback. At this point, I do see Hafley being the starter for the JV, with the potential for starting at the varsity level his junior season in 2019. If Layne does earn the starting role, Brashear could transition into a receiver or defensive back.

Running back - good options

It was a bit of a rotating door a running-back this past season with injuries hampering players, and not one running back really every got into a groove. Talking with fans over the course of the year, the main question was why Nico Vargas was not getting more carries? The talented sophomore did play full time at linebacker and is Cameron’s top young talent, so I can see how it’s a tough to make that call when he is so valuable all over the field.

I do believe the emergence of Davion Bynaum take some stress off of the decision making. Bynaum could potentially be the fastest player in 3A football next season. He had not played football before but showed a bit of physical toughness at times, which is something you want at this position. At this point, I see him as the best option for this spot.

Receivers - should be improved

Cameron is losing dynamic playmaker Iverson Westbrook, but does have a nice crop of returning talent at the position. Ki’Zirrius Holt and Kadrian Hammond were second and third on

the team in receiving in 2017, and will both be back for their senior seasons. I also expect incoming junior Kobe Young to have a breakout year at the slot position.

Defense

Defense Line - question mark

Battles are won at the line of scrimmage, and there will be questions at this position for 2018. Gone is Barden Sexton, the leading tackler from the position, and Quentin Ewing, the nose guard who totalled 50 tackles. Layne also got plenty of playing time at defensive end, but the potential move to QB could create another void. Chris Johnson will be returning at defensive end.

Linebackers - key strength

The linebacker position for Cameron should be the major strength of the defense in 2018. Cameron will be returning Nico Vargas, the team’s leading tackler, plus Patrick England, Jale Walzel and Ulices Cardona. With nearly everyone returning, improvements as this position should be expected.

Secondary - clean slate

Much like the quarterback, there are going to be some major question marks at defensive back next season. Gone are Bryce Welsh, Levi May, DJ Daniels and Bryce Brashear, four key playmakers at the corner and safety positions. This is where Brashear is going to have to rely on some incoming talent from the JV team, and potentially look at playing some receivers on both sides of the ball if viable options are not present.