Head coach: Jimmy Longerbeam, Loris
On the running back situation:
>>``We feel like we have four kids capable of being the guy at running back and all four are sophomores -- Trey Wilson, Kentrez Hilton, Fred Bryant and Markeise Jackson. If I had to decide today, we would probably run that position by committee. That's probably what we will do going into the season.''
On the other offensive skill positions:
>>``We also have several wide receivers that are very capable including Phillip Johnson (a 6-5 junior).
``Adam Peterson has had a great summer at quarterback.''
On any scheme or philosophy changes:
>>``We are going to throw the ball more than we have in the past just because we feel like we have capable receivers. Defensively we really didn't change too much. We only graduated three or four starters on defense, so a lot of guys got a lot of work last year.''
On the team's outlook and chances for success:
>>``The biggest thing now is that our kids are going to be able to compete against their grade level. We just feel like we have matured physically and age-wise, and have a chance to be a lot better now.''
A LITTLE EXTRA:
>>Longerbeam said the Lions lost only three starters from offense last year and the team has 24 or 25 juniors on its roster.
RECRUITING NEWS:
>>Longerbeam said Peterson has gotten interest from some lower FCS schools, but Johnson will likely be the guy to watch for the Lions.
``Phillip Johnson, it is early in the process for him, but we have people inquiring about him,'' Longerbeam said. ``Teams like South Carolina and Clemson. Those two stick out right off the bat.''
Johnson's older brother, Desmond Johnson, is going to Edward Waters to play basketball, Longerbeam said. Desmond, who graduated from Loris in 2009, was a star for the Lions in football, basketball and track and field.
