The Minden Crimson Tide look to learn plenty about their roster when they lace up their cleats for Friday’s 5 p.m. scrimmage against the Airline Vikings.
The Tide are taking part in the LHSAA/LHSOA football camp. The camp brings 300 officials to Shreveport’s Independence Stadium for supervised training and offers the teams taking part a chance to get much-needed live reps against someone other than themselves.
Minden is replacing 16 starters from last year’s team, so players will be aiming to impress Spencer Heard and the rest of the coaching staff in the hour-long scrimmage.
With so many new faces in the mix, let’s discuss four position groups to keep an eye on as we approach the 2017 season.
Running Back
While Patrick Heard will receive the majority of the carries, Spencer Heard loves using a platoon in the backfield. He’s willing to utilize a variety of running styles, which means there’s plenty of competition for touches.
Junior Zack Gage had a nice spring for Minden and has continued to earn Heard’s trust in summer and fall practice. Gage is a balanced runner, not overpowering or overly fast, but he has enough of each to be dangerous. Junior T.J. Arrington is another name in the mix. At 5-foot-9, 194 pounds, Arrington brings power into the fold. Josh Sims is another junior with promise and speedster Decorian Brim should also see some backfield touches.
Wide Receiver
A plethora of capable pass catchers are ready for their shot to fill the void left by Tavarius Edwards and Kelcey Miller.
Marcus Smith leads the list and has the physical tools to be an outside weapon for the Tide. Brim is showing promise as a slot receiver and Glenbrook transfer Lemoris Jackson Jr. could end up being the Tide’s X-factor on offense.
Offensive Line
Last year’s tackles, Ricky Stevenson and Darian Mitchell, are gone, as is all-district guard Brandon Jackson Jr.
Minden answers with seniors on the right side, as Jonathan Rhodes is working at right tackle and Trey Seamster slotting in next to him at guard. Connor Zaldivar earns the start at left tackle for Friday’s scrimmage, but he’ll have a tough time holding off Kwesi Corley, who was away this summer in California, and Carrington Curry, as each are pushing to protect Seth Tyler’s blind side.
Linebacker
Zi’Kerrion Baker and Cameron Morgan graduated to college ball and Ty’Christopher Harris bailed weeks ago for district rival Woodlawn.
Bobbie Britton will man one spot, while the other two are up for grabs. That’s about all we know, so it will be interested to see who draws the most reps and makes the best impression against the Vikings.