Somerset/East Jessamine VisitNich.com Bowl Predictions

They lost some very good seniors but they should be just as good if not better this season. They lost 2 starters on the offensive line in Speaks and Price. Price has been replaced by Jonathon Perdue who was the starting center for Walton Verona last season while Speaks was replaced by Kegan Skidmore who moves over from right tackle to left tackle. I'm not sure who has won the job at right tackle. There's plenty of talent on the offensive line. The biggest adjustment there is that Speaks made all of the blocking calls the last 2 season so someone will have to step up and do that. Once someone gets the confidence to do that the line will be fine. At receiver they have to replace Storm Wilson. That one will definitely hurt but they have some capable receivers and with the addition of Tyson Williams they gain a very good receiving tight end. In the backfield they lost Alex Lange who was their quarterback and leading rusher. They should be fine at running back but either junior Tanner Gadberry or freshman Castle Hatcher will need to step up at quarterback.

 

On defense the biggest losses are Storm Wilson at safety and Trey Slaughter on the defensive line. Again those are big losses but Tyson Williams will help there and the others have gotten bigger and stronger.

 

On special teams they did lose about everyone. Kicker Trevor Hurd graduated as well as Alex Lange and longsnapper Taylor Speaks (who is snapping for EKU). Bryson Jones should step in at punter and do fine while junior soccer player Austin Hill takes over the kicking duties. I'm not sure who is doing the longsnapping.

 

Overall, if the Briar Jumpers can get solid play at the quarterback postion they should be even better than last season when they depended on a lot of sophomores. The loss of the seniors hurts but the sophomore class adding strength and speed should make up for that. The defense has a chance to be the best of the last 4 seasons and that is saying a lot. The offense will be the key to whether they have a good season or a great season.

Can't wait for the Season to open. Tomorrow is Friday and I hope everyone enjoys the season. I hope your favorite player stays healthy and has a very good year. I wish your Team success (except when you play Somerset.lol) in every game. I pray that we all remember that this is only a game played by Kids. I hope the players remember the Game is better for them than they are for the Game. I know it will prepare each one of them to better handle the things that they will face in life. Good Luck to All. Especially the JUMPERS!!!!!