Sports

Wiregrass Ranch

By Times staff
Published August 31, 2007

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Touched by an Angel

Coach Ricky Thomas is building his offense around junior quarterback Angel Rodriguez, who ran it well last year and is the key to the Bull success this season.

That will include running four-receiver sets, operating from the shotgun and wgiving the signal caller carte blanche when it comes to making things happen. Rodriguez went to a quarterback camp at Bethune-Cookman this summer, and Thomas said he's been "a lot sharper" since his return.

Still worried

Thomas says his team is 75 percent better than it was in the spring, but unfortunately, they are not 75 percent bigger.

"I can't make them grow," he said.

Thomas is concerned about his offensive line, which is young and small. And his two best linemen weren't even practicing the first week, including one who missed every summer workout. Thomas would love both to return, but said he doesn't want to get his program off on the wrong foot by appeasing malcontents.

Standing tall

Running back Tony Standifer was the Bulls leading rusher last season, but he found residence in Thomas' doghouse in the spring and his status with the team appeared cloudy. But he reported this fall with new vigor and has regained the starting job.

He'll have lots of help from FB Chris Lewis (6-2, 228), who also is a linebacker type Thomas thinks could actually slow down Ridgewood's Byronell Arline ("If anyone can."). Of the 22 starters, as many as 15 could play both ways.

Love is in the air

Thomas loves his skills positions players. From Hernandez to Standifer to wide receivers Travis Duffy, Will Ferguson and Paris Wolfe, he sees the Bulls posting some decent numbers.

And since the Bulls aren't big, expect those same guys to make a difference on the other side of the ball as speed rushers, outside linebackers and defensive backs.

The Bulls have 48 players, but a good many are still too young to compete.

Five key players

1. Rodriguez, Jr., QB

If he can survive the year behind a young O-line, he should be among top passers.

2. Standifer, Jr., RB

Ran for more than 600 yards during JV season last year. Schedule will make getting there again a challenge.

3. Wolfe, Jr., WR/LB

Big playmaker will get his touchdowns, but his future may be on the defensive side of the ball.

4. Duffy, Jr., WR/DB

Great hands and a nose for the ball. Led Bulls last year in touchdown catches and interceptions (seven).

5. Michael Hamilton, Jr., TE

The 6-2, 210-pounder will have to bolster the offensive line with his blocking, and be a threat catching the ball, too.

John C. Cotey, Times staff writer

[Last modified August 29, 2007, 14:01:42]

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