Claiborne football had to hit the reset button before the 2021 practices began. Most of the offensive and defensive production is gone with last year’s graduation but Coach Nathan Medlin is optimistic that his young team can grow as the season progresses.
The Zone spoke with Medlin during a practice and he said this, “We are young and have kids that are new to high school football but we are already seeing improvement each week.”
On offense it will likely be Daniel Eversole starting under center with Isaac Daniels backing him up.
The running backs will include seniors Kendall Smith, Sam Blanton and Garrett Walker. Others expected to see time behind the quarterback are Jake Smith, Austin Murrell, Josh Bolton and Gavin Shelburne.
The wide receiver position has became more important in the hybrid veer system and there will be several vying for playing time including Challen Massengill, Joseph Coleman, Korbin Hatfield, Hunter Walker, Landon Poore, Tyrell Miles, Cole Jones, Elijah Myers and Talan McDaniel.
The tight end position will also feature some talent including Christian Tribell, James Satkowski, John Howell and Jaris Bunch.
Defense will again be key to a great season and although there are big spots to fill the Bulldogs do have talent with linebackers Satkowski, Tyler Sharp, Smith, Poore, Murrell, Howell, Bunch, Shelburne, Smith and RJ Robinson.
Coaches have a wealth of players to use as defensive backs including Walker, Blanton, Hatfield, Daniels, Walker, Miles, Eversole, Jones, Bolton, Coleman, Myers and McDaniel.
Offensive and defensive linemen are where the game begins. Included in the list of linemen will be Landon Johnson, RJ and Justin Robinson, Dalton Long, Riley Wilson, Trey Smith and Ethan Short.
Josh Bolton is being tabbed for kicking and punting duties but coaches are looking to add more.
Medlin spoke about the weaknesses of this team, “Our weakness is experience, alot of first year players, brand new players taking the field this year.”
He also spoke about the strength of the team, “This team loves each other and are very disciplined, focused and give tremendous effort.”
The schedule is a tough one with the opener against Union County at home, August 27 and the final game of the season will be the rivalry game against Cumberland Gap.
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