Strong players bolster new start for Spartans

At first glance, the 2012 Spartans might pose more questions than an episode of Jeopardy.

Who will start at quarterback? Who will start at tailback? How does a team replace 18 starters? How do coaches prepare for a brutal schedule of opponents when so much time is spent teaching new players? Is this just a rebuilding year?

Thankfully, the answers to these questions might surprise you.

Mountain Brook Head Coach Chris Yeager and his staff have prepared for these issues since last year. They carefully planned spring practice and summer workouts to simulate game experiences.

Although both the quarterback and tailback positions are still unsettled, the competition is actually helping the team. The competition at tailback is important, but not as urgent as that of the quarterback position because the offense will feature a tailback-by-committee, in which the carries are shared by multiple players. Coach Yeager believes his system helps with both of these situations.

“Our quarterback is part of a system,” he said. “He is one part of a complex piece of machinery, responsible for spreading the ball around to find the right matchups and the best options for our team.”

Spring practice left Coach Yeager optimistic.

“You never know how a group will lead until the previous year’s seniors leave,” he said. “Since our current seniors took over this team, I have been pleased with their leadership, their focus and their determination.”

Coach Yeager specifically mentioned Jack Luckie at tight end, Drew Herndon, Buddy Bell at linebacker, offensive lineman John Grady Weldon, and defensive lineman Ken Thompson as leaders of this brand new Spartan team.

Strong players bolster new start for Spartans Despite the young team, the  Spartans bring two unusual areas of experience into the 2012 season. Although they only return four starters from last year, all four are defensive backs; both  safeties and both cornerbacks are returning.

Coach Yeager explained that he is ready to use this strength early and often: “Having all four defensive backs returning will enable us to use a multitude of blitz packages any time we want. Our guys can cover, they can read offenses and they can blitz. This will be exciting defensive football to watch.”

The other surprising experience comes on the offensive line, by way of Westlake Village, Calif. Robert McGee is an imposing 6-foot, 3-inch, 315-pound center and one of the nation’s best high school linemen. Robert has already been named to the Scout.com top 100 players in America and the ESPN 150. McGee is blessed with the strength, skills and football savvy to make an immediate impact on the Mountain Brook season.

Although many questions still remain, Coach Yeager and his staff are poised for a successful year with plenty of talent. Strong leadership from the senior class has given both coaches and fans reason for excitement. Quality linemen, an All- American transfer and a savvy defensive backfield could make this yet another great season.