Buford hoping hard work in the off-season will yield on-field victories

The Buford Yellow Jackets struggled through a tough season a year ago, but they’re hoping the work they’ve put in will yield better results.

“We have worked in the offseason and this pre-season to get stronger,” said second-year ‘coach Ed Susi. “I feel like if we keep working hard, we have a good chance to have a good season.”

The region the Yellow Jackets play in is loaded with good teams.

“There is quality from top to bottom in this region,” Susi said. “I look forward to the challenge of playing that caliber of competition again this year, and I know that in this region you have to be ready every Friday night.”

Brody Sanders, a senior, is set to get the start at quarterback.

“He is an excellent leader, and he is a dual threat at the position,” Susi said. “He makes good decisions, and his multiple capabilities will really help us offensively.”

The Yellow Jackets have the luxury of having a quintet of running backs working to get the top spots. Four in the top group are underclassmen.

SeKaden Sapp, a senior, and juniors Antonio Amos, Mason Deese, and Tanner Sellers, as well as sophomore Issac Prakin are all vying for starting roles.

“This will give us good depth at the position regardless of who ends up winning the starting roles,” Susi said. “They are all capable runners, and they run hard. Our offensive backfield should be much improved over last year.”

The receiving corps shows loads of promise.

Seniors Jamari Hough and Jensen Brown and junior Aaron Morris are the leaders.

“I am expecting big things from our receivers,” the coach said. “We had quite a few young kids in that group last year, and they gained some valuable experience that will help us greatly this fall.”

The offensive line also should be improved as four starters return.

Seniors Justin Pardue, Justin Ellis, Hunter Almond, and junior Ricky McKinnon got valuable playing time last time around, and their experience is expected to make the Yellow Jackets offense stronger.

“Having that many starters return in the offensive line will certainly make us better,” Susi said. “Everything starts up front, and I look for us to be much stronger there.”

The defensive line also is expected to be better and a strong point for the 2022 edition of the Yellow Jackets.

Pardue and sophomore Selvin Jenkins are being counted on to be the leaders.

“This group has done well so far,” Susi said. “I really like the way that entire group works. I am pleased with their improvement.”

The linebacking corps is expected to be the strength of the Buford defense.

Sapp and senior Logan Whitaker are the leaders of that group.

“We have quite a few very good linebackers,” Susi said. “They have good speed, and all of them are versatile. That entire group has worked hard so far to improve.”

The secondary also is expected to show tremendous improvement.

Brown, Morris and Deese, all of whom will play some on offense, saw considerable playing time at defensive back.

“This entire group put in a lot of work over the summer,” the coach said. “They should be a solid group this fall.”

Kaden Plyler, a senior, is expected to handle all of the kicking duties.

“He got valuable experience last year,” Susi said. “I feel good about what he can do for us this fall.”

The Yellow Jackets will have to play several players both ways, but that number has not been finalized.

“We will keep it to a minimum, and try not to play our lineman both ways,” the coach said. “We think that we will be able to give those playing both sides of the ball some rest during the game.”

Overall depth is a work progress.

“The running back position has the best depth,” Susi said. “We have more numbers overall than a year ago, and we will continue to work to develop some quality depth at every position.”

Despite the disappointing 2021 season, the Jackets have been positive.

“Our attitude has been very good. We have worked hard in the weight room to get stronger,” Susi said. “The players know the system better than in my first year last year, and I can see them gaining confidence.”

The key to improve on last year’s COVID shortened season of 1-7 overall and 0-4 in the region boils down to three things.

“First of all we have got to stay healthy,” Susi said. “We need to continue to work hard, and we need to stay focused.”