By: Alex Mathis

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The Frederica Knights look to make a deeper run into the playoffs this year. The Knights have the depth to compete for a state championship.

Brandon Derrick’s Knights will have some familiar faces on the field but some will be in different positions. Let’s take a look at this year’s team preview.

Offense: The QB position took a hit this spring. Rising sophomore, Gaven Williams went down with a season ending shoulder injury. Frederica only had two QB’s on roster this spring, and the backup was the team’s leading receiver from last year, Jaylin Simpson.

Simpson brings a different dynamic to the offense this year. He’s very mobile and can extend plays with his feet.

Frederica also had two transfers this summer. Trace Dorminy transferred from South Carolina. Dorminy is 6’4 and can stand in the pocket or extend plays with his feet as well.

JT Elliot is another transfer for Frederica. Elliot comes to the Knights from Glynn Academy. Elliot brings experience, toughness, and depth to the Knights’ quarterback room.

Frederica has skills guys for days. They have a lot of depth returning on the outside at receiver and in the backfield. Jashawn Sheffield, Isaiah Jackson, Rett Thompson, Santana Clark, Jackson Wetzler and Avery Cobb all look to make a big impact on offensive side of the ball.

The offensive line is the most experience group Frederica has had in a while. The Knights’ new offensive line coach, Bill Stafford, comes with a ton of college experience to help lead this talented group. Tyler Pierce, Matthew Hagstrom, Carson Bradley, Mason Neubauer, and Michael Tindle look to lead the talented skill guys to the endzone.

Defense: Tyler Pierce, Cameron Gardner, and Rett Thompson look to have another dominate season on the defensive line. Last year, they were very consistent and gave opposing offensive lines fits.

Frederica’s linebackers will be a lot of fun to watch this year. They are aggressive and fly around the football field. Rising junior Harry Veal and rising sophomore Deke Jernigan look to dominate on the football field this year.

The defensive backs dare opposing quarterbacks to throw the football. They hope to build off of a great season last year in the secondary. They will have to do it without standout safety, Patrick Brunson. Patrick will miss his junior season due to a back injury. Even without Brunson, the Knights secondary is loaded with speed and experience and this should make it difficult to pass the ball on the Knights.

The Knights have the personnel to compete for a state championship this year. If you ask Brandon Derrick about his roster, he will tell you that it is very talented and could be very special if they work hard and stay healthy.