Newspapers / Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.) / Aug. 20, 2015, edition 1 / Page 12
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Polite from page B1 with it," he said. "Hard work is what it's all about. Having played on that side of the ball, I know what the defensive linemen are thinking and what they're trying to do. I learn a lot by paying attention to their calls and watching for clues as they get in their stances before the play begins." Polite makes good use of his strength (475 pounds bench press), speed (4.9 seconds in the 40-yard dash) and deceptive quickness to pound and bedazzle his counter parts on defense. Perhaps the best example of what Polite brings to the table is a sequence from last fall in WSSU's 34-17 victory over Livingstone College. Rams running back Mustafa Greene got superb block ing en route to a 59-yard touchdown run. Right after he crossed the goal line, Polite was there to meet him in the end zone. "I'm always on the move," said Polite. "I'm always looking to get down the field to the second level [line backers] and third level [defensive backs] to get another block. That's a constant with me and I feel like that gives me an edge." Although the Rams are favored to win the CIAA, Polite understands that it's not an automatic. WSSU typi Photo by Winston-Salem Slate Athletics cally attracts a boat load of talent. Even so, talent doesn't guarantee championship wins. This team suffered heavy losses from a year ago. A small army of seasoned seniors (30) are gone, which means that all those newcomers will have to gel in order for the Rams to live up to those sky is-the-limit expectations. "With so many seniors gone, we have to replace their leadership," he said. "There are a lot of gifted ath letes who have joined us for this season. But we still have to develop chemistry with one another. Football isn't a one-person game. The whole focus is to get better as a team." WSSU's Jac'que Polite (62) is a preseason All-CIAA pick at offensive tackle. Philadelphia Eagles Sign WSSU's Alfy Hill WMMVph? Defensive end Alfy Hill shows what he's made of on the football field as the Rams play Livingstone in a game last October. The Philadelphia Eagles have signed former Winston Salem State defensive end Alfy Hill, according to an offi cial release from die team. In order to make room for Hill, the Eagles waived injured linebacker Brandon Hepburn and defensive lineman B J. McBryde. Hill measures in at 6-feet-4, 283 pounds. He went undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft. He also went unsigned until now but he did spend some time with the Arizona Cardinals as a tryout player during their three-day rookie minicamp. Hill started at the defensive end position for the Rams and in his two-year career totaled 57 tackles, 27 tackles fot losses, 13.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two intercep tions. "We have a i lot Of sophomores who were back-ups last season. Now it's their turn and they're ready to go. We're looking to keep our winning streak going." - Coach Tiesuan Brown i Photo by Craig T. Greenlee. Linebacker/running back Grant Carter figures to have a busy season in playing both ways for Reagan's JV. JV Football from page HI is the strength. Tim Pittman, Deanthony Black and Timar Jackson performed well in scrimmages during last week's NewBridge Bank Invitational Jamboree. Theon Joe and Cameron Payne have the potential to emerge as a formi dable tandem at linebacker. "I like where we are right now," said Brown. "We have a lot of sophomores who were back-ups last season. Now it's their turn and they're ready to go. We're looking to keep our winning streak going." If the preseason is any indication, this could be an explosive season for Reagan's offense. However, it's still anyone's guess as to who will start at quarterback. Entering the final week of the preseason. Coach Willie Quick had not made a final decision between Aaron Dorer and Ryan Ayers. Even though the QB situation hadn't been settled yet, there's no question about Grant Carter's status as the Raiders' top player. Carter is a run-stuffer at linebacker. Coming out of the backfield, he runs with power, leverage and break-away speed. Carter isn't the Raiders' sole option on offense. Wide receiver Nick Cole does his best work after the catch. Because of his ability to change directions and accelerate quickly, Cole creates problems, especially when he gets single coverage. "I'm confident in our ability to move the ball and put up points," said Quick. "This group loves to compete. Bui there are times when we don't keep our intensity level as high as it needs to be." This season could have its high and low moments foi a Reagan team (6-3-1 last season) that features a large number of athletes who have no prior high school playing experience. For that reason. Quick has decided to avoid adding new wrinkles that might hamper the growth of a group that's young and untested. "We'll keep everything simple and do all we can to be fundamentally sound," he said. "Offensively, it's aboul our linemen staying with their blocks. On defense, we have to continue to get better at getting off blocks so we can make the plays we need to make." Season from page BT Glenn can control time of possession with its punishing ground game. Or, it can shift gears and go uptempo with its passing game. "As a staff, we're fortunate that we haven't had to coach effort and intensity," said Herring. "At this point in ml season, you shore up some things. That's to be expected. Once we're able to do that, we'll be fine. We just have to make a few tweaks and fine tune." Glenn expects to be disruptive with its 3-4 defense, "iyheim Cherry, Tahliek Games, Alpascal Reaves and Tazmon Wilson are the leaders of a group that could prove to be one of the area's better defenses in JV football. "The way we line up, it's.difficult for offenses to determine who's coming on the pass rush and who's not," said Herring. "The whole design on defense is based on taking full advantage of our overall speed. We have some good athletes on defense, so we draw things up which allows them to fully utilize their skills to make stops." The Bobcats open their season tonight with a non-conference contest at North Forsyth. Game time is set for 7 p.m. ; i ^
Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.)
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Aug. 20, 2015, edition 1
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