Robinson Knights – Preview Part 2 – Offense

The offensive line should be a strong point, if not the fulcrum of the team this year - and next year, too.

The entire offensive line, even three deep into backups, are all underclassmen. Four of the five starters are juniors. The right guard spot, which is still open to competition, will either be sophomore Jesse Braddock or one of three other juniors.

Offensive line coach, Sean Taylor is beside himself with the situation.

“We’ve never been this big and this young at the same time before,” he said. “They’ve all got a good attitude and they’re gonna be back next year.”

At tackle, juniors Brooks Lovely and Connor Rafferty stand as the towers on the outside. Both are over 6 foot 2 inches and 230 pounds. At left guard, junior Bruce Hector is a transfer student from Gulf. According to Taylor, Hector is a “big addition” and is one of the best transfer students he’s seen in his 11 years at Robinson. At center, junior Chris Duvall is a lock at the position.

The only position that is still un-cemented is right guard.

The leading candidate is sophomore Jesse Braddock, who is a transfer student from Connecticut. Juniors Ted Kelly, Ryan Woehlert, and Andres Nader will also compete for that spot and be well-used subs.

“I’ve known these guys for a long time,” said Taylor. “They work on their stuff together, they practice together, they do everything together. We’ve never had a starting five without a senior on it.”

Under center, the Knights will go with either junior Antonio Hampton or Vidal Woodruff. Woodruff has a little bit of height advantage and according to quarterbacks coach Brad Allen, he does whatever is asked of him and has worked hard in the weight room and in off-season conditioning. However, coaches are pretty high on Antonio Hampton. Right now, Hampton is taking reps with the first team offense.

“He’s a little more athletic and faster than people give him credit for,” said Allen. “He’s also got great arm strength.”

Losing a bonadfide stud like JJ Hubbard is never easy. Hubbard gained 1,447 yards on 138 carries last year. That averaged to over ten yards per carry and he scored 27 rushing touchdowns.

His departure left a gaping hole, at least in production for Robinson.

The Knights hope to use a triumvirate of backs to replace Hubbard this year.

Leading the way will likely be junior Martin Ruiz who goes 6 foot 190 pounds and, according to running backs coach Josh Saunders, is a hard, physical runner.

Junior Carlos Duclos will help out but will also be used as a defensive back primarily. Senior Malcomb Hubbert will pick up some carries throughout the year.

At full back, the Knights will use freshman Michael Duclos, who also plays linebacker, and senior Justin Creech. Creech also plays linebacker, so the two should split time at full back pretty evenly.

“All of these guys will be very good and they’re mostly underclassmen,” said Saunders.

The Knights have some nice options at receiver as well.

Seniors Tre’ Leonard and Ethan Kindle should be targeted most out of the group. Leonard will line up at tight end and present a 6 foot 4 inch target for his quarterback. Leonard also goes about 190 pounds so he should factor into blocking schemes as well. Leonard is a converted basketball player but is in his second year with the team. Thus, he should develop quickly throughout the year.

Ethan Kindle will line up as an outside receiver. Kindle only caught six passes as a junior but his ascent into the primary receiver role should be smooth.

“He worked his way up from the slot guy last year,” said receivers coach Craig Everhart. “He’s got a great work ethic.”

Opposite Kindle should end up being sophomore Rodney Exume; playing slot will most likely be sophomore Robert Priester, the speed guy in the group.

The Knights have a very good chance to match their offensive numbers from last year. It's not all going to be in the hands of two players like last year; but with a growing offensive line, and rapidly developing skill players, they will pose a threat to any team on their brutal schedule.