third tenure at the college , will now lead the way . He returns after a two-year stint as defensive line coach at Hardin-Simmons University .
“ I am so excited to have Mark back with us ,” Poteete said . “ He is an excellent fit for our coaching staff -- a young , energetic coach who is wise beyond his years .”
While the defense will feature newcomers on the back end , the Cardinals are set at kicker-punter . Gaster proved a weapon as a freshman and Poteete is expecting more of the same this season .
“ Jake can do it all , as we saw last year ,” Poteete said . “ He ’ s gotten stronger , and we expect more great things from him .”
Gaster hit 11-of-14 field goals last season , including a 54-yarder as time expired to beat Cisco 34-31 and keep the Cardinals unbeaten at 5-0 . He was 39-of-40 on PATs and averaged 39.8 yards per punt .
Questions abound offensively without a single starter back . But at least at quarterback , the Cardinals have two returners having taken snaps in games last year and four transfers to choose from .
Both Tucker Yarbrough ( 6-1 , 215 ) and Riggs McDonald ( 6-0 , 205 ) are in their third falls with the Cardinals , which Poteete says is an asset . Yarbrough completed 30-of-43 passes for 378 yards and two touchdowns last season .
Also in the mix to lead the offense are transfers Darion Peace ( 6-2-235 ), Brock Nellor ( 6-2 , 220 ), Matthew Duncan ( 6-1 , 215 ) and Gavid Kuld ( 6-6 , 225 ).
“ We feel good about our six kids at the position ,” Poteete said . “ We are just waiting for the cream to rise to the top .”
Though coaches come and go , and rosters flip from year to year , Poteete said one thing that never changes is how competitive the SWJCFC remains .
“ You know what you are going to get each week – a battle ,” Poteete said . “ There are no Saturdays off in this league … none .
“ Just look at last year . NMMI was picked fourth in the preseason poll . They went on to win the league and the national championship .
“ It just goes to show you that preseason polls are a joke .”
Poteete says the Cardinals are ready for the challenges ahead .
“ We will line up and be prepared to go ,” Poteete said . “ Our expectations will always be high .”
DEFENSE
ENDS
Returning Starters : Darren
Roberson , Elliot Spiller Players To Watch : Brayden Woods Top Newcomers : Xavier Starks Position Coach : Blake Bryan ( 11th season ) Poteete Says : “ It ’ s good to have two starters returning , both of whom were very productive . Darren was second in the league in sacks . The deepest of our positions is defensive line overall .”
TACKLES
Returning Starters : DeUndre
Blanton , Alvino Carbajal III Players To Watch : Daniel Williams Top Newcomers : KeDarian
Erskine Position Coach : Blake Bryan ( 11th season )
Poteete Says : “ We have some depth at this position . This group has a chance to be good , which will make everyone else on that side of the ball better .”
LINEBACKERS
Returning Starters : None Players To Watch : Nathan Sims ,
David Tuihalangigie Top Newcomers : Michael Brown Position Coach : Mark McMillan
( 3rd season ) Poteete Says : “ Young at this position but are quicker and more athletic than a year ago .”
SECONDARY
Returning Starters : None
Players To Watch : Rashad Onezime , Zayteak McGhee , Dabari Hawkins
Top Newcomers : Tre Collins , Channing Canada , Mekhi Hammonds
Position Coach : Darrius White ( 1st season )
Poteete Says : “ Though we have no returning starters , we have three returnees who took meaningful reps .”
OFFENSE
LINE
Returning Starters : None Players To Watch : Cory Godinet ,
Charles Armstrong Top Newcomers : Jarrett Henry Position Coach : Tyler Uselton ( 4th season )
Poteete Says : “ Our starting five will all be taking their first snaps . Cory is a big kid at 6-7 , 370 . We are excited about what he brings to this group . Charles is a transfer from Jackson State .”
Fanfare 2022 | 81
WIDE RECEIVERS
Returning Starters : None Players To Watch : Trent Hudson ,
Justin Austin Top Newcomers : Jalen Butler ,
Braydon Guillory Position Coach : Antonio Whitfield
( 13th season )
Poteete Says : “ Excited about the length and speed we have in this group . Trent and Justin both got reps last year and had good springs . Excited about the potential of this group .”
TIGHT ENDS
Returning Starters : None Players To Watch : David Murray Top Newcomers : Gabe Berardi Position Coach : Leonard Hunt ( 3rd season )
Poteete Says : “ David redshirted last year and is one of the most improved kids on our team . At 6-6 , 240 , Gabe has a high ceiling .”
RUNNING BACKS
Returning Starters : None Players To Watch : Clarence
Dalton , Quincy Thompson Top Newcomers : Micah Cooper Position Coach : Leonard Hunt ( 3rd season ) Poteete Says : “ We have a good mixture of size and speed . Clarence and Quincy are both 230-plus and have great vision . Micah is blessed with speed .”
QUARTERBACKS
Returning Starters : None Players To Watch : Tucker Yarbrough , Riggs McDonald
Top Newcomers : Darion Peace , Brock Nellor , Matthew Duncan , Gavin Kulb
Position Coach : Sherard Poteete ( 10th season )
Poteete Says : “ We are waiting for the cream to rise to the top among this group . Tucker and Riggs are both in their third fall with us and know our system well . The other four are all transfers .”
SPECIALISTS
Returning Starters : Jake Gaster
( K / P ) Players To Watch : None Top Newcomers : Ty Powers ( K / P ) Position Coach : Bill Neal ( 2nd season )
Poteete Says : “ Jake can do it all . Hopefully someone will emerge and take something off his plate . He has gotten stronger and we expect more great things from him .”