With receivers , “ It starts with Tyler Parker ,” he said . Parker has been one of the squad ’ s most versatile players , contributing touchdowns over his career as a quarterback , running back and receiver . He ’ s by far the most experienced player on offense , with 18 career touchdowns scored .
Dean said Parker does all the right things on the field . There will be others to help him out , including McKyler Horne and Titus Beauford . Horne made tough catches in the spring game and is very much an athlete , also being a big contributor on the basketball court for the Blue Devils .
Beauford was on the main options for Strickland and Parker last season at receiver .
Among the defensive stalwarts for Tift are JaCoiley Nathan , Jonta Strozier and Za ’ morian Brown .
Nathan is at full speed after last November ’ s injury . He injured his ankle while successfully making a sack against Marietta . He brings experience to the defensive line . Strozier and Brown are terrors in the secondary . Taylan Marrow will also be on patrol in that section of the field .
Dean said he had at least one returning player on the defensive line , at linebacker and in the secondary . “ Leadership at all three levels ,” he said .
Though young , Tift is developing quickly . “ We ’ re very excited about everything we ’ re doing ,” he said . “ Our weight room is going fantastic . Our conditioning , our attendance is amazing . All of the things you need to have in place before you can even build a program finally feels like it ’ s coming together .”
Incorporating all that is the “ Trident True ” program , focusing on mind , body , heart and soul . Players earn tridents for their achievements in these categories , visible in the form of helmet stickers . Tift players have participated in many community service projects and have an even more detailed set of recognitions for the weight room . Blue Devils have earned special shorts and T-shirts for hitting goals in the weight room .
Going along with all the new faces are a handful of new assistant coaches . In contrast , the assistants are seasoned vets . Derrick Farrow , a former standout at Bleckley County and Kennesaw State , will be working with defensive backs . “ He ’ s fantastic ,” said Dean . Mario Mc- Clendon , another Cochran native , is aiding the running backs . Ryan Walters comes in from Texas after
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42 2022 SOUTH GEORGIA FOOTBALL