Two years ago, Coach O.J Smalls came into the Robert E. Lee football program with high expectations. Those high expectations have translated into a team playing with confidence and swagger. It’s fun to be a Lee General again, and the players for the 2016 Spring football team are living it up.
DreamKingFilmz spring tour. Next stop Lee Generals @DuvalSports @JaxLeeAthletics pic.twitter.com/DRvlSjypai
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) May 11, 2016
“The kids have come out hungry” said Coach Smalls, after getting a taste of the playoffs in 2015. A tough loss to Tallahassee Lincoln in the first round of the playoffs has them wanting more. Smalls wanted to schedule a tough opponent in the spring to prepare for the tough schedule in the fall. They’ll face Oakleaf in the spring game.
Coach Smalls wins Qb challenge @DuvalSports @JaxLeeAthletics pic.twitter.com/rRl7LozCs7
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) May 11, 2016
The guy who will replace Tony Belle's production. RB David Johnson 345 bench 555 squat @DuvalSports @JaxLeeAthletics pic.twitter.com/Lt5IPCqiIJ
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) May 11, 2016
As a former High School Quarterback, Coach Smalls knows what he wants to see from the offensive side of the ball. To replace Tony Belle in the backfield, Lee has Cameron Wakefield ready to roll along with David Johnson. Other offensive returning starters include Tariq Thomas, Derek Jones, and Jordan Bell. There are several young guys who will come in and start for Lee, its all about getting them acclimated to the style of play. They will lean on the leader of the team OT Demetrius Harris. Harris is like having another coach on the field this spring as he leads by example and instruction.
Generals ATH Cam Wakefield getting some work at receiver @DuvalSports @JaxLeeAthletics pic.twitter.com/KoqYaVmOhD
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) May 11, 2016
Generals Wr group will go 5 deep but Cam Wakefield may have the best hands of em all @DuvalSports @JaxLeeAthletics pic.twitter.com/WXg2ZnQCcO
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) May 11, 2016
Lee Generals big man 2017 Demetris Harris is as advertised!! @dreamkingfilmz @JaxLeeAthletics @Meech64_ pic.twitter.com/PeMCxwBhkq
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) May 11, 2016
#LookOut Juriel Caldwell 2019 Big,Physical Wr. good route runner with nice hands @DuvalSports @JaxLeeAthletics pic.twitter.com/uoKr77P3A1
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) May 11, 2016
On defense the unquestioned leader is Keirston Johnson, a linebacker who lead the team in tackles the past two years. Spring will be a very motivated time for him due to the interest in collegiate schools. Daquan Jackson, Vincent Davis, and Noah Jackson are some of many defensive players who have been shocking the coaches during practice.
2018 DB Dorian Bowden makes the best of his reps with the 1s with 2 ints @DuvalSports @JaxLeeAthletics pic.twitter.com/7hNTeVyqs1
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) May 11, 2016
There are several seniors returning for the Generals, which has them anxious to see how they look on the field. They’ll get their shot against a very good opponent. It’s a measuring stick to see just how Coach Small’s team has come during his tenure as the signal caller. One thing is for certain, he and his talented coaching staff will lead by example this spring, in hopes of turning young men into leaders this fall.
Coach Small concludes a great Generals practice @DuvalSports @JaxLeeAthletics pic.twitter.com/VVSjsudWuU
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) May 11, 2016
Coverage by Phil Myers
Story by Andre’ Ellis
