Team Preview: Vashon

When he returned to Vashon a few years ago to become the head football coach at at his alma mater, Will Franklin was focused on way more than just winning football games. Franklin, a 2004 graduate who played wide receiver at the University of Missouri and for the Kansas City Chiefs, left a job at Mizzou to come back home to show the current Wolverines what was possible for them. "We’re giving them hope to show that you can play at a public school in St. Louis City, play competitive ball and have a chance to go play in college," Franklin said, noting that the high school basketball powerhouse has produced more professional football players than pro basketball players. Going into his third season now, Franklin sees his Vashon squad headed in the right direction with a group of players who can win football games and get opportunities at the next level. "I feel very strong and confident with where the team is and us being able to go out there this fall and really turn some heads," Franklin said. "I’ve got some guys that can really play football, but they’re just green. Everything they are being taught they are soaking in. ... They are taking everything to heart and putting their best foot forward." The Wolverines went 3-0 during the alternative season this spring with victories over Lift For Life, Roosevelt and Carnahan before the season was shut down early due to COVID concerns. But Franklin, who had experience with spring football practice sessions in college football, felt like the abbreviated spring schedule set up his Vashon squad for this fall. Here is a quick look at some players to watch for the Wolverines... <strong>CLASS OF 2022</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="177536" first="Codier" last="Gilliam"], 6-0, 300, OL</strong> Vashon’s center and anchor of the offensive line, Gilliam is "active" and "can move," according to his coach. "He’s an excellent communicator," Franklin said. "He has the brains to help our young line." <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11126056/604ff9e25eec240b08c49d73" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="177538" first="De’Marea" last="Ball"], 6-1, 225, DE-RB</strong> Ball didn’t play much this spring because of an injury, but Frankin has high expectations for him this fall -- on both sides of the ball. "He’s a dude, dude," Franklin said. "I could see him being a mid-major kid with his athletic ability. ... He has the measurable, the tools, the grades." Ball is Vashon’s second captain, the coach said. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="177539" first="Coi" last="Prete"], 6-3, 295, OL-DL</strong> Prete, who received a scholarship offer from Alabama State this spring, will play offensive tackle and defensive end. "The kid can play, man," Franklin said. "He was walking around the building when I first got to Vashon. I had to hound him to get him to play football. ... He had a helluva spring. Got his body in shape. Got stronger. Got quicker." Franklin expects Prete to end up at guard at the next level, and cited his ability to move and quick feet. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="177541" first="Niko" last="Blount"], 5-11, 245, OLB</strong> Franklin said Blount is a good leader with a very high football IQ. "He knows football," the coach said. The senior outside linebacker is also the Wolverines’ kicker. <strong>CLASS OF 2023</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="177542" first="T’Darrian" last="Owens"], 6-3, 305, DL</strong> Vashon’s captain has a huge fan in his head coach. "This kid is going to blow up," Franklin said. "... He is one of the most respectful, hard-working kids I’ve come across since I’ve been coaching high school sports. He is a joy to be around. Every person in the building, every person in the community, likes him. He’s just different in this generation of kids." Franklin said Owens, a defensive tackle, led the team in sacks and tackles for loss this spring and expects him to emerge as a Division I prospect this fall. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14105539/60777ec8420771195cf20e6a" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="177543" first="Malious" last="Cain"], 6-4, 200, QB</strong> Cain, who also plays basketball and baseball, had a strong spring season for the Wolverines. "He’s going to be a dude," Franklin said. "... He can really throw the ball at all three levels." The coach described Cain as a dual-threat quarterback who is a threat as a pocket passer. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="177545" first="Javante" last="Chandler"], 5-10, 175, WR-DB</strong> Franklin expects Chandler, who is also a basketball player, to emerge as a Division I prospect. "He’s a super athlete, one of the best that I have on the roster," the coach said. "He’s a star waiting to blossom." <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="177544" first="Zachary" last="Smith Jr"], 5-11, 185, ATH</strong> Franklin said Smith will play wide receiver, defensive back and quarterback. "Everyone is going to know who he is by the end of this year," he said. "... You put him anywhere, he’s a dude." <em><strong>You can follow Nate Latsch on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/natelatsch">@natelatsch</a>.</strong></em>