Spring Outlook: Dreher Blue Devils
COLUMBIA | Since returning to alma mater last year, Dreher head football coach Corey Jenkins has worked to build a winning identity from the ground up. “The goal every year is to win each game each week,” he said. “I’m…
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Continue ReadingCOLUMBIA | Since returning to alma mater last year, Dreher head football coach Corey Jenkins has worked to build a winning identity from the ground up.
“The goal every year is to win each game each week,” he said. “I’m trying to teach these guys it’s a week-to-week deal. Just because you lost last week doesn’t mean you can’t win this week. Every week, you have to go out and prove yourself. You’re onstage every week. Every Friday that you step off on the field, you’re onstage. You’re on camera. Everybody is watching.
“The team you play next week is watching. The team we play in two weeks is watching. Everybody gets to see you. Whatever your weakness is, it will be exploited, and I think for us, we’re starting to understand that after this past year. We saw where came out and did things to us that we weren’t’ good at and they kind of exploited that. So I think for the underclassmen there, it really helped us as a team, and we got better throughout the year. So I’m looking forward to it and, hopefully, we can make the playoffs.”
Jenkins will turn to his senior leaders, specifically starting quarterback Colby Fueller, to help make that playoff push. The 6’0, 160-pound Fueller threw for over 1,500 yards last season, displaying a strong arm and ability to make open throws and run out of trouble.
“There’s no team that really does well if you’re not good at quarterback,” Jenkins said. “I think he’ll accept that role and take it on responsibly and go from there.”
His main target last year is rising sophomore wide receiver Kaleb Berry Kaleb Berry 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR Dreher | 2026 State SC . As a freshman, he displayed maturity, a physical build (6’2, 180 lbs.) and skill level of a veteran varsity level.
Jenkins has also reached out within the Dreher student body to recruit players who normally did not sign up for football. His net-catching has brought in players like defensive tackle Antonio Bailey (6’1, 305 lbs.) who developed from a raw talent to a team contributor in his first season.
Another is rising sophomore linemen Eric Jackson who’s making his varsity debut this season. The 6’0, 220-pound Jackson is the nephew of former Dreher and University of South Carolina offensive lineman Issac Harris and cousin of former Dutch Fork and East Carolina offensive lineman Ike Harris.
Jenkins plans to use Bailey and Jackson, as well as other Dreher players, on both sides of the football this season. The same is true for defensive tackle/offensive guard Charley Jeffcoat, a four-year letterman, and linebacker/running back Willie Smith, who amassed 92 tackles, five forced fumbles and two sacks last season.
It’s Jackson’s goal to see the Blue Devils make a playoff push in Region 5-3A with Gilbert, Lower Richland and Brookland-Cayce standing out as the top contenders.
Colby Fueller
Colby Fueller
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- A 2-year letterman who threw for over 1,500 yards last season
- At 6’0 and 160 pounds, shows a command of the passer-friendly offense with his willingness to stay in the pocket to make an open throw to a receiver
- Shows good arm strength on deep passes
- Displays deceptive speed, particularly on RPO reads or to avoid a sack
- Currently bench presses 345 pounds and squatting 418 pounds
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- Made an immediate impact as a freshman as a player after transfer from Gray Collegiate Academy. He showed an ability to get open constantly and picked up offense quickly
- Shows the maturity of a veteran player from his approach towards pregame preparation, commitment to the weight room and studying film
- At 6’2, 180 pounds and long arms, he’s able to fight off defensive backs at the line of scrimmage. He’s also added 30 pounds of muscle during the off-season
- More comfortable running intermediate routes
- Looks to become more of a vocal leader this season
Antonio Bailey
Antonio Bailey
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- Scheduled to make varsity debut this season after playing on junior varsity
- Utilizes raw strength (bench presses 265 pounds and squats 380 pounds) and strong arms to make tackles on defense
- Studies film regularly to get a feel of opposing players
- Dropped weight from 324 to 304 pounds
- Slated to play at both defensive tackle and on the offensive line this season
Eric Jackson
Eric Jackson
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- This is scheduled to be his first season playing varsity level
- The nephew of former University of South Carolina offensive lineman Isaac Harris and cousin of former East Carolina offensive lineman Ike Harris
- Shows raw talent and effort in playing either offensive or defensive lineman
Charley Jeffcoat
Charley Jeffcoat
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- A 4-year letterman who plays on both sides of the football on the line
- A very vocal team leader and motivator both on and off the field
- Uses arm and upper body strength to gain an advantage upfront. He bench presses 315 pounds and squats 565 pounds
- Studies film religiously during the week.
- Received a visit from Mercer
- Wants to improve speed, which is currently 4.9 seconds in the 40-yard dash
Willie Smith
Willie Smith
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- Had a strong first year on varsity level with 92 total tackles, five forced fumbles and two sacks at middle linebacker
- A ball chaser on the field who is aggressive at making tacklers
- Used on short yardage as a running back
- Bench presses 245 pounds and squats 365 pounds
- Uses film study prior and after games to help improve play