2023 Preview: Andrews Yellow Jackets

For as much as Andrews lost from last year's 9-3 team, the 2023 version is shaping up to be a game of Three Card Monte on offense.   Eleventh-year head coach Scott Durham is good with it.   On first-year starting quarterback and cornerback [player_tooltip player_id='1013054' first='Brandon' last='Cumbee'], Durham said: “He's our guy. He's our leader. He does it all for us.”   On physically imposing tight ends [player_tooltip player_id='1025808' first='Chris' last='Stewart'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1013038' first='Khalil' last='Dorsey']: “We'll probably throw more to the tight ends than we probably have in the last 10 years.”   And on fullback [player_tooltip player_id='448998' first='Lavon' last='White'] going all in after his 800-yard rushing campaign: “I don't think there's any doubt that had a lot to do with it. He had success and the light came on.”   The Yellow Jackets' defense is expected to be stout again (with the 6-foot-5 Stewart and 6-foot-3 Dorsey also starting at defensive end). This was a unit that only allowed 15 first-quarter points in all of 2022 and gave up nearly half of the total points allowed all season late in already decided games.    Andrews' schedule could certainly help this team have that type of production again.   But the indecision opponents feel while the Yellow Jackets are on offense could be a thing of beauty. Well, for Durham, anyway.   Utilizing Danny Ford's old Clemson sets, White will have a chance to double up on last year's production. At 5-foot-11 and just shy of 200 pounds, the speedster can break long runs on every play and is simultaneously getting accustomed to running it between the tackles.   Stewart and Dorsey probably won't see a ton of time on offense at the same time because they need some breaks, but both are huge blockers who can also catch the ball.   And when it comes to Cumbee, his acclimation period is over. With his big brother (Cam) having graduated, Brandon's got two years and all the expectations. Last year, he threw for 212 yards and three scores and ran for another 132 yards and a score.   He's no stranger to playing time, and he's been running this same offensive system for years.   For Andrews, it's time to deal.   STARS SET TO SHINE   [player_tooltip player_id='1013054' first='Brandon' last='Cumbee'] QB/DB, 2025 - A Class 2A All-State selection at defensive back last year, Cumbee had no issue showing how physical he could be as a cornerback. He's still going to pitch in there, but following the graduation of his older brother, he's earned control of the offense. He can throw and run, and he's going to do both this year.    [player_tooltip player_id='448998' first='Lavon' last='White'] RB, 2024 - It would take a deep playoff run, but White has the makeup of someone who could easily surpass a 1,000-yard season and Durham does not hesitate to say White has as much potential as any Andrews fullback since Maleek Johnson, who set the all-time rushing record in 2015 with 1,911 yards.   [player_tooltip player_id='1013038' first='Khalil' last='Dorsey'] TE/DE 2025 - Dorsey only had seven receptions for 193 yards last year, but three of those receptions went for touchdowns. What's more, from his spot on defense, he put up 29.5 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, four pass break ups, three sacks and a forced fumble.   [player_tooltip player_id='1025808' first='Chris' last='Stewart'] TE/DE 2026 - The 6-foot-5, 200-pound two-way threat has big-play potential on offense and is an absolute handful while he's at defensive end. His 10 tackles for loss were tied for the team lead last fall. Keep in mind, Stewart (pictured) was only a freshman then. He's going to be an issue for Andrews' opponents for three more seasons.   FILM REVIEW   Jordan Eaddy DB/WR, 2024 - After some pleading to get the basketball player to come out for football, Andrews found a gem of a cornerback in Eaddy. He finished his first season in pads with 43 total tackles and tied for the team-lead in interceptions (three). Eaddy has the speed to keep up with most receivers and moves well in any direction.    BIGGEST LOSSES   Cam Cumbee QB - The elder Cumbee brother threw for 1,086 yards and 19 touchdowns and ran for another 707 and three. He also chipped in on defense.   Tonk Dorsey LB/WR - The team's leading tackler and receiver had 13 offensive touchdowns and then signed to continue his career at Erskine.   UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   [player_tooltip player_id='1395098' first='AJ' last='Lee'] RB, 2026 - The 5-foot-11, 190-pound sophomore may eventually transition to fullback, but for now, he's going to get his taste of the backfield from the deep position. He won't be an every-down back, but Durham believes he's the running back of the future here.   Aarin Moore WR, 2024 - The recent addition from Savannah, Ga., is 5-foot-8 and 170 pounds and is the short-route option in this offense along the outside of the field. He's quick and has already shown he could be the most consistent option at receiver.   Sharod Sumpter DB, 2024 - At 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, Sumpter steps into one of the team's safety positions. He only played in three varsity games last year but brings much of the athleticism he showed on the basketball court.

For as much as Andrews lost from last year's 9-3 team, the 2023 version is shaping up to be a game of Three Card Monte on offense.