2023 Preview: Chester Cyclones

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Better was the word Victor Floyd used when asked about his thoughts on the upcoming 2023 season for the Chester Cyclones. How much better? That is to be determined.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I think we've had a real solid offseason with us getting the month of March to do work this year and then having the summer. We were extremely young last year in a lot of spots and I think the maturity level has definitely grown and we've had a solid start to the season,” Floyd said.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='457973' first='Trooper' last='Floyd'] </strong>begins his second year at the controls at quarterback under the guidance of his father. He is recovering from labrum surgery but everything has gone according to plan and Floyd expects him to be ready to go. Six offensive linemen return for the Cyclones but only one of them took starting snaps in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771238' first='Travanti' last='Weldon']</strong>, who<strong> </strong>will be a four-year starter. Right tackle <strong>Donnaven Wilmore </strong>may be as talented as anyone on the offensive line according to Floyd.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On defense, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='816734' first='Terry' last='Radford'] </strong>returns on the defensive line after making a splash his freshman year, accounting for 27 TFLs in 2022. <strong>DJ Coleman </strong>has played multiple positions including linebacker, safety and now he's solidified at the corner spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chester opens the 2023 season on Friday at Lancaster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>STARS SET TO SHINE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='457973' first='Trooper' last='Floyd'] </strong>QB – Floyd is accurate, understands the game and his football IQ is off the charts as he's known the offense since he was a small child. He can check the Cyclones out of plays if needed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771062' first='Reggie' last='Heath']</strong> DB/WR, 2024 – Heath is described as being long, athletic with an ability to run at receiver. Floyd believes his real strength is at defensive back where he can take his future to the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771035' first='Kyan' last='Kennedy'] </strong>TE, 2024 – Kennedy (pictured above) is versatile as the Cyclones will use him at multiple spots on offense, whether it be in the slot or in the backfield. He will also line up in the secondary and use his athleticism there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771067' first='Antonio' last='Hopkins'], </strong>FS, 2024 – The first name Floyd told us to look out for on defense was Hopkins. He is a four year starter who is a candidate for the Shrine Bowl. He's a sideline to sideline player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FILM REVIEW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='997385' first='Elijah' last='Coleman'], </strong>RB, 2024 – The transfer from Legion Collegiate Academy in Rock Hill is a downhill runner and can make plays when he gets into the open field. What was probably most impressive when we turned on the tape is his ability to catch balls out of the backfield. He should fit well in the Cyclones' offense. He ran for 904 yards and 16 TDs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19112316/636bebb82347420d64f346d8' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64dbb20cb88f9"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>KEY LOSS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shydem McCullough, </strong>RB – McCullough was a leader at the running back position and was a home run threat with the ball in his hands. He is now at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>UP AND COMING POTENTIAL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Amari Nesmith, </strong>ATH, 2027 – Floyd calls Neismith an effort guy who moves at 100 mph at all times. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1165099' first='Darriyarn' last='Baxley']</strong>, LB, 2026 – Baxley played some his freshman season and Floyd is expecting him to take another leap in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->