On Campus: Dreher Blue Devils

COLUMBIA – Entering Year Three at Dreher, head coach Corey Jenkins believes he's found the key to success moving forward.   He sees it in [player_tooltip player_id='816750' first='Kaleb' last='Berry'], a 6-foot-3, 195-pound wide receiver who can cause matchup problems with his size and tenacity for getting the football.   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1575390' first='Willie' last='Smith'] possesses similar qualities on both sides of the football. The same is also true of fellow senior Tyrone Bowens who seemingly never leaves the field while playing at nearly every position.   All three players serve the leadership role Jenkins wants to see develop on the Blue Devils. By having players willing to hold themselves and teammates accountable, this will continue the growth of the program which ended a five-year post-season drought last season.   “The kids that I've had for the past two years that are still here showing up, the kids that are under those guys are buying into what we're doing,” Jenkins said. “So it takes obviously two years, three years, maybe even more to get yourself going and get yourself going in the right direction.   “I think our system is in place. I think they're buying into it. I think they're buying lint to what we're doing, but for the most part, I just think it's going to be a player-led team. I think as coaches, we've done a great job of implementing the stuff we want to happen, how we want it to happen, and I think the kids are doing a great job of following that. It's a matter of the kids taking the lead of it. So that's good for us.”   Parents and fans got an opportunity to see those player leaders in action during Thursday's Spring Game. Despite having close to 36 players suited up, the Blue Devils still put together a controlled scrimmage where some of the team's strengths were on display.   For openers, they have a well-sized, physical offensive line. From seniors Deshawn Barnie, Caleb Mickens (who will move to D-back after playing on the offensive line last season), Jashaun Broadnax and Heyward Blakely to newcomers like 6-foot-4, 310-pound newcomer Chansen Evans and Micah Nollen, the starting offensive line averages over six feet in height.   The Blue Devils also have size in the backfield with returning starter Smith. When he's not rampaging at linebacker, he's a power back who also has deceptive speed when going from north to south.   At quarterback, Dreher will look to bring up freshman Walker Rowe. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound could face some challenges looking over a tall offensive line, but Jenkins is impressed with his willingness to learn and does not back down from contact.   Rowe also has potential game-breakers at wide receiver in both Berry and [player_tooltip player_id='275970' first='Tyler' last='Teasdell'], who missed the spring game due to injury. Jenkins believes both players can potentially command attention from college scouts, citing Tisdale's kick returning prowess and the route running of Berry.   Leadership will be key on the defensive side for the Blue Devils. After graduating 19 starters, Jenkins will lean on experienced players like Smith, Bowens and defensive back Joseph Pohlmann and defensive tackle Amarri Ellison.   Berry will also see time on defense at safety as Jenkins wants to put his best 11 players on the field on both sides of the football.   Dreher is moving up to Region III-4A with teams like A.C. Flora, South Pointe, Camden, Richland Northeast, Lancaster, and York which may hold an advantage in depth and recent success. The Blue Devils are not backing down from the challenges of facing such teams and Jenkins hopes to use the summer to increase team depth.   Leadership will be key on the defensive side for the Blue Devils. After graduating 19 starters, Jenkins will lean on experienced players like Smith, Bowens and defensive back Joseph Pohlmann and defensive tackle Amarri Ellison.   Berry will also see time on defense at safety as Jenkins wants to put his best 11 players on the field on both sides of the football.   Dreher is moving up to Region III-4A with teams like A.C. Flora, South Pointe, Camden, Richland Northeast, Lancaster, and York which may hold an advantage in depth and recent success. The Blue Devils are not backing down from the challenges of facing such teams and Jenkins hopes to use the summer to increase team depth.    An aggressive, versatile player, he plays with a non-stop motor on every play. Smith looks to force the action when making a tackle and serves as a field general in getting teammates in the right position when playing middle linebacker. On offense, his power running fits well with a physically-imposing offensive line. Smith also has a burst of speed when he finds an opening.     A first-year varsity player, the rising junior stands out on a well-sized offensive line. He possesses long arms which he uses effectively in pass protection and shows promise at the tackle position. Playing alongside experienced linemen should help Evans develop quickly and he's shown an enthusiasm to improve and correct mistakes.    The Blue Devils' "Mr. Everything" on defense. A player who can line up on the defensive line, at either linebacker position or even play in the secondary if necessary. His quickness makes him an effective pass rusher when utilized at defensive end and his athleticism at linebacker allows him to cover the field. Another player who competes with a non-stop engine and high energy.      This is the rising sophomore's first year on the varsity level. His strength is throwing short passes, but expect that to improve with game-breaking wide receivers like [player_tooltip player_id='816750' first='Kaleb' last='Berry'] and [player_tooltip player_id='275970' first='Tyler' last='Teasdell'] as his main targets. Playing behind a tall offensive line should afford Rowe an opportunity to further boost his confidence. Despite his size, he's not intimidated by physical play and seems to welcome contact.

COLUMBIA – Entering Year Three at Dreher, head coach Corey Jenkins believes he's found the key to success moving forward.