Summer Camp: Lower Richland Hornets

HOPKINS | The summer marks a “fresh start” for Lower Richland football.   Head coach Marlin Taylor has praised the Hornets' off-season approach in putting behind them the 2-8 campaign in 2023.   “Every time you can start a new season, it's a clean slate,” he said. “Right now, everybody is 0-0. Everybody is chasing the same dreams, the same goals. This is a new year, new team. So we'll see what we'll get.”   It's especially a new beginning for senior transfer quarterback Aden Jones. After three seasons at Spring Valley, he's hoping to benefit from the change of scenery and provides immediate leadership following the graduation of MJ Smith.    Lower Richland appears to have some offensive weapons to make the most of Jones' talents. Keenan transfer Antonio Adams and senior Caleb Gibson provide a speedy “1-2” punch at wide receiver which adds promising rising junior Terrell Wilson.     Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1255330' first='Noah' last='Lucas'], who has offers from Charlotte, Georgia Southern, The Citadel and Allen, leads an equally deep group at tight end. At 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds and possessing an 84-inch wingspan, he provides a tall target for short passes and a physical presence upfront along with rising junior Tyler Green and Daquan Middleton.    Lucas will also see action at both defensive line and outside linebacker. He, along with linebackers Samtonious Johnson and [player_tooltip player_id='1267324' first='Ophir' last='Hill'], defensive linemen Maurice Horry and Brennon Williams and defensive back Erick Kirkland are the most senior players on defense.   Tackle William Oliver is the lone returning starter on what is also a young offensive line. Along with protecting Jones, they will look to open lanes for returning starter Jamell Meyers and newcomer Zaiyr James.   Lower Richland is back in Class 4A and finds itself geographically challenged in Region V. The Hornets are the lone Midlands school among mostly those from the Pee Dee area (Hartsville, South Florence, Hartsville, Darlington) and Sumter County schools (Crestwood and Lakewood).     Lower Richland will hold its second annual 7-on-7 tournament on June 28. Taylor has invited 29 other programs to participate in the one-day event which will feature live music and food.   Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate.    A three-year starter for the Hornets, he brings experience and physicality to the offensive line. The lone returning senior, Oliver uses his agility and knowledge of the position to overwhelm defensive lineman. He plays through a blocking assignment, often driving forward several yards downfield on a running play. He has a 79-inch wingspan which helps him maintain distance on blocking assignments and he currently squats 445 pounds.     This is his second year on the varsity level. He provides another speedy outside threat for the Hornets' offense, while running consistent routes. He can turn short catches into long pass plays and makes good use of his length to create distance from the defender.

HOPKINS | The summer marks a “fresh start” for Lower Richland football.