2024 Preview: Blacksburg Wildcats

While the 2023 record shows 3-7, Blacksburg has a lot of talent that will be on full display as head coach Josh Batchler and the Wildcats will be looking to turn things around in 2024.   “I feel really excited about this year. The team has put in a lot of work over the past few months in the offseason so, going into the season, we feel pretty confident that we can win the region and the state championship,” wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1149058' first='Ziyon' last='Harris'] said.   Along with Harris returning on offense will be [player_tooltip player_id='1013061' first='Cameron' last='Cobb'], who led the team in receptions last year with 55 receptions for 747 yards and five touchdowns. One of two transfers for the Wildcats includes Tristan Harris from Gaffney, a receiver who Batchler says is a burner on the outside. Hart Crawford will be an anchor up front on the offensive line.   “We've got a lot of guys who can catch the football and we've got good problems. We're going to have to figure out how to distribute and get it around to those guys but offensively, man, we're excited about the opportunity to go out there and get on the field and try to light the scoreboard up, something we've haven't been able to do at Blacksburg in the past five years,” Bachtler said.   On defense, [player_tooltip player_id='1820671' first='Chanzell' last='Bonner'], who also played on the offensive line has had a great summer and worked hard in the weight room according to Batchler, returns on the defensive line. Carter Oglesby also returns up front on the line as well.   Blacksburg opens the 2024 season at home against Ware Shoals on August 23.   STARS SET TO SHINE   [player_tooltip player_id='1149066' first='Josh' last='Sims'] QB, 2025 – Sims (pictured above) returns for his senior season following a strong 2023 campaign, completing 59% of his passes and throwing for 2040 yards and 21 touchdowns. He has been in talks with Western Carolina University and says the summer has gone well.   Improvements heading into 2024: “Definitely getting stronger and faster. Also, I've worked with my receivers getting down some new concepts and old concepts, getting the timing right.”   Batchler on Sims: “I think he's gotten better, especially in the cognitive realm. He's always had the skill set but learning what he's looking at and understanding what we're wanting him to do, where we want him to go with the football and being able to take what the defense gives us has been a real big thing for us in the offseason.”   [player_tooltip player_id='1149058' first='Ziyon' last='Harris'] WR, 2025 – The Wildcats' second leading receiver in receptions is back for his senior year to accompany Sims. Harris dealt with an ankle injury that hampered him throughout 2023, but he still caught 45 receptions for 579 yards and five touchdowns. He's been working with his quarterback on timing and improving his catching abilities.   Saad Lavendar WR/S, 2025 – Lavendar burst onto the scene out of nowhere, according to Batchler, splitting time and playing on defense but he'll be someone the Wildcats lean on in 2024. He's been focusing on getting his timing down with his quarterback and on his route running.   Messiah Fields DL, 2025 – The Gaffney transfer is someone Batchler calls “a breath of fresh air.” He can attack the line of scrimmage and apply pressure on the quarterback, especially off the edge.    FILM REVIEW   Shun Rogers RB/WR, 2026 – Rogers helped Blacksburg light up the scoreboard in their wins in 2023 recording 40 receptions for 490 yards and four touchdowns, and we expect the same in 2024. He has a great burst of speed once he gets out into the open field and has good vision. He lined up in the slot and showed an ability to make people miss once he gets the ball in his hands. He doesn't waste time trying to dance in space, it's just good north and south progress.     UP AND COMING POTENTIAL   Treyvon Clark OL, 2027 – Clark is an extremely strong lineman who played as a freshman on varsity last year. Batchler hopes he will have a breakout year now with more experience under his belt.   Lane Rising OL, 2027 – Another strong lineman that Batchler is expecting big things from after his freshman campaign.    Odom transferred to Blacksburg from Indian Land and he is a guy Batchler is excited about. He has a great burst of speed once he's able to find the hole and he can elude defenders in space as well.

While the 2023 record shows 3-7, Blacksburg has a lot of talent that will be on full display as head coach Josh Batchler and the Wildcats will be looking to turn things around in 2024.