2025 Preview: Green Sea Floyds Trojans

Green Sea Floyds football is in somewhat of a perilous situation. The Trojans are coming off a season in which they only had seven seniors, and they went with a youth movement that saw a lot of sophomores and freshmen move into starting roles.   Now, they have four seniors on the roster and hope those youngsters from last season can become the leaders of this year.   “We didn't really have people to show us what we need to do and how to be leaders,” junior wide receiver Hunter Stroud said. “We've had to figure it out. We're getting the younger players to look up to us and try to be the leaders they need.”      “The biggest difference right now is we're working on a lot better teamwork. There's more discipline among the players. Last year, there was a lot of fighting among us. We're working together and getting things done.”   Head coach Patrick Martin agrees these current players have had to learn on the fly.   “They know that in the past years, the upperclassmen haven't been very good leaders” Martin confessed at the recent Media Day at West Florence. “They're trying to make themselves leaders so the ones coming behind them can see how it's supposed to be done.”   One of the key seniors the Trojans will count on will be defensive and offensive lineman Dylon White. He is 6-foot-2, 333 pounds and will be an anchor on both sides of the ball.   Junior Thomas Gunnells handled the quarterback spot last season, but he's slated to move to fullback now that sophomore Jack Shelley is fully healthy. Junior wide receivers Hunter Stroud and London McClellan will also be key contributors. Junior offensive lineman Jackson Morgan also returns.   Sophomore linebacker Gabe Peer will help lead that unit with White and McClellan.   Green Sea Floyds will again play a rugged schedule. They finished 1-10 last season with a first round exit from the Class A playoffs. But there's newfound hope and Martin hopes everyone stays healthy to give his Trojans a fighting chance.   “Our motto this year is rise up,” Martin said. “Rise up of doing a better job of competing and not letting mental mistakes kill us in the long run. Move on to the next play.”   STARS SET TO SHINE   Judah Lee RB/S, 2027 – Lee is likely to be the primary ball-carrier but will also play safety on defense. He can change speeds well and has a little bit of wiggle in the open field. His biggest asset is his speed and that will be showcased in the return game as well. The Trojans will want the ball in his hands a lot.   Jack Shelley QB, 2028 – Shelley was slated to be the quarterback last season as a freshman but a leg injury in the preseason wiped out his entire season. The 6-foot-1, 174-pounder is back healthy and gives the Trojans a lively arm that should open up the offense. He watched and learned last season and brings a very athletic frame to the position.   Hunter Stroud WR, 2027 – Stroud is going to give Shelley a go-to option in the receiving game. He's going to form a good 1-2 punch with London McClellan. Stroud is going to be able to catch the football at a high point and use his body well. He's a tenacious blocker downfield so that should be helpful as well. Stroud is a natural leader and that is also going to help in several areas.     Dylon White DL/OL, 2026 – The 6-foot-3, 333-pounder is a disruptive force at the line of scrimmage. He plays on both sides of the ball, but his future might be on the defensive side of things. He has an offer from Newberry and more will likely come before the end of the season. He's powerful, uses a bull rush technique well but is athletic enough to make plays in the open field.   FILM REVIEW   Thomas Gunnells RB, 2027 – Gunnells was pressed into the quarterback role last season, and he handled it well despite not knowing he was going to be the starter until just before the start of the season. He was a better runner than thrower so the move to running back should be a natural move. He shows good balance and the ability to bounce off tackles.    BIGGEST LOSSES   Isaac Hewitt FB/DT – Hewitt did a lot of things in his career – offensive line, fullback and middle linebacker just being a few. That versatility will be lost as well as one of the most hard-nosed kids on the team.     Sebastian Alvarado LB/P/K – Alvarado played role on defense from his linebacker position but having to replace your punter and kicker seems like a bigger deal. The Trojans will need someone to step into that role quickly.   UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   [player_tooltip player_id='1820559' first='Beven' last='Shelley'] OL, 2028 – It's rare that a freshman steps in and handles the center position but that's exactly what Shelley (pictured) did last season. He was good enough to earn All-region honors as he started every game. He's powerful with a low point of gravity. He stands 5-foot-8, 247 pounds.   Aaron Fowler WR/RB/DB – It's very likely that Fowler will line-up all over the field as a freshman. He's already 6-foot-2, and 185 pounds and likely will log plenty of snaps on both sides of the ball. He's got great hands and speed so he might fit well as a receiver but he's also going to get some carries out of the backfield. He's going to play in the secondary and should be a good coverage guy as well.    Peer is a hard-nosed player that doesn't mind doing the dirty work. He's only 5-foot-6 and 166 pounds but he doesn't let that deter him in making plays. He fights off blockers well and never gives up on a play. He does well at the point of attack but also can come from the backside and make plays from behind.

Green Sea Floyds football is in somewhat of a perilous situation. The Trojans are coming off a season in which they only had seven seniors, and they went with a youth movement that saw a lot of sophomores and freshmen move into starting roles.