On Campus: Clover Blue Eagles

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CLOVER </strong>| Clover is under new leadership with Bennett Swygert, who comes to northwestern York County after departing from Hillcrest in the Upstate a few months ago.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Swygert is excited about the potential that he has in his group in the first few days of spring practice, but he knows it's May and it's still a work in progress with lots of moving pieces, with some guys playing multiple roles as we had a chance to check out the Blue Eagles on Monday afternoon in their first day of full pads.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Our attitude and effort has been tremendous. (We're) still trying to recognize who's who and give them a job they can do offensively and defensively but (I'm) very encouraged by what we could be,” Swygert told Prep Redzone SC after practice Monday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Everything will start and begin with quarterback <strong>Aaron Shealey </strong>(pictured above), who is back for his senior year after throwing for close to 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns. He is a dual threat, as he rushed for 289 yards and two touchdowns. Swygert expects him to have a huge year and says he can make all of the throws.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“He's definitely the leader of this football team, or one of them. (I'm) very excited about what his possibilities are for this year,” Swygert said.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the things that caught our eye watching the offense was the play of <strong>Najah Potts</strong>. Potts had 32 tackles and five interceptions on defense at safety last year. Could we see Potts on offense in 2026? That is something to watch heading into the summer based on what we saw during Monday's practice. He showed great hands on a route to the sideline and ran a vertical route downfield for a score.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another guy to keep your eye on is <strong>Jake Frantz</strong>, who made two impressive catches at receiver up the pike for long gains towards the end of practice. He played safety in 2025 and didn't put up eye popping numbers, but that could all change in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Grady Stone </strong>was one of the workhorses for the Blue Eagles last year, rushing for over 600 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025. He made one tough run during practice where he was patient in the hole. He runs with power and speed when he gets a head of steam. Monday was his first day of practice after lacrosse.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Switching ends to the defensive side of the ball, <strong>Omari Stroud </strong>flashed as he made a great hustle play, chasing down Shealey off to his left. He did plenty of that in 2025, with 64 total tackles. Swygert was complimentary of him and was all over the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Physically, he's as gifted as anybody when you look at measurables. He might be one of the fastest people on the field from point to point.”&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bennett wants to see the defense be more disruptive as spring practice progresses.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>POSITION CHANGES</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Damenion Talford </strong>is transitioning from his defensive line spot, where he had 44 total tackles last year to a stand up linebacker. Bennett says he presents all kinds of issues with his ability to change direction.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Corbin Watson </strong>is moving from<strong> </strong>offensive line to the tight end spot. Bennett says he has surprisingly soft hands and runs well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clover kicks off the 2026 season on the road against Fort Mill on August 21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->