By Chris Parker
Marshfield football will have to replace a large senior class coming off a 5-5 season in 2022.
“We graduated 18 seniors, so that means there is a lot of opportunities for guys to step in,” Marshfield head coach Cody Bull said. “We had some very good players, guys who are playing on the next level. It is tough. We are replacing 10 starters on defense, a quarterback and four offensive linemen. Some guys are going to get a chance to show what they can do.”
Dayvion Harris is one of the key returning players for the Blue Jays at running back.
“Dayvion is a fantastic player. He is threat to score any time he touches it. He is an awesome teammate. He blocks really well. He is a fun guy to coach and watch play,” Bull said.
Harris took 136 carries for 1,076 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior. He was named first-team all-conference.
“Nobody is Adrian Peterson but that is the kind of (running) style (he has),” Bull said. “He can make a cut and make you miss, but he can run through you too. He is a speed player that has the power to back it up.”
Tyler Young and MJ Gritts return at tight end and wide receiver. Young was a first-team all-conference honoree at tight end while Gritts was a second-team all-conference selection.
“They (Young and Gritts) are two different types of players. Tyler is a two-year starter going for three years now. He has really strong hands and is a strong, physical player at our tight end spot. He does a good job finding open windows and making contested catches,” Bull said. “MJ is extremely dynamic. He is not really big. He set our school record in the 200 during track. He is really shifty and has great hands. He can be a deep threat and catch the ball on a screen and make people miss.”
CLICK HERE FOR LINKS TO ALL OF OUR FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS
The Blue Jays will have to replace quarterback Bryant Bull who finished his career at No. 2 in every passing category in Marshfield history.
Junior Tyce Jones and sophomore Carson Adams are in competition for the quarterback position.
“They (Jones and Adams) are two different players. It will be a battle for those two guys,” Bulls said. “I am pretty comfortable with both those guys and feel like we can still get things done offensively.”
Senior Jordan Barnes is the lone returning starter on the offensive line. He will be joined up front by Jacob Minton, Anthony Medina, Shawn Bearden, Brayson Cooksey and Austin Croy.
“We feel like the way our offense is built that we can do a lot of different things,” Bull said. “Dayvion is the bell cow. He is the guy we are trying to get his touches. We have some receivers who can make plays in space and make contested catches. I feel like we can stay balanced and still do our thing. Our guys will get their experience as they go through the season.”
The defense returns one starter in Brayden Hicks at free safety.
“He (Hicks) is a smart kid who is really fast and explosive. He has great hands. Last year he had 60 plus tackles and an interception, so he is an aggressive kid. He is another all-state track kid for us,” Bull said. “(He has) some Friday night wisdom. He has seen a lot of things and seen a lot of really good offenses. Just the ability for the game to slow down for him and help everybody else out could be a big deal.”
Gritts, Brady Jenks and Hayden Swanigan will join Hicks in the secondary.
Carter Pruitt will be a key piece of the defense at linebacker. He started one game last year and played a lot of snaps.
“He is going to be the guy making the calls and setting the tone for the defense this year,” Bull said. “He is a super smart kid and works really hard. He has done a great job in the weight room in changing his body and starting to look like a varsity dude.”
Carter Thompson will also be a factor at linebacker.
Young, Clayton Shipman and Parker Hammons will be the key factors on the defensive line.
The defense will look to play fast and fly to the ball.
“We have got guys who want to play and like to play football,” Bull said. “They fly to the ball even when we are just in helmets. They have fun doing it. They are excited to get their chance. I think their mentality and passion to fly around even when the lights aren’t on is exciting.”
Marshfield will travel to Fair Grove on Aug. 18 for a jamboree with Glendale, West Plains and the host Eagles. The Blue Jays open the regular season on Aug. 25 at Lamar.
Bull will look for his team to show improvement throughout the season as players grow into their roles.
“I want to see our guys’ confidence grow every week and feel comfortable with their new roles,” Bull said. “The way our defense plays I want our entire team to play that way. I want them to play with a lot of passion and energy and look like they are enjoying the game and representing Marshfield.”
