The Patriots are switching up their offensive style this season, which head coach Michael Holland is hoping will be to their advantage. Holland emphasized the importance of the running backs understanding the new offense.
OCHS will run a pistol wing-T offense based on deception. Holland said any of the three running backs could get the ball on any play, which also makes play-action passes tougher to defend.
“It’s not just about knowing where to go,” he said. “It’s the timing of it and the motions.”
Senior O’Maury Huggs, junior Jackson Tatum and junior Paris Crowder are the starting running backs.
Huggs will play tailback while Tatum and Crowder will be the wingbacks. Senior Clint Graham will also serve as a backup wingback.
“I really think that each one of those guys are home run threats,” Holland said.
Holland is confident in his backs and said he believes “each one of those guys could have really big seasons.”
He hopes at least one of them will be a 1,000-yard rusher this season.
Both Huggs and Tatum said they hope to make it to the playoffs.
“There’s a lot of discipline,” he said. “We’ve all been coming together and learning from last year.”
The running backs are a crucial part of the team and know they should “lead by example,” Tatum said.
“(I want) to help the young bucks,” Huggs said. “I want to leave here with them having something good to go off on.”