Heading into his second season as Blinn College’s head football coach, Keith Thomas spent the offseason focused on making some big additions on the recruiting trail – literally.
On national signing day in February, the Buccaneers signed 40 players, including 15 linemen as the Bucs aim to bolster their rushing attack and improve their defense in the rough-and-tumble Southwest Junior College Football Conference.
“We went out and signed some lineman to help us with the running game,” Thomas said. “We also strengthened our defensive line because I am a big believer that defense wins football games.”
Blinn’s passing game is expected to once again post big numbers after leading the nation in average passing yards per game last season, but upgrades in the running game and defensive line will help with clock management. Blinn will have a new offensive coordinator in Chuck Parsons, formerly the offensive line coach, and Eddie Jones Jr. was hired during the offseason to coach linebackers and special teams.
The defensive side of the ball has the most contributors returning from last year as 6-foot-4 defensive end Tralund Webber of Cameron Yoe High School had 26 tackles and 3.5 sacks a year ago. Linebacker Justin Johnson of Judson High School was first-team all-conference last year and led the team with 81 tackles while adding 5.5 sacks. Defensive back Jaylon Bowden out of Elkins High School had 28 tackles, 3.5 sacks and a fumble recovery last year.
“I am so impressed with our kids this year as far as their personality and character,” Thomas said.
The defensive line will be bolstered by Tyrell Thompson, Javier Edwards and Robert Brown. Linebacker Kody Hall is another freshman with potential to make a difference.
At quarterback there will be four players fighting for the starting job starting with Luke Klinger, who saw time last year until a knee injury cut his season short. Robert Mitchell is a sophomore out of Beaumont Central High School. Caleb Hill and Timon Nolan are incoming freshman looking to have an impact.
Wide receiver, arguably the team’s greatest strength in 2014, should again be a treasure trove with Kinte Hatton, James Homan and Dillon Birden earning playing time. Tyler Ahrens, a transfer from Kansas State University, and William Howard, a transfer from Old Dominion University, could be receiving threats. Ernest Patterson Jr. will be a slot receiver while Tre’Veon Hamilton from is a freshman that will be expected to contribute.
Sophomore running back Brandon Jackson will be tabbed to help in the improved running game. D’Anthony Hopkins, twins Thomas and Christopher Hutchings and Davon Crookshank out of Fort Bend Marshall will all help in the backfield.
Harrison Elam transferred in recently and will help Blinn on the offensive line. Daniel Russell from should be playing center, Morgan Hunt will play at right guard and Josh Keith will play at right tackle. Avery Jordan and Junior Pierre will add to the line depth.
James Dallas and Davin Pierce will help in the defensive secondary. Garrison Mitchell will be a great corner for Blinn this year as well.
Blinn finished with a 4-4 record last season.
“I am just excited to begin my second year and getting to know more what the league is about,” Thomas said.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 32 NJCAA national championships since 1987. For more information, visit: www.buccaneersports.com.
