One spring ago, there was no other option for the Greyhounds on offense than to get up to speed quickly, albeit in less than preferred circumstances.
Not only were there plenty of new faces that had to learn new roles but there was also a coaching staff that was not fully on-time at campus at that point. Flashforward to the present.
Jones County has the same offensive coaching staff as a year ago for the most part, and those coaches have worked with an offensive group that logged lots of experience a season ago. It means that the Greyhounds can now dig dipper into offseason and other work than in the past.
It’s something that makes JCHS offensive coordinator Bradley Hunnicutt excited as the Hounds begin the summer after spring practice concluded last month.
“I think we had a good spring, a real good spring. We were really explosive. It was a lot more explosive than what I had planned,” the second-year offensive coordinator said.
“Now, we’re focused on details, focused on technique, and the kids are way ahead of where they were last year. It’s a big difference.”
Part of that group that has helped the Greyhounds offense forge ahead is up front on an offensive line led by Alex Hammond and Cam Sherman, the latter of whom is recovering from an injury that sidelined him during the spring. They’re also priming to block for a ground game that has a bevy of returning proven experience led by Travis Miller, Kaden Canty and Laquan Pendleton.
“We’re loaded in the RB room; our O-line is going to be stout. We’re confident in that,” Hunnitcutt said. “It was a real good spring, and we’re light years ahead of where we were last year.”
The spring wrapped up with Jonathan Hurley and Ethan Jones at the front of a pack in terms of the race to be starting quarterback, and the plan is to have both compete and push one another through the summer, regardless of who that process eventually yields as the starter.
“The quarterback room is definitely growing. We’ll have a whole summer of watching them grow that I’m really excited for,” Hunnicutt said.
“Competition always makes you better, no matter where you are. You have to keep pushing. “Those two will battle it out until August and make each other better every day.”
