By Rubin E. Grant
The script has become all too familiar for the Hoover Bucs.
The past three football seasons, the Bucs have reached the Class 7A semifinals only to see their dreams of a state championship dashed with a loss to Thompson.
For Hoover, playing and winning state titles is all that matters. Head coach Josh Niblett certainly understands that.
“We don’t have a choice but to play for championships, and it doesn’t matter who we have coming back or if (they) are experienced or inexperienced,” Niblett said.
Since their 2020 season ended, the Bucs have discussed how they can get back on top. It’s been four seasons since their last state title.
“We continuously talk about the process and our standards every day, and every day we try to get better,” Niblett said. “We’re focusing right now on what we have to do. There’s always ways of improving for the coaches and the players.
“We have to be more disciplined and tougher than everybody we play. But the biggest thing is we’ve got to finish.”
Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of 2021 Bucs:
OFFENSE
Quarterback
The Bucs will have a new quarterback with Bennett Meredith replacing the graduated Josh Lundy. Meredith transferred from Spain Park, where he passed for more than 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2020.
“We love Bennett,” Niblett said. “We love his game. He’s got the ‘it’ factor. He played in a lot of games last year and has been in this region (Class 7A, Region 3), so he understands the way to approach the game.”
Senior Evan Reeder, who started a few games last year when Lundy was injured, will be Meredith’s primary backup.
“He’s been in our program for a few years,” Niblett said. “He gives us different things with a different skill set.”
Junior Sam Schmidt also is on hand.
“We’re excited about his development,” Niblett said.
Running Back
Ahamari Williams is the top running back returning.
“He’s a grown man,” Niblett said. “We’ve got to keep him healthy.”
Josh Giddens, Lamarion McCammon and Kamal Amerson, a sophomore whose older brothers played for the Bucs, also will get their share of carries. Niblett said Amerson “has a chance to be special.” Another player in the mix is junior Nemo Anderson, a defensive player who moved to running back.
“I like our depth at running back,” Niblett said.
Receivers
The Bucs have some experience at receiver, led by the dynamic R.J. Hamilton and Cotton Peters.
Niblett described Hamilton, a junior, as “a next level” player, although he has already committed to play baseball at Vanderbilt.
“He’s got a bright future there, but there are a lot of schools interested in him to play football,” Niblett said.
Other receivers expected to play are McCammon, Cai Mayowa, K.J. Law, Chalmers Peters, Jordan Woolen and Freddie Dunson.
“We’ve got some depth at receiver, although it’s not very experienced,” Niblett said.
The Bucs also will employ tight ends Jabari Gaines and Sky Niblett.
“They give us a dynamic most teams don’t have,” Niblett said.
Offensive Line
The Bucs have three experienced players in the middle up front: senior center Jason Avelar, senior right guard Jordan Washington and senior left guard Houston Vessey, who moved from defensive line to offensive line last season.
Junior A.J. Franklin, who started much of the second half last season, will be the right tackle and Ethan Hubbard will be the left tackle.
Grant Bonnor will be in the rotation, as will versatile sophomore Hampton Irvine, who can play anywhere along the line.
DEFENSE
Defensive Line
Niblett said the defensive line has a chance to be one of the best he’s ever had, anchored by Markus Clark, who has committed to Coastal Carolina.
“He’s really good,” Niblett said.
Corey Warren, who started the past two seasons, and Terrell Jones can play defensive end or defensive tackle. Both have several college offers.
Niblett likes newcomer Chaleb Powell, a junior.
“He has a chance to be really good. He’s extremely explosive,” he said.
Others in the mix are Andrew Parrish, Jordan Norman and Jaylan Harris.
Linebacker
The linebacking corps has talent and depth with Kaleb Jackson, Josh Carter, Bradley Shaw, Ashton Taylor, Jack Langley and D.J. Estes.
Paul Thompson will be a hybrid player, playing linebacker and in the secondary, depending on the situation.
“We’ve got some depth, but they have to make plays and tackle well,” Niblett said.
Secondary
Junior Jay Avery returns at free safety and sophomore Jeremy Cook will be the other safety. Estes and Langley also will play safety in certain situations.
Junior Dale Miller returns at cornerback.
“He’s one of the best in the state,” Niblett said.
The other players who will receive playing time at the other cornerback spot are Jacob Finley, R.J. Brackett, and Dallas Beck.
Special Teams
Peyton Argent, who kicked off last year, will be the punter and placekicker.
The Bucs also have one of the top long snappers in the nation in Carter Milliron.
