Fresh off a state semi-final appearance, the Lobos are back on the field for spring practice on April 23rd. Led by a slew of returning lettermen and a successful off-season, Longview looks to take their games to another level this fall and make another attempt at a state championship. Spring football is a great opportunity for coaches to experiment with lineups. For players, spring is about proving that you've improved over the off-season. The elder statesmen are looking to prove their dominance in the program, while showing they too have improved. The recruits are out to prove to colleges that they can play at the next level. The younger guys will be scratching their tails off to prove that they will too have a chance to play on Friday one night.
QB
The Departed: Jordan Lawson
The Proven: Junior Haynes King is back after leading Longview to a 10-1 record the last 11 games of the season last year. King will be the lead catalyst to an offense that was historically good last year. Expect the offers to go up from the three he already has if he continues to improve day in and day out.
The ?s: Who will assume the back up position?
Senior Juvarrs Lampkin has started the past two years at the JV level. He has a live arm and great athleticism. While Lampkin will have the chance to earn a spot on the defensive side of the ball, don't be surprised if he spins the ball a couple times this spring.
Junior Jayden Williams is a great athlete and spent the majority of his time at running back during his career. As a freshman Williams started the first 4 games at quarterback while Haynes was injured. Williams has zip on his passes and the ability to make people miss.
Sophomores Jacoby Jackson and Otarvio Buchanan more than likely won't see varsity action this spring or fall, but the young athletes will have the opportunity to showcase what they can do on the JV end of the field.
RB
The Departed: JaQuan Edwards
The Proven: Seniors Keilyn Williams and Jessie Anderson headline a position which has always been a strong suit for Longview. Williams fresh off a 1200 yard, 20 Touchdown effort will be the lightning to Anderson's thunder, who started the year off as the starter before missing 11 weeks to a dislocated wrist. The 6' 235 lbs back will be looking to run through the defense and prove that he's ready to help tote the load this year.
The ?s: Who will be the back ups?
If Anderson is to stay at the tailback position, we'll need a FB to step up. Two juniors vying for that opportunity are Kevin and Jaharious Jones (no relation.) Kevin's a load to tackle out of the backfield and showcased solid hands through his sub-varsity play, while Jaharious plays with great effort and might be able to replace Paul Hutchins in the blocking department.
Sophomores Kaden Meredith and Markevion Haynes will be looking to get a chance to help out on the varsity level if they produce this spring. Kaden electrified on the freshman level with over 20 touchdowns and is also on the varsity 4x100 sprint relay team. Haynes is a tough kid who can catch, run and also will get a chance to play linebacker.
WR
The Departed: A'Darius Carter
The Proven: Kamden Perry established his self with one of the greatest catches in program history to eliminate Lufkin in the regional final last year. He returns along with Jacob Johnson who produced 17 catches last year before his season ended prematurely with an ankle injury.
The ?s: Kaden Kearbey was moved up to the varsity at the tail end of the year last year and didn't see much time. The 6'1 junior receiver will be looking to establish his self as one of the primary targets this season. Juniors Kyas Moore and Keith Halton will look to show they're Friday Night worthy this spring after having productive years on the JV.
Sophomore Cedric Hopkins Jr. might have some opportunities this spring as practices continues. The 6'1 receiver proved to have great hands this past season on the freshman level and has the potential to make plays, maybe even next year.
TE:
The Departed: Jaylin Brown
The Proven: DaQuavion Randall caught 8 passes and 2 touchdowns last season, but was a key catalyst in our run game last season. He dominates on the end of the line of scrimmage and with Jaylin Brown gone, his opportunities should increase in the passing game.
The ?s: It's not a question of who Logan Peters is at this point to Lobo Nation. The question is will he be able to contribute this season on the varsity. He has experience, playing on special teams and playing at the tail of games, but Peters will be out to show he can do more this spring. Junior Jhailon Braden was a standout on the JV this season and has done nothing but grown this off-season. At 6'2, around 215, Braden will look to bring his play-making and gritty blocking style to the varsity this season.
Sophomore Austin Pencheon has a shot of contributing to the varsity this upcoming season, but it will start with a dominant spring. Pencheon was a key member of the undefeated freshman team, starting at both DE and TE for the Lobos.
OL:
The Departed: Jordan McCowin and Danny Slayton
The Proven: The combination of Seniors Gavin Roberts, Kaylon Allen, Marcus Harry, and Junior Parker Cox started the final 10 games of the season. While at times, the OL may have struggled to move opponents, hardly ever do offensive lineman struggle two years in a row under John King. Their experience up front will lead an offense that will need them to make way if they are to meet their potential.
The ?S: Senior TCU commit Marcus Williams played in just 3 games last year before suffering a season ending ankle injury. Williams has gained weight on his 6'7 frame, but will have to prove that he's healthy and ready to rejoin the starting line up.
Seniors Brady Miller, and Brian Bell will compete not only for a starting position, but will have to fight off juniors from the JV team to hold their position as twos last year, and Sophomore Markendrick Beall who was a standout for the freshman team at 6'3 275 lbs.
DL:
The Departed: Ke'Aundre Mauldin, JC Blakemore, Demarjai Devine, Trae Williams, Jaiden Smith and Montavion Reed
The Proven: None
The ?s: Seniors Jordan Wallace, Jaylon Allen, Jared Reese, and Jaiden Rollins played lots of snaps last season, but will have to prove they can produce on the levels of the departed. Making a position change is Senior Cameron Starling. The 6'1 210 lb senior will get the chance to show what he can do as a defensive end this spring. These seniors will receive heat from Senior Reuben Flores and Juniors Andrew Beltran, Sawyer Goram-Welch, Michael Mavunga, and Marque Jackson. Overall the depth of the defensive line is encouraging, but someone will have to arrive and make a name for themselves.
LB:
The Departed: Kevion Bush
The Proven: Javonte' Writt was a 2nd team All district selection who saw his play improve as the season continued. Writt finished with over 100 tackles and will be looking to leave a mark of one of the best to come through at the position.
The ?s: Junior Tyshawn Taylor and Seniors Cameron Starling and Lakeithan Duffey will have an opportunity to claim the spot left behind from Bush. Taylor was the lead tackler on the JV last fall, and has natural instinct at the position. Duffey started alongside Taylor last season, and with a strong off-season has turned heads of the staff. While Starling will be dibbling and dabbling at DE, he'll be considered a LB if need be.
Sophomores LaQuaylon Hale and Kybrien Jackson-Jamerson are two impressive looking specimen for the linebacker position. With the experience ahead of them it'll be a long shot for them to actually start, but don't be surprised if either of those two make their way to the older end of the field this spring.
Safeties:
The Departed: Kyle Johnson, Javotrick and Davotrick Dotrey
The Proven: 2 time All-State Jephaniah Lister is back to lead a young secondary. Lister is pound for pound one of the best on the team and will once again look to be a staple in Longview's defense.
The ?s: Junior Robert Pierce had a standout season on JV and ended the year on the varsity. He'll have to declare and prove his self this spring while holding off seniors Juvarrs Lampkin and Jay Jackson.
Sophomore Tyree Hale is on the smaller side of players, but has the heart and open tackling skills to compete. It's a long shot for him and fellow sophomore Jack Blackburn to end up on the varsity this year, but the two have plenty of fight.
CB:
The Departed: Jalen Carr and Roshordrick Harmon
The Proven: None
The ?s: Seniors DeDe Armstrong, Tainique Taylor and Juniors Keilyn Carr, Patrick Webb, and Dakirin Buchanan will compete with for two of the open cornerback positions. Armstrong is on the short end but makes up for height with great competitive fire. Taylor in a fill-in role had 3 interceptions last season. Carr just won the district in the high jump and at 6' he's starting to gain confidence. 5'9 Webb is not a prototypical athlete with natural instincts to be able to excel, and Buchanan at 6'1 maybe the most gifted athletically then all 5.
K/P:
The Departed: Chris Kessler
The ?s: Senior J.K. Martin has varsity experience since his sophomore season and we'll compete with sophomore Spencer Powell for the main kicking job. Martin isn't your regular kicker; J.K. finished 2nd in the team's Ironman competition ranking the team's best athletes. Even with that display of athleticism, Martin will have to prove he can consistently knock field goals down.
QB
The Departed: Jordan Lawson
The Proven: Junior Haynes King is back after leading Longview to a 10-1 record the last 11 games of the season last year. King will be the lead catalyst to an offense that was historically good last year. Expect the offers to go up from the three he already has if he continues to improve day in and day out.
 |
| A busy offseason for the kid, anxious to prove he can be even better this fall. |
The ?s: Who will assume the back up position?
Senior Juvarrs Lampkin has started the past two years at the JV level. He has a live arm and great athleticism. While Lampkin will have the chance to earn a spot on the defensive side of the ball, don't be surprised if he spins the ball a couple times this spring.
Junior Jayden Williams is a great athlete and spent the majority of his time at running back during his career. As a freshman Williams started the first 4 games at quarterback while Haynes was injured. Williams has zip on his passes and the ability to make people miss.
Sophomores Jacoby Jackson and Otarvio Buchanan more than likely won't see varsity action this spring or fall, but the young athletes will have the opportunity to showcase what they can do on the JV end of the field.
RB
The Departed: JaQuan Edwards
The Proven: Seniors Keilyn Williams and Jessie Anderson headline a position which has always been a strong suit for Longview. Williams fresh off a 1200 yard, 20 Touchdown effort will be the lightning to Anderson's thunder, who started the year off as the starter before missing 11 weeks to a dislocated wrist. The 6' 235 lbs back will be looking to run through the defense and prove that he's ready to help tote the load this year.
 |
| He took the city by surprise last year, and is looking for bigger and better next year. |
The ?s: Who will be the back ups?
If Anderson is to stay at the tailback position, we'll need a FB to step up. Two juniors vying for that opportunity are Kevin and Jaharious Jones (no relation.) Kevin's a load to tackle out of the backfield and showcased solid hands through his sub-varsity play, while Jaharious plays with great effort and might be able to replace Paul Hutchins in the blocking department.
Sophomores Kaden Meredith and Markevion Haynes will be looking to get a chance to help out on the varsity level if they produce this spring. Kaden electrified on the freshman level with over 20 touchdowns and is also on the varsity 4x100 sprint relay team. Haynes is a tough kid who can catch, run and also will get a chance to play linebacker.
WR
The Departed: A'Darius Carter
The Proven: Kamden Perry established his self with one of the greatest catches in program history to eliminate Lufkin in the regional final last year. He returns along with Jacob Johnson who produced 17 catches last year before his season ended prematurely with an ankle injury.
 |
| Records could be in jeopardy by the time Perry's finished. |
The ?s: Kaden Kearbey was moved up to the varsity at the tail end of the year last year and didn't see much time. The 6'1 junior receiver will be looking to establish his self as one of the primary targets this season. Juniors Kyas Moore and Keith Halton will look to show they're Friday Night worthy this spring after having productive years on the JV.
Sophomore Cedric Hopkins Jr. might have some opportunities this spring as practices continues. The 6'1 receiver proved to have great hands this past season on the freshman level and has the potential to make plays, maybe even next year.
TE:
The Departed: Jaylin Brown
The Proven: DaQuavion Randall caught 8 passes and 2 touchdowns last season, but was a key catalyst in our run game last season. He dominates on the end of the line of scrimmage and with Jaylin Brown gone, his opportunities should increase in the passing game.
 |
| Randall's out to prove he can be a consistent pass catcher and replace Jaylin Brown. |
The ?s: It's not a question of who Logan Peters is at this point to Lobo Nation. The question is will he be able to contribute this season on the varsity. He has experience, playing on special teams and playing at the tail of games, but Peters will be out to show he can do more this spring. Junior Jhailon Braden was a standout on the JV this season and has done nothing but grown this off-season. At 6'2, around 215, Braden will look to bring his play-making and gritty blocking style to the varsity this season.
Sophomore Austin Pencheon has a shot of contributing to the varsity this upcoming season, but it will start with a dominant spring. Pencheon was a key member of the undefeated freshman team, starting at both DE and TE for the Lobos.
OL:
The Departed: Jordan McCowin and Danny Slayton
The Proven: The combination of Seniors Gavin Roberts, Kaylon Allen, Marcus Harry, and Junior Parker Cox started the final 10 games of the season. While at times, the OL may have struggled to move opponents, hardly ever do offensive lineman struggle two years in a row under John King. Their experience up front will lead an offense that will need them to make way if they are to meet their potential.
 |
| 26 game starter Gavin Roberts will need to lead up front. |
The ?S: Senior TCU commit Marcus Williams played in just 3 games last year before suffering a season ending ankle injury. Williams has gained weight on his 6'7 frame, but will have to prove that he's healthy and ready to rejoin the starting line up.
Seniors Brady Miller, and Brian Bell will compete not only for a starting position, but will have to fight off juniors from the JV team to hold their position as twos last year, and Sophomore Markendrick Beall who was a standout for the freshman team at 6'3 275 lbs.
DL:
The Departed: Ke'Aundre Mauldin, JC Blakemore, Demarjai Devine, Trae Williams, Jaiden Smith and Montavion Reed
The Proven: None
The ?s: Seniors Jordan Wallace, Jaylon Allen, Jared Reese, and Jaiden Rollins played lots of snaps last season, but will have to prove they can produce on the levels of the departed. Making a position change is Senior Cameron Starling. The 6'1 210 lb senior will get the chance to show what he can do as a defensive end this spring. These seniors will receive heat from Senior Reuben Flores and Juniors Andrew Beltran, Sawyer Goram-Welch, Michael Mavunga, and Marque Jackson. Overall the depth of the defensive line is encouraging, but someone will have to arrive and make a name for themselves.
LB:
The Departed: Kevion Bush
The Proven: Javonte' Writt was a 2nd team All district selection who saw his play improve as the season continued. Writt finished with over 100 tackles and will be looking to leave a mark of one of the best to come through at the position.
 |
| (36) Javonte Writt and (41) Cameron Starling will have to step their games up this year. |
The ?s: Junior Tyshawn Taylor and Seniors Cameron Starling and Lakeithan Duffey will have an opportunity to claim the spot left behind from Bush. Taylor was the lead tackler on the JV last fall, and has natural instinct at the position. Duffey started alongside Taylor last season, and with a strong off-season has turned heads of the staff. While Starling will be dibbling and dabbling at DE, he'll be considered a LB if need be.
Sophomores LaQuaylon Hale and Kybrien Jackson-Jamerson are two impressive looking specimen for the linebacker position. With the experience ahead of them it'll be a long shot for them to actually start, but don't be surprised if either of those two make their way to the older end of the field this spring.
Safeties:
The Departed: Kyle Johnson, Javotrick and Davotrick Dotrey
The Proven: 2 time All-State Jephaniah Lister is back to lead a young secondary. Lister is pound for pound one of the best on the team and will once again look to be a staple in Longview's defense.
 |
| Lister will have to take on the role of leader after losing the Dotreys. |
The ?s: Junior Robert Pierce had a standout season on JV and ended the year on the varsity. He'll have to declare and prove his self this spring while holding off seniors Juvarrs Lampkin and Jay Jackson.
Sophomore Tyree Hale is on the smaller side of players, but has the heart and open tackling skills to compete. It's a long shot for him and fellow sophomore Jack Blackburn to end up on the varsity this year, but the two have plenty of fight.
CB:
The Departed: Jalen Carr and Roshordrick Harmon
The Proven: None
The ?s: Seniors DeDe Armstrong, Tainique Taylor and Juniors Keilyn Carr, Patrick Webb, and Dakirin Buchanan will compete with for two of the open cornerback positions. Armstrong is on the short end but makes up for height with great competitive fire. Taylor in a fill-in role had 3 interceptions last season. Carr just won the district in the high jump and at 6' he's starting to gain confidence. 5'9 Webb is not a prototypical athlete with natural instincts to be able to excel, and Buchanan at 6'1 maybe the most gifted athletically then all 5.
K/P:
The Departed: Chris Kessler
The ?s: Senior J.K. Martin has varsity experience since his sophomore season and we'll compete with sophomore Spencer Powell for the main kicking job. Martin isn't your regular kicker; J.K. finished 2nd in the team's Ironman competition ranking the team's best athletes. Even with that display of athleticism, Martin will have to prove he can consistently knock field goals down.
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