Lampkins says ’Dogs reached spring goals

Posted: Friday, May 25, 2012 12:00 pm

By RANDY CAVIN
Press Sports
Gleason wrapped up its spring football drills on Friday with the Bulldogs working on new things for 2012.
Head coach Noah Lampkins did not have his squad doing a lot of live game day action, but he did have the team work on the fundamentals. He said the team reached all of the goals he set out for during the spring drills.
“We got acclimated to some new things offensively,” Lampkins said. “That is pretty much what we have been focusing on; getting some timing issues down and learning some new verbiage. The kids did pretty good with it.”
As with each spring, coaches are always looking for a player or players who stand out during the spring practice, and Lampkins is no exception. Three of his players have had a great spring.
Senior offensive lineman and defensive tackle Brandon Carrington has been the most impressive player to catch the coach’s attention this spring.
“Brandon Carrington has had an excellent spring,” Lampkins said. “He has been excellent in the weight room. He has increased his strength tremendously.”
Senior Blake Taylor, who made the All-District 13A team in 2011, is another player Lampkins watched have a good spring.
Taylor, who played outside linebacker last fall, is battling Tanner Trevathan for the starting quarterback spot during the spring.
“He is a guy who can play anywhere,” Lampkins said. “He can play fullback, a wing, a wideout and at quarterback. He was all-district for us last and he is just a great player.”
Chase Ezell has made improvements in his game during the spring. Last season he was primarily used as a cornerback. This spring he is taking on a duel roll as cornerback and wideout on offense.
“He was a corner for us last year and we did not have to play him offensively,” Lampkins said. “But we are looking for him to have some explosiveness on some difficult plays this year.”
The head coach is also excited about his 2012 group of sophomores who have shown great improvements in their game since their freshman year.
Spencer Stewart, Slade Williams and Cody Williams are young players who have made the most out of their spring drills.
“Cody Williams did not get much playing time last year, but he’s pushing for a starting position at offensive tackle in the fall,” Lampkins said. “He has gotten a lot better in the weight room and has gotten stronger. He moves well out here so we expect some big things out of him.”
The loss of Conner Verdell, a three-year starter at quarterback, to graduation will be tough on the Bulldogs, but Lampkins expects either Taylor or Trevathan to step up and take on that leadership role for the Bulldogs.
Both players have some experience at the position, so Lampkins is excited about having these two players compete for the spot.
Tight end Gabe Lowrance, who has been a multiple year starter and is another all-district player from last year’s team, is expected to have more great things emerge this fall.
Tracy Perry is an incoming freshman who Lampkins cannot stop praising. He believes Perry will develop drastically as a football player this year.
“You would not think he is a freshman,” Lampkins said. “He is a good looking kid. He is a specimen. He is a kid who is going to cause some disruptions this year. He looks good out here.”
The Bulldogs look to be a bit more balanced on the offensive side of the ball this year. The head coach is looking to throw the ball more this year than he has  in the past.
If the Bulldogs can feed off a more balanced attack then the 2012 Bulldogs should be primed to build upon last year’s success.
The 2011 Bulldogs went 6-6 overall and won their home playoff game for the first time ever with a 19-12 verdict over South Fulton.
It was also the just the second time the Bulldogs have hosted a playoff game.
The Bulldogs have made the playoffs for three of the last four years.
“We are looking for big things,” Lampkins said. “We are wanting to not just be happy getting there. We want to win, and we want to get into the high rounds of the playoffs. That is our goal.” Published in The WCP 5.24.12