Big Red not sitting still as they try to duplicate 2022 run to the finals

Talking to Gainesville coach Josh Niblett, you get the sense that he doesn’t sit still for long.

He is taking that same approach with his Red Elephants, who come into the 2023 season with plenty of talent, some question marks, and more than a few bullseyes on their backs after a Class 6A state runner-up finish.

“There are a lot of eyes on these kids after last season, so we can’t afford to sit still for one second as a program,” Niblett said. “The big thing to worry about sometimes is complacency after a season like we had last year. Our job as coaches is to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

The Red Elephants have several key guys back with quarterback Baxter Wright, who had a breakout season last year, tight end Sky Niblett, wide receiver Travien Watson, and most of their offensive line led by senior center Noah Covarruvias. Seniors Christian Green (guard), Jamel Jones (guard), and Stewart Daniels, who missed time last year, along with junior tackles Alex Payne and Will Turner, all return.

Defensively, however, is where they will have the most ground to make up after graduating eight starters from a group that allowed just 16.7 points/game in the rugged Class 6A. They also will be working in some new additions as well.

Returning starters Kadin Fossung (sophomore) and Julius Columbus (junior) should anchor the line, and they got a huge addition up front in the transfer of senior Champ Thompson from Meadowcreek. Sophomores Xavier Griffin and Marshall Leonard are back after limited action last season, along with junior Brandon Bailey, to give the line some solid depth.

Junior Carmelo Bryd is back to anchor the linebackers along with senior Zee Harvey. In the secondary, Cash O’Callaghan and Roger Holder, who missed six games in 2022, return, and they will get help from LSU-commit Zion Ferguson, a transfer from Grayson. Senior Nick Taylor also will give them some depth on the back end.

Niblett said the focus has been on their opener against Marist at City Park and trying to add some new wrinkles on both sides of the ball.

“The first priority is to stay healthy and continue to develop depth on both sides,” he said. “When you look at Baxter, he’s really understanding the offense, and we’re adding some things. He’ll have a little more free reign out there because of that.

“Overall, the summer went very well. We went to some tough padded camps and 7-on-7s and really competed, which is what we wanted to see. We have several guys that are having to step up into starting roles, and they’re a little inexperienced.

“Our biggest thing was just to constantly challenge the guys and not let them be able to sit still. Last year was a great season, but it’s over. This is a new year.”

GRADUATION STINGS
RB Naim Cheeks, DL/OL Stacey Hopkins, OL Ethan Couch, WR Darius Cannon, WR Tre Reece, DE Jarious Harris, DE Darion Cheek, CB Elias Ballard, CB Dre Raven, S Samaj Brown, S Zander Lipscomb

EVEN MORE EXPLOSIVE OFFENSE?
After averaging 39 ppg for the season and 41 ppg in the playoffs in 2022, it’s hard to imagine the Red Elephants could get much better in a tough Class 6A. But with a QB that has a total grasp of the offense and playmakers like Watson and Niblett, and the addition of RB Gavin Hall from Hebron Christian (261 car., 2,547 yards, 9.8 ypc, 32 TD), they will be one of the more explosive units in the state.

“We have to be really good with the personnel that we have, and we are excited about the guys we have coming back. With the pieces we’ve added, we are looking to keep things going on that side of the football,” Niblett said.

DON’T GET DEFENSIVE
Big Red lost eight starters to graduation from their best statistical unit since 2010. The early thought was how long would it take to rework the defense. But several underclassmen that saw significant action in 2022 are stepping up to fill key roles, and the addition of two high-caliber secondary guys gives the defense the ability to get up to speed quicker than expected.

HOW MANY STRENGTHS?
QB, skilled positions, OL & DL, LB -- The Red Elephants are loaded at the skilled positions and will have playmakers all over the field on both sides of the ball. Trying to isolate any strength over another will be the challenge for all 10 regular-season opponents.

STILL SOME QUESTIONS
After an unexpected run to the Class 6A championship game, and a large chunk of a young roster returning, complacency may be the biggest obstacle for the Red Elephants in 2023. On the field, staying healthy while trying to rebuild depth at key positions will be a priority.

TOUGH SCHEDULE ONCE AGAIN
It’s the same schedule as in 2022, except Monroe Area has been replaced with Coconut Creek (Fla.). The region title could come down to the final two weeks when the Red Elephants have to travel to North Forsyth and Jackson County to close out the season. Expect the region title to be decided in those final two weeks.

WHAT’S TRENDING
The Mercury exploded out of the thermometer for Big Red in 2022, and it looks like they may be building for the long haul. They are among several teams expected to be state title contenders in 6A and, barring an upset along the way should be poised for a return trip to the title game.

(Walker McCrary contributed to this story.)

Baxter Wright returns at quarterback. Photo/Seth Chapman

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