“I’m excited about the upcoming season,” said Hermitage Hermit coach Robert Ellis, “I’m excited about the new students coming in.”
Coach Ellis told The Eagle Democrat they would miss the students that left, but they have several starters returning this season. With new students, come learning curves but Coach Ellis feels confident in the Hermits this season.
J.T. Best, a senior, is the quarterback this season for the Hermits. He played wide receiver last season and caught all but one touchdown in the season. Best is a returning three-year starter. Coach Ellis feels excited to see how Best will do this season.
Carter Curtis, a sophomore, plays running back this year. Coach Ellis said Curtis is a fast runner and a smart kid. He said he’s excited to see what Curtis will do this season.
Angel Martinez, a senior, will play wide receiver. Coach Ellis said he has good hands and that his biggest asset is he can run. Martinez played football for the first time last year as a junior.
Drake Thomas, a junior, is another wide receiver for the Hermits. Last season, he caught a touchdown pass. Coach Ellis said Thomas has good hands and good speed.
Tyler Grice, a junior, returns to the team after moving last year. He will play wide receiver this season. Coach Ellis said he was looking forward to having him back this year.
Pete Carrington, a junior, is a center on the offensive line. Coach Ellis said he is a strong kid with a 300 pound bench press and 500 pound squat. He commented Carrington had good feet for a lineman.
Trao Rowell, a sophomore, is tight end this year. Coach Ellis said Rowell is a sharp kid and picks up on stuff quick. Rowell is very physical and has good feet.
Jesse Hollingsworth, a sophomore, is right guard. This is his first year playing, but Coach Ellis said he’s picking up on things quick.
Drelen Marshall, a sophomore, is left guard. Coach Ellis commented he’s a physical kid and a strong player.
On defense, Rowell will play outside linebacker. Coach Ellis said he has good technique.
Hollingsworth and Carrington will play defensive tackle. Coach Ellis said they both do a good job at “clogging up the middle.”
Marshall is outside linebacker. Coach Ellis said he has good feet and is a good tackler.
Curtis will play middle linebacker. Coach Ellis said he plays sideline to sideline.
Martinez will play free safety. Coach Ellis said with Martinez’s speed, he’ll make a difference on the field.
Grice, Thomas, and Best will play secondary. Coach Ellis said Grice was a good tackler and Thomas had good closing speed.
The Hermits have an exciting upcoming season with new and returning players.
