Some Early Tiger Impressions
July 13th, 2010
Most of the pre-season rankings are out and the top tens seem to be in fairly consistent agreement regarding the top three teams. Euless Trinity, Abilene and Stony Point are getting deserved respect. Outside of the consensus favorites, the rankings seem to agree on many teams but the order varies considerably. No real shock. Katy is right about in its usual pre-season position in most of the polls (3-10 range).
This is Katy's strongest overall collection of skill talent since 2007. I think 2007 was stronger at the top in terms of pure talent, but this year's group could prove to be deeper. This is the first time since 2007, and before that 2005, that Katy enters a season with no questions at QB. This is the most shotgun oriented Tiger offense, from a personnel perspective, since 2005. The 2006-2009 editions were all geared for the traditional I formation, although 07 obviously had the ability to spread out when needed. With Aundre, 07 was always going to be I based at its core.
In my opinion, this team's best formation could be the pro set shotgun (unveiled in the spring game). Katy utilized this set heavily in the 1999 and 2000 seasons with Jared Kaspar. The pro set Gun will allow Haack to better survey the field, but also maintain the security of having Joey Chapman (FB) and Jake Dill (TE) in the formation as supplemental blockers and receivers. Chapman and Dill could be very important players depending on how they are utilized. And none of this is to say Katy won't be able to run from under center.
The depth at the receiver position will offer more versatility in terms of alignment. Katy has 4-5 receivers, that I know of currently, capable of playing any down.
The offensive line has the bodies to fill the depth chart from what I've seen, and it will be a matter of which players step up to cement holds on the starting positions. Of course, spring ball helped to start the ball rolling in this area. The defensive line depth is strong given the proven strength of the senior class and the apparent strength of the incoming juniors. I think the Tigers have a good base to build around along the defensive front.
The linebacking unit may be the deepest on the team. Clifton is the obvious top returner, but Josh Dill, Tyler Droog and Mike Hinks also have varsity experience. Incoming juniors will further supplement the talented seniors. The secondary has two veterans to build around with Atwood at Pate. It will be a matter of finding the right combination to go with those two vets. Tyler Buzan earned starting experience after moving up from the JV, where he played WR, during the 09 regular season.
Special teams wise, the return game should be a highlight of this team. Katy has proven experience in both the kick and punt return games that will be accented by talented young players (Jordan Thompson, Kyle Fulks). The return game should be a weapon. Kicking wise, junior Jeff Johnson is slated to take over the place kicking duties. Johnson stepped in and converted a few PATs on varsity as a soph last year.
The North Shore game will be another very challenging season opener in my opinion. The Tigers will be going into the Mustangs' house again. Also, North Shore has overhauled its offense this spring. The Tiger defense will have to prepare for a lot of different things in anticipation of what North Shore might do since there won't be any current tape to go by (although the staff might get its hands on some 07 NS footage for some clues). As always, North Shore's defense is expected to be one of the state's top units.
Overall, I believe Katy is in a good position personnel wise in most areas of the team but obviously has some things to sort out (as does everyone else). I think the team picked four very good captains, but I don't believe leadership will be limited to just those four necessarily. They should have help. This is a strong senior class overall.