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Panthers looking for Oline
Stokes
Returning from last season, Julian Stokes (13) is poised to be this season’s starter. The Panthers are looking for more depth in the quarterback position but are focusing on replacing three offensive linemen that graduated this year. - photo by By Patty Leon / Coastal Courier
Spring football continues for another week for the Liberty County Panthers, and the search is on for the big guys to replace three graduating players who were on the offensive line.
Panther football head coach Kirk Warner said he lost three linemen, including center Jonathan Davis. While the center position is usually difficult to fill, the coach feels fortunate that his main backup for that position is returning.
“We got Robert Rodriguez coming back as center,” the coach said. “He was our main backup so we are happy to have him back with us.”
He said he does have two starters from last season returning to fill gaps in the line, but his main focus throughout the summer will be to find the guys who can jail their opponents, locking them away from the quarterback.
As for the quarterback position, Julian Stokes has returned to the line up. He and Henry Barrett shared the QB job last season successfully. Dimitri Stinson has returned and is poised to share the snaps as a backup or starter and the coach said he has a freshman who is developing in that position.
To round out the offense the coach is also looking at his receiving squad.
“For receivers we are looking at several things,” he said. “Number one they have to be able to block downfield and number two, we are planning to throw it more so they have to be able to catch it.”
The Panthers will finish spring training on May 16. They plan to hit the weight room around June 2 to begin their summer tour.
Throughout the workout, the coach is looking for players who can commit and play the game.
“We have some that can be good,” he said. “They have the athletic ability.”
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