REDZONE 2020: Demopolis Tigers

Believe it or not, there are teams who would be happy with a 7-4 season. But the Demopolis Tigers, who suffered two uncharacteristic region losses in 2019, are not one of those teams. A first round playoff exit only added to the uncomfortable season.

The Tigers were on the negative side of the take-away/give-away stat line last year and that has been on Coach Brian Seymore’s radar as an area of focus for the 2020 season. Seymore hopes a renewed focus on execution and improvement on third down will give the offense a boost and put more points on the board. The Tigers look to improve on their short to intermediate passing game to help make those third downs more manageable. Seymore noted that even being able to move the ball enough to flip the field on punts would give the Tigers a better chance to be successful in 2020.

That said, the offense should be in better shape this year with Peyton Stevenson (University of North Alabama commit) returning to lead the offense for the second year. Stevenson’s skill set could also see some time at receiver. At 6’3”, Stevenson’s basketball skills could prove useful when getting position and going up to haul in a pass.

In those situations, look for Hayes Atkins at QB. In short yardage situations, opponents will have to consider that Atkins could put his head down and run or pull up and hit a receiver headed down field.

After a solid freshman campaign, Craig Nichols looks to step back in as the featured back. Nichols has been motivated in the off-season to build some strength to finish the season stronger than he did last year. Fellow sophomore KJ Rowser also looks to step in a get some serious time on the field. Rowser, a playmaker who has both speed and power, could see time at running back and in the slot.

Price Smith and Cameron Wright look to be the complimentary tandem at receiver. Smith has good hands which makes him a good possession receiver, but also has the speed to get free after the catch. At 6’3”, Wright will be a match up issue for smaller defensive backs.

Four of last year’s starters return on the offensive line. The experience of Browder Braswell, Chandler King, Anthony Howerton and Charlie Singleton is possibly the key to the Tigers’ success.

Defensively, the Tigers allowed a little over 11 points per game last year, which led the state in scoring defense in 5A. The defense returns several underclassmen who started or tallied an abundance of playing time in 2019.

Jay Jones (Tennessee commit) is back for his senior campaign at one corner position. Jones, who has put on about 20 pounds since last season and is still arguably the fastest guy on the team, looks to lead the defensive secondary. Stevenson will pick up defensive responsibilities and join Jones at the other corner.

Sophomores Dexter Boston and Javian Blanks are quick off the ball, hard to block and bring a lot of pressure. Juniors Matthew Witherspoon and Gray Sharpe got plenty of experience in 2019. Both are big and physical and compliment each other’s strengths. Sharpe is at the top of his game on the inside, tackle to tackle with Witherspoon being able to cover sideline to sideline.

Seymore is a firm believer in execution and consistency, especially from his playmakers. Everybody loves to see big plays, but Seymore believes that if the Tigers can improve their intermediate game that the small things could be what gives the Tigers their best chance at being successful in 2020. Those catches under 10 yards can turn into explosive plays on their own.