El Dorado head coach Steven Jones announced the offense could be more of a ground attack this season. That’s music to the ears of senior tailback Shadarious Plummer, the MVP of last year’s state championship game.
Plummer rushed for 1,290 yards and 23 touchdowns as a junior. Jones expects his load to be similar this season.
“I don’t think his role will change much,” said Jones. “With our personnel, plugging different guys in spots, we’ll still have explosive ability out on the edge. We’re going to put Shadarious in the best possible scenario to run the football. I think we’ll get numbers at times because of what we have out on the edge.”
The offensive changes, for Plummer, will be subtle. He’ll show a tad more patience in the hole.
“I like it,” he said. “The only thing I need to work on now is my conditioning, being able to run more plays. This year I’m going to be running more plays than I was last year.”
The Wildcats lost three starters from the offensive line to graduation but will utilize more tight ends and fullbacks. The back and offensive line have to sing from the same song book.
“We’re improving. They’re getting better every day. We’re coming along,” Plummer said.
“He’s a good back. He makes your job easier,” said right guard Jamaal Green. “He knows how to bring the linebackers to you and press the double. That makes your job easier. When he presses the double, he makes them come down instead of hitting it too early and we have to chase after them.”
After last year’s success, Plummer’s standards for himself increased. He’s looking forward to a big year in the Wildcats’ offense.
Jones said he’s still the same guy, however.
“I think he’s a pretty grounded guy. He takes everything in stride and has a good attitude. He understands that his role on the team is important. But he also understands that he needs to continue to improve. He’s done a good job so far of coming in and continuing to work to be the best he can,” said Jones.
“We’re going to try to get him the ball as much as we can. We’re going to do what we’ve done since I’ve been here, which is take what the defense gives us. So there may be nights where we feel like airing it 50 times gives us the best chance to win. There may be times when trying to give Plummer 30 carries in a game gives us the best chance to win.”
El Dorado also expects to use Elijah Davis at running back with linebacker Curtis Jefferson also eligible to see some time on offense carrying the ball.
“Curtis and Elijah are more of your downhill type, between the tackles,” said Jones. “Shadarious is a guy who can run between the tackles but make guys miss and he can get out on the edge and make plays with his speed.”