[EKUAlum05]

Belfry loses essentially 4 Senior Starters, 1 Senior Specialist, and 1 Senior who contributed as a reserve.

DL Keilan Carr- Carr provided depth and quickness on Belfry's vaunted Dline as a reserve. I am hoping this opens the door for some young buck to get valuable minutes and experience.


LB Nate Sanger- He was very, very good. Having Wellman back helps soften the blow. Biggest loss here though is leadership. Sanger was the consummate leader. I think Wellman is capable of taking that leader role..Catron also seems a natural fit as a leader. I do believe Belfry has the depth to find a replacement in terms of production, but there will be a definite stretch of bumpy roads as they learn on the job.

P Devin Wellman- This one both hurts, and is minimal at the same time. Wellman may very well be the best Punter to ever wear the Red and White. He was so good and so consistent and Belfry does not have anyone who can step in an equal him. With that said, Wellman barely had to do his craft this year because Belfry was so efficient on Offense.

T Austin Gibbs- Gibbs has been starting forever it seems and graduates with three rings as a Stater. Something no other Belfry linemen has ever done. What you lose here is stability. Gibbs was the anchor as this young and talented line found their mojo and gelled. A kid who exemplifies "Pirate Pride". Will be tough to replace but with the rest of the line back I think this is a prime spot to work a young guy in. Maybe even see Bentley move over and let Barker/Miller take over at TE.

DE/LB, SE- TJ Dotson- Here is the biggest void overall. Dotson was Belfry's "UTILITY" guy. He was a playmaker on Defense and Special Teams in every sense of the word. He provided key depth on Offense and was the guy Belfry could ask to step in basically anywhere on the field if injury arose. Going to be tough to replace his nastiness and ability to change the scoreboard on Defense.

HB Xondre Willis- I am really proud of Xondre. After the early season suspension left everyone shaking their heads I thought he showed tremendous maturity and was vital to Belfry's success. He emerged as one of the best HB's in 3A and was playing as good as anyone in the State. What Belfry loses here is home run ability. His speed was phenomenal and once he got a seam it was over. He will be a tough void because I am not sure Belfry has someone with his skill set ready to step in. Taveon Hunter and Justin Adkins both have potential, but neither are there yet. Would love to see Taveon kill it in the weight room starting now and devote himself to the position. Catron will take on a bigger role, but Belfry still needs that second HB who can take it 60 yards