Daunting Challenge: Health Will Be a Key Factor in Rebels’ Success

Vestavia Hills head coach Robert Evans with, from left, Kohen Nelson, Harrison Faust, Ford Brown, and Cooper Mollison.

By Rubin E. Grant

In his first season as head football coach at his alma mater, Robert Evans guided the Vestavia Hills Rebels to a 7-5 record and a second-round Class 7A playoff appearance.

But Evans faces a daunting challenge to improve on that kind of success in his second season.

When asked about the outlook for the Rebels this season, Evans replied, “I wish I knew.”

“We lost 43 seniors on both sides of the line of scrimmage,” Evans added. “The question is can we compete up front with the big guys we’ll face. We have tough kids, but we don’t have size. 

“Another thing is, can we stay healthy, playing in the region we do? It’s going to be tough to navigate if we don’t stay healthy.”

The Rebels will again compete in Class 7A, Region 3, arguably the toughest region in the state. It includes four-time defending state champion Thompson and perennial powerhouse Hoover, Vestavia Hills’ arch-rival.

“My goal for our team this year is to have a winning record against the five best teams on our schedule at the end,” Evans said.

Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the 2023 Rebels:

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks

John Paul Head returns for his senior season as a second-year starter. He accounted for more than 3,500 yards total offense and 38 touchdowns last year, surpassing 1,000 yards both passing and running.

“Having J.P. back is a plus,” Evans said. “He’s a guy who can hurt you with his arm and his legs. He’s faster and has gotten more athletic. He’s tailor-made for what we do.”

Brayden Robertson, a 6-5, 200-pound junior, and freshman Charlie Taafee are the backups.

“Brayden does a good job and Charlie is a mature, skilled athlete,” Evans said.

Running Backs

Junior William Tonsmeire will be the Rebels’ primary ballcarrier.

“He’s an explosive, efficient back,” Evans said. “He’s also a very talented baseball player. He’s got several offers to play baseball.”

The other running backs in the mix are sophomore Carson Purdy and senior Caden Taylor, who transferred from Gulf Breeze, Florida.

“We’re going to have a running back by committee,” Evans said.

Receivers

Senior Keown Richardson returns to head up the receiving corps after catching 45 passes for 602 yards and five touchdowns last season. Senior Jaden Daniels also is back to complement him.

Senior Cooper Mollison is a slot receiver who knows how to get open. 

“He’s a solid possession guy,” Evans said.

Junior Chase Webb, a speedster who was second in the state in the Class 7A 100 meters in the spring outdoor track and field meet, is a deep threat. Junior Carson Mann also is in the mix.

Junior Bruce Littleton will play some H-back and tight end.

“He brings us a lot of toughness,” Evans said. “He will be a good matchup piece for us.”

Offensive Line

Junior guard J.D. Livingston is the only returning starter.

Versatile sophomore Caleb Boylan also will start at either guard or center. Senior Ford Brown, a converted linebacker, will play tackle. Senior Hill Hughen will be the other tackle.

“We don’t have a lot of depth,” Evans said. “We’ll have some competition in camp to see who steps up to be that fifth guy.”

DEFENSE

Defensive Line

Defensive end Jordan Ross (6-5, 230 pounds) is one of the top edge recruits in the nation. He had 49 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks in 2022.

“He’s gotten a lot of well-documented accolades,” Evans said. “He’s a freaky good athlete.”

Outside of Ross, Evans said the Rebels are trying to find the other defensive linemen. 

“We’ve got eight to 10 guys competing and they’re all seniors.”

Linebackers

“I feel good about our linebacking corps,” Evans said.

Junior Jacob Watson will start at middle linebacker. 

“He’s the alpha dog,” Evans said. “He likes contact.”

Junior Grayson Bruno will start at weak side linebacker and senior Gibson Bean will start at strong side linebacker.

Secondary

Seniors Kohen Nelson and Kaden Daniels will be the starting cornerbacks while the safety positions will rotate between junior Spence Hanna, senior Bo Shea and sophomore Cross Tonsmeire. 

“I feel good about our secondary,” Evans said. “Spence reminds me of Ben Abercrombie (who played at Hoover). He’s smart and tough.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

Senior Carter Shirley, a standout soccer player who played football for the first time in 2022, returns as the place-kicker. 

“He did a great job last year,” Evans said.

Junior Owen Simpson will handle the punting. 

“He’s got a big leg,” Evans said. “We’ll also use him on kickoffs.”

Senior Charlie Ingram will serve as the long snapper.