Stepping Up: Bucs Are ‘Totally Different Team’ With the Same State Championship Goal

Hoover coach Wade Waldrop with, from left, Jordan Woolen, Bradley Shaw, Rashad Smith and Cooper Darty.

By Rubin E. Grant

Wade Waldrop’s first season as Hoover’s head football coach in 2022 ended the same way as Josh Niblett’s final four seasons: with a loss to Thompson in the Class 7A semifinals.

But instead of focusing on what happened last year and the previous years, Waldrop is more concerned about the 2023 Bucs pulling together as a team. 

“We’re a totally different team,” Waldrop said. “We graduated a lot of good players, but we’ve grown a lot since January. We want to get even better before we play any games.”

That’s not to say Waldrop isn’t concerned about ending Hoover’s streak of semifinal losses.

“The goal is the same as it’s always been here: to win a state championship,” he said. “That’s always the standard. Now it’s the next group’s turn to step up and try to make it happen.

“We might need a couple of weeks to see who we are. We can’t look too far ahead. We need to play some games to grow. I’m excited to see how we do.”

With seven starters returning on offense, the Bucs figure to put points on the scoreboard.

“Offensively, we feel like everybody at every skill position can do something with the ball,” Waldrop said.

Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the 2023 Bucs.

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks

Noah Schuback finished the 2022 season as the Bucs’ starter as a freshman and heads into his sophomore season as the projected starter.

“I liked what he did down the stretch,” Waldrop said, “but we’ve got three or four guys getting reps.”

The others are Andy Howard, a transfer from Albertville, junior Brady Sheppard and sophomore Jonah Winston, who will spend most of his time at receiver.

Running Backs

The Bucs will rotate three players in the backfield, seniors Kamal Amerson and Chalmers Peters, and sophomore Keilan Jefferson.

“All three are different, but they are really good, strong runners,” Waldrop said.

Receivers

Winston heads up a strong receiving corps that also includes seniors Jordan Woolen and Fred Dunson.

Others in the mix are juniors DeMarion Gardner, Avery Crawford and Moss Fleming, and sophomore Jeremiah Tabb. 

“I really like our depth,” Waldrop said. “We’ve got six to eight guys who can play. They’ve all had a great offseason.”

At tight end, the Bucs will employ juniors Chris Warren and Braydon Gerstenberg, and senior Payton Morris.

Offensive Line

The Bucs are solid up front with eight guys capable of seeing action, including three returning starters – senior guard Rashad Smith, junior tackle Toby Richard and junior guard-tackle T.J. Fields. 

Junior Trot English will start at center. Juniors Storm Fain and Samson Coler are competing for the other guard spot. Junior Tyson Batchelor is moving to tackle after playing tight end last year. Senior Jamie Travis will be the backup center.

“I think we have a chance to have a great offensive line,” Waldrop said. “All eight guys are getting a lot of reps.”

DEFENSE

Defensive Line

The Bucs have only one returning starter on the defensive line, senior Michael Nixon, who will play inside. Three others working on the interior are seniors Micah Hampton and Jamar Jones, and junior Pa Drammeh.

The defensive ends are junior Cam Torbor, senior Jimmy Morrell and sophomores Henry Smith, Justyn Hartley, Tyson Bacon and Braden Rudolph.

“We’ve got guys who play defensive end or defensive tackle, which gives us some flexibility,” Waldrop said.

Linebackers

Senior inside linebacker Bradley Shaw (6-2, 210) could be one of the top linebackers in the state.

“He has the ability to make every play on defense, and that’s special,” Waldrop said.

“He’s a great athlete.”

Senior Cooper Darty and sophomore Trey Sanders also will play inside linebacker. 

“I think Trey will be big time,” Waldrop said.

Seniors Preston Morrison and Chris Wilburn, and junior Parker Hubbard, are expected to play outside linebacker.

Secondary

“I think the secondary is our biggest question mark,” Waldrop said. “We graduated three cornerbacks and three safeties, guys who played a lot of football.

At corner, the Bucs are looking to juniors J.J. Moultrie and Donell Williams as starters, with junior Tre Darden, sophomore Jackson Lassiter and senior Omari Bryant also vying for playing time.

At safety, senior Jeremy Cook has moved back from offense. Seniors Steele Lower, Kasey Zylstra and Braydon Gertenberg are also at safety, along with juniors Cameron Spates, Jeremiah Robinson and Steven Snodsmith, and sophomore Caleb Cook.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Bucs have to replace standout kicker Peyton Argent, who’s at the University of South Carolina. Waldrop said junior Matthew Daibes, sophomore James Bryant and junior Grant Weighall are working hard to fill the void.

Senior Garrett Brasher has emerged as the punter, with either Zylstra or sophomore Lincoln Anderson as the long snapper and Sheppard as the holder.