By Joanna Chadwick
So much about offseason football workouts center around the weight room, and Wichita Collegiate coach Troy Black is pleased with what he’s seen with his players.
“I’ve been really happy with where they are,” Black said. “We haven’t had a bad day yet in the weight room, and they’ve been locked in since Day 1.
“I was worried about leadership, but they’ve been positive leaders. I feel good about that.”
Oftentimes by mid-July, there is burnout, but not at Collegiate. That likely has to do how the basketball and football teams split workouts — basketball takes June, then it’s all football.
That total focus on football has resulted in immediate changes.
“This may be why they’re so locked in and focused,” Black said. “It’s new and exciting…. I feel like last year we did too much, but we’re still getting the same amount of time as if we did a one-week camp.”
Collegiate’s lineup will look a bit different. Jaden Parker, who committed to Arizona, moved to Texas.
And graduation resulted in some holes, including at quarterback, where Landon Langston takes over.
“He’s been our JV quarterback, and he’s a very good athlete,” Black said. “He’s a three-sport dude, and he’ll be good once he gets going. He’s a dual-threat guy — he can run and throw the ball.
Sebastian Hines-Turner is back after suffering a torn achilles.
“He’s moving well; it’s not bothering him,” Black said. “I don’t care what he does in July. I need him in September.”
AJ Batiste, who xx in track, is back, too.
“He’s looked really good for us,” Black said. “I’m excited. He’s still raw — he was going to play basketball in college, but now he’s putting more energy into football.”
Julian Johnson is a two-year starter in the backfield and is explosive.
“He’s just tough,” Black said. “When you see Julian, you won’t be in awe of his physicality. BUt he plays so tough, so hard. I’m excited to see what he can do. He’s durable and tough. I’m excited. I hope we can block for him.”
After Johnson had nearly 1,000 rushing yards as a sophomore, he had 400 as a junior.
So Black replaced himself as offensive line coach with Rick Lee.
“What he’s done with our guys in five days has been amazing,” Black said. “I felt bad for Julian last year — he still played hard. We found ways to win, but I’m excited about the line.”
He figures he has eight players who can play on the line this season, including returning starters Ali Al-Sukin and Trip Porter. Gavin Tuhro started late last season at tackle.
On the defensive line, Logan Clay, Al-Sukin and Truro will be key, and there is depth.
“Logan’s a great track athlete, but he’s a dog, a beast in football,” Black said. “Those three will be as good as any out there. Our strength will be our d-line.
“Estes and a couple sophomores will give us some time.”
The secondary is new except for Hines-Turner.
“The depth and lack of starting experience worries us,” Black said. “But if our guys up front are as good as we think they’ll be, we can do some things.”
