If coach Sean Calhoun can find some replacements on the offensive line, Carrollton could take the next step toward a date in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Trojans are extremely deep at skill positions and their defensive front could be one of the best in the state. But the Trojans must replace three starting offensive linemen, including North Carolina signee Ty Murray, which is why Calhoun and his staff will take the “back to basics” approach this spring.
“We’ll find out who we have who can block, who we have who can tackle,” Calhoun said. “Those are still the things you have to do to win football games.”
The Trojans are serious about getting past the third round of the playoffs, where their road has ended each of the last three seasons. There’s a sign in the athletic facility that reads, “Who are you outworking today?”
“Our goals are to win the region and win our 15th game,” Calhoun said. Carrollton is 31-8 since Calhoun’s arrival.
The Trojans, who start practice on April 26, will have their first week of practices at 5 a.m. The approach ensures the players will be fresh and also makes it easier for college coaches to schedule their visits – and there will be plenty of visits. Carrollton finishes up May 14 and will conclude workouts with an intrasquad scrimmage.
“We’ve got some spots we feel good about and some others that are question marks,” Calhoun said. “It’s the normal high school eb and flow.”
There are few questions about the front seven on the defense. Linebacker Kevin Swint (6-3, 210) was all-state as a junior and has committed to Clemson. Junior Chaz Chambliss (6-3, 225) has already received numerous D-I offers.
“Kevin and Chaz … to coach both of those guys at the same time … it will probably never happen again,” Calhoun said. “The other linebackers are really athletic and can run and they’ll strike you.”
Defensive tackle Robert Johnson (6-0, 275) has also had college offers and Malachi Moten (5-10, 220) is a three-year starter.
“The front seven has a chance to be something special,” Calhoun said.
The secondary is athletic, but doesn’t have the experience. That’s one area where help will be sought this spring.
The offense has two potential 1,000-yard rushers in the backfield in Brandon Marenco and Kodee Brewer, a pair of seniors. Marenco rushed for 940 yards and 14 touchdowns and Brewer carried for 693 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2018.
Quarterback Myles Morris begins his second season. He started the final five games as a true freshman and wound up rushing for 342 yards and passing for 466. Quick and possessing a good arm, Morris is already starting to get DI offers.
As far as the line is concerned, Powell is optimistic that the Trojans will find their guys. He said the off-season weight program produced more members of the “1000 Pound Club” than ever before.
