Harlem has a running concern
Harlem coach Jimmie Lewis thinks the Bulldogs might run into a little trouble this fall.
Harlem's Gabe Greer picks up a few yards in the
scrimmage against Aquinas on Friday.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
The Bulldogs are young, small, too slow and have little depth, according to Lewis.
Losing superstar quarterback Tim Camp to graduation will hurt the backfield, but the backfield is the one thing Lewis can count on working well for Harlem.
The backfield will be led by senior fullback Chris Newsome, one of two returning offensive starters.
"He is the most consistent, steady player on the team," Lewis said. "I know what I'm going to get from him and that is hard work."
Lining up with Newsome will be Evans transfer Gabe Greer.
Greer was an All-County performer at defensive back with the Knights last season, but Lewis is hoping that he will lead the offense this year.
"Greer might be the most physically gifted player we have," Lewis said. "He can do a lot of things and we will need him to do all of those things to win games."
The transition for Greer to the Harlem system has been impressive.
"The transition was seamless," Greer said. "I am ready to go and help this team win some football games. I think I have the ability to do just that."
The third back in the rotation will be sophomore Maurice Williams.
Williams played as an offensive lineman last year and Lewis said he might move him back there because of depth concerns. Although severely undersized for the line, Williams has great footwork.
Williams will start as a blocking back, and Lewis thinks he will excel in any role given.
"He has a shot to play college football somewhere," the coach said.
Filling Camp's role will be nearly impossible, but the Bulldogs are hoping that one of two guys step up to solidify the backfield.
Sophomore Alex Hintz will open the season against Evans as the starter.
Hintz is steady and, as a sophomore, would most likely guarantee continuity by playing in Lewis' system for three years.
Senior Jeremy Larson will also compete for the job although Lewis would rather use him at tight end.
"If he wins the job, he wins the job," Lewis said. "I'd rather have him at a position where we have no one."
A wild card could be another Evans transfer.
Brandon Gray could line up at quarterback this fall because of his athleticism. Lewis says Gray has game breaking speed, and he could also be used as a receiver.