by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@sbgnet.com
(804) 240-2191
It is an uphill battle for Thomas Jefferson football from the start.
Low enrollment in the school means low enrollment on the football field.
Numbers are looking steady this season.
Coach Claude Hataway Jr., in his ninth year, has 30 players strong.
It’s getting them to practice consistently that is the challenge.
But this may be his most talented team in a few years, led by terrific skill position players.
Marvin Robinson returns for his third and final year at quarterback.
His production dropped off in 2008, but in 2007, his sophomore campaign, he had 120 completions in five games, a TJ record.
Hataway is hoping he can return to form, finding guys like Torian Bland, Darius Simpson and Sulaman Kenyatta on the fringes of the Vikings’ spread offense.
Four-year two-way starter Cory Darby is also a huge key offensively (running back) and defensively (linebacker).
“I’m expecting big things from them,” Hataway said. “We’re just hoping with the conditioning and the fundamentals that we’re providing for them that we will be successful.”
ALL ABOUT THOMAS JEFFERSON
Key players:
Marvin Robinson, QB, Sr., 5-9, 180; Torian Bland, WR/CB, 6-1; Sulaman Kenyatta, FS/WR; Cory Darby, Sr., LB/RB, 6-0, 212; Joe & John Gray, DL/OL; Darius Simpson, ATH
Key losses: Donnie Randle, DE/OL; Dante Blathers, DT
Fast fact: TJ has only one home game, against reigning district champion Hermitage.
Big game: at Colonial Heights, Sept. 4, 7 p.m.
Outlook: The best chances for Viking wins is early in the season with Colonial Heights and Armstrong on the docket. TJ was 0-10 last season and will look for a few wins in 2009.
CAN’T-MISS VIDEO
Stephen Lewis’ take on the Vikings
Coach Claude Hataway Jr. interview
QB Marvin Robinson interview
LB Fraquan McNeil interview
MUST-SEE LINKS
2009 Schedule
2008 Results
Back to 2009 Football Camp Tour
Team Page
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