Daniel still learning about his Hurricanes

Mark Daniel admits that he does not know a whole lot about his football team.

Even though Daniel arrived at Rutland in time for spring practice, he had many players who did not participate. So with the Hurricanes’ season getting close, Daniel gave a diplomatic answer when asked to assess his team.

“Well, until we get them in pads for a few weeks, it will be really difficult to tell what we have,” Daniel said. “I have been able to see that we have some talented guys here, but I also know that we have lost three or four other guys in the last few years that would be juniors and seniors this year that moved to other schools. When you lose a few players, it makes it hard to win.

“We need to make sure in the future we are able to keep players, and the way we do that is to be competitive.”

Daniel will benefit from being able to bring in some coaches who have coached with him before. Travis Reese is the team’s defensive coordinator, while Warren McCorvey is the offensive coordinator.

“I was glad to bring them with me because they know what I want to be doing on both sides of the football,” said Daniel, who won a state championship in 2002 at Screven County. “With school beginning, things are a little crazy because we are teachers first, and we have to get our routine down, but it will all work out quickly, I’m sure.”

Rutland had 52 players dressed out on the first day in pads, and Daniel has seen some impressive athletes.

“K’vian Fuller played quarterback last year, but he looks so good running the ball that we will probably put him at fullback, and Shemar Robinson is a young kid that looks great on defense and at running back,” Daniel said. “But I would have to say our best all-around football player so far would have to be Landon Miller. He is playing at a wingback for us and has picked things up fast. He looked great running and catching the ball.

“We also feel very confident in our quarterback, Takori Grayer.”

Rutland won only one game last year and plays in a region that includes Westside, Peach County, Central and Jackson.

“Obviously it’s a process here, and it is all a matter of how quickly the kids are going to adapt to what we are doing,” Daniel said. “You have to show up for practice, you have to show up to lift weights, and so far, we have done a pretty good job in those areas. It takes up more than a summer to catch up with other schools in the weight room, but we think we are headed in the right direction.”

This story was originally published August 13, 2016 at 4:21 PM with the headline "Daniel still learning about his Hurricanes."