By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Chad Depee is entering his sixth season at Ozark and coming off a 6-5 season that ended with a loss to Webb City.
The Tigers will look to reload after losing 14 starters from that team.
The cupboard isn’t bare as Ozark will look to rally behind a pair of talented seniors. Brian Bullard (6-1, 275lbs) is back after an All-COC and All-Area junior season. Classmate Jace Easley also earned All-COC and All-Area honors, totaling 59 tackles and four interceptions.
Easley – one of the league’s top athletes – will also transition to quarterback this fall.
“Bullard is one of the best linemen in the conference,” said Depee. “The offense will lean on him to provide a strong base to build on.
“Jace provides athleticism and a form of quiet leadership to the quarterback position. His presence helps guide the offense. He has been a key contributor for us on defense.”
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The offense will be another unit that plays typical “Depee Ball” with a physical, run-first attack.
Senior Micah Lackrone (6-0, 250lbs) and sophomore Peyton Greer (5-11, 220lbs) will join Bullard on the offensive line after playing 10 games each last year. Senior Nash Rodebush will slot at tight end, giving Ozark another physical presence.
Seniors Cameron Hembree and Marcus Orellana (6-2, 280lbs), as well as juniors Sean Collins and Aiden Townsend (6-5, 270lbs) will provide offensive line depth.
Senior Jake Beets is back after rushing for 350 yards and a pair of touchdowns last year. He’ll be joined by junior Jacob Kronebusch, who rushed for 262 yards last season.
Juniors Michael Westover and Kaden Powers could also see carries out of the backfield.
Seniors Hunter Johnson and Nicholas Shoemaker are two of several players that’ll see time at receiver.
“We will look to control the line of scrimmage, which will allow our athletes to make plays,” said Depee. “We have an offensive line that is ready for a big year in the trenches, and the skill positions are filled with players who have high potential to have breakout years. The offense is a good mix of hungry young players looking to contribute to the unit, and veteran players who have a strong understanding of our offense.”
The Tigers return five defensive starters from last year including Easley with the defensive line bringing back the most punch.
Seniors Luke Hulse (6-0, 235lbs), Mason Moreland (6-0, 245lbs) and Braegan Patman (5-11, 235lbs) are all back in the fold. Senior Drew Blomquist (38 tackles in 2020) and junior Brady Dodd also return.
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Senior PJ Virden (6-3, 290lbs) is expected to be a contributor on the defensive line. Classmate Ryan Dotson, as well as juniors Brock Dodd, Cooper Buvid and Garrett Ballard will look for playing time in the linebacking corps, with Ballard joining junior Ethan Sutherland in the secondary.
Sophomore Jace Whately and Gage Depee have been impressive throughout the offseason and could also push for significant playing time.
“Our strength on the defensive side will be our athleticism,” said Depee. “We have some really athletic underclassmen that will have to step up and be major contributors this season on defense. We will have good senior experience across the board on the defensive line and reliable senior leadership among our linebackers and secondary.”
Ozark will open the 2021 season on Aug. 20 by joining Kickapoo and Nixa for a jamboree. The Tigers will open the regular season on Aug. 27 by hosting Carthage.
