By: Taylor Kauffman
Rogersville enters the 2021 season off a 7-and-3 finish last year. The Wildcats hope to build off that success, with senior quarterback JJ O’Neal leading the charge.
“You know every single time he touches it, you feel like there’s an opportunity for him to be in the end zone,” said Wildcats head coach Mark Talbert.
“I’m excited for the season, honestly, we have a good group of guys coming back and a good group of guys to come in from JV,” O’Neal said.
Last season, O’Neal had 1,358 yards passing and 11 touchdowns, but also led the Wildcats with over 1,100 yards rushing.
“I’m a quick dude, there’s no lie about it, I like to run fast,” O’Neal said. “And then, over time, offense has come with throwing, and I love to throw deep balls. I mean, we work on it all the time in practice.”
“This summer he has gotten a lot better using his arm staying in the pocket, and reading the defense prior to the snap, and making sure he’s going in the right spot,” Talbert said.
But he’s not limited to offense; last season JJ also tallied 40 tackles, an interception, four pass breakups and a defensive touchdown. And he led the team on kick returns with three touchdowns, averaging 27 yards.
“Being able to read the defense while I’m on defense and then putting that to offense helps a lot, seeing where they’re gonna go seeing where I tend to go. It helps so much,” O’Neal said.
His athleticism and ability to play any position have gotten him offers from Evangel, Benedictine and Missouri Southern with plenty of interest still out there.
“On a visit over at Missouri State, they like him as a defensive back, they like him as a quarterback, they like him as a special teams guy and so, you know, you’ve got a very well-rounded individual that contributes no matter where he’s on the field,” Talbert said.
There is no telling where JJ O’Neal will play next year. Right now, he’s just focused on the season ahead.
“What should people expect to see from you on Friday night?” Asked Ozone reporter Taylor Kauffman.
“Let’s hope touchdowns and wins,” O’Neal said.
Rogersville opens the season at Nevada on August 27th.
