By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Kyle Barkley Era is officially underway in Waynesville and the Tigers should be thrilled.
Barkley comes to Waynesville after racking up a 44-12 record at Lexington, becoming known for stingy defenses and explosive offenses.
He inherits a Waynesville program that went just 2-8 last year and has just one season above .500 in its last 11. However, the program is known for producing incredible athletes, including NFL players like LJ Fort and Sam Roberts.
Waynesville does have the luxury of 15 returning starters. There will be no shortage of talent in Barkley’s first year as he tries to install a new culture.
“A lot is still unknown but I have appreciated how hard the kids have worked during the summer. There have been many new ideas that have been thrown at them and they have taken every bit in stride. Still have a lot of work to put in. The coaches that were previously on staff have been a tremendous help.”
Niko Fau is one of seven senior returning starters back in black and orange. The All-Ozark Conference selection will look to lead an offensive line that returns a total of four starters with classmates JJ Rodriguez, Jonathan Hubbard and Kam Wilson all joining him upfront.
Davin Vernon is back under center at quarterback and Chase Thomas-Plummer and Evander Bradford are returning at running back.
All three players are seniors.
“Our goal is to be multiple offensively and try to control the tempo of the game,” said Barkley. “We want to take care of the football.”
The defense will base out of a 4-2-5, which works well with the talent and experience Waynesville returns in the front seven of its defense.
DOWNLOAD THE O-ZONE APP NOW!
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FOR APPLE
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID
Seniors Josh Bess and Jacob Forshay are back on the defensive line. Classmates Dillon Smith, Mason Wright and DJ Horry, as well as juniors Taumailelei Asi and Mason Perez will look to make an impact at linebacker.
Junior Daylan Registe is the loan returner in the secondary.
“Our goal on defense is to be physical but have the ability to adjust to any style of offense,” said Barkley. “Creating turnovers will be key to our season. We have a good core of kids returning and have been busting their butts during the summer.”
There are several newcomers that will work their way into reps on both sides of the ball.
Senior Diego Edelman, junior Yediel Santan and sophomore Ian Sheppard will compete for spots on the offensive and defensive line. Junior Tyrique Brooks and sophomore Chris Scott will compete for time at receiver and in the secondary. Senior Trey Brown will add depth at linebacker and junior Devin Buckner can find a home at several spots at the back end of the defense.
Junior Bishop Godwin will compete at quarterback and in the defensive backfield.
With getting the job late, Barkley understands there will be some growing pains in Year One, especially in a new league that often plays a variety of styles.
He’s hopeful this group can build a foundation as the program looks to move in a new direction.
“There have been a lot of new schemes that our student-athletes have had to learn,” said Barkley. “For the most part our kids have worked hard during the summer and continue to get better. We understand that we still have a lot of work to put in but they are up for the challenge.”
Waynesville will open the 2022 season by hosting Glendale on Aug. 26.
