Coach Kelvin Smith replaces a legendary figure in Coach Anthony Flynn this year on the Ribault Trojan’s sidelines. Coach Flynn retired after leading his team deep into the playoffs in 2015. Coach Smith takes over a team riding high after last year’s performance on the field that included a victory against rival Raines. So spring practice for the boys in blue had a high octane pace. Practice featured several drills to work on agility and speed. The staff encouraged being quick off the ball and controlled in the drills. Coach Smith was observed riding around to personally assist and observe his players at each station.
2016 Trojans out here helping out their old squad @DuvalSports @RibaultTrojans @RibaultFootball pic.twitter.com/ZGmpc7JDiA
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) April 27, 2016
He’ll have some talent to work with this spring and over the summer. An estimated seven starters return on the defense, a unit that Coach Smith is very familiar with. Jaalen Ford, Josh Mincey, Jamal Harrison,Leon Huey, are just a few of the players the Trojans are counting on to make plays. The defensive unit gets some additions in the form of transfers including Jaylen Joyner from First Coast High School. Coach Smith will expect the same high production at Ribault from transfers that achieved success at their previous schools.
Trojans look too be real deep at D-End at least 6 @DuvalSports @RibaultTrojans @RibaultFootball @RIBAULTTROJANSS pic.twitter.com/IDbrNfgNtN
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) April 28, 2016
#DoubleTrouble Jaalen Ford Jaylen Joyner 🔥🔥💰💰@DuvalSports @RibaultTrojans @RibaultFootball @RIBAULTTROJANSS pic.twitter.com/RagSPud8zY
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) April 28, 2016
Coach Nesmith and coach Priester getting them Lbs on point @DuvalSports @RibaultTrojans @RibaultFootball pic.twitter.com/bxpw6A79Dv
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) April 27, 2016
On offense, Ribault will have a quarterback competition that will play out during spring. The staff will use this time to evaluate both potential quarterbacks. Four starters return on the offensive line which will be a strong asset to the team. A committee approach at running back will be the philosophy until one of the young backs takes the ball and runs with it. Replacing Desean McNair will be a monumental task.
Rashard Flynn Maurice Gomillion will both try and replace Desean Mcnair production @DuvalSports @RibaultFootball pic.twitter.com/8Go3GfPgjA
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) April 28, 2016
Rashard Flynn 2017 rb @DuvalSports @RibaultTrojans @RibaultFootball @RIBAULTTROJANSS pic.twitter.com/YbsW2SZHSs
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) April 28, 2016
Ribault receiving weapons @DuvalSports @RibaultTrojans @RibaultFootball @RIBAULTTROJANSS pic.twitter.com/mW9wabP6lw
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) April 28, 2016
Kelvin Smith is a Trojan through and through, but he is more intense of a coach than Coach Flynn who’s presence made him appear as if to float along the sidelines, allowing his assistants to be more hands on. Time will tell if this new attitude will benefit or hinder the team. Coach Smith is intent on building this team into his ideal image. A hard nosed tough squad that can go even further in the playoffs in 2016.
Coverage and Photos by Phil Myers
Story by Andre’ Ellis
