Kevin Sullivan returns to the High School sidelines this spring as the new Head Coach of the Ed White Commanders. Sullivan last coached in 2014 where he finished his fifth year as the head man at Atlantic Coast. Before that, Sullivan spent 11 years at Andrew Jackson, where he led them to several playoff appearances and a 93-33 record in two stints. Coach Sullivan coached JU football in the year hiatus, where he said he enjoyed the experience of assisting the college program. His first love however was hands on coaching, and he knew he could achieve that at the high school level. After Ed White dismissed Paul Pierson at the end of the 2014 season, they rehired long time Commander Head Coach Terry Gilliam. But Gilliam was let go after just one year, and Sullivan got the call. With the program in such flux, Coach Sullivan plans to build the program from scratch.
Spring practice on Jacksonville’s westside included film study, weight lifting, football drills, and instruction from former players and current coaches for Sullivan. Including former Andrew Jackson and Florida State standout Leon Washington. Washington spent the afternoon giving advice to young players and providing drill tips to some of the starters.
Leon Washington comes thru to help out Coach Sullivan @DuvalSports @EdWhiteFootball pic.twitter.com/1WeCKsfuQB
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) April 28, 2016
“It’s a growing process, but I am very pleased”, said Sullivan of his first week. He knows its going to be a process in rebuilding a program that was ravaged last year with the loss of players. They have seven returning starters on defense, and a lot of new additions. He is looking to deploy an aggressive defense.
Offense will have Terry Gilliam at Quarterback who will be learning a new system. Offensive line will continue to work harder and better. The backfield will have a committee approach, as the spring will tell a lot about the roster. They are replacing a lot of guys on offense, so they’re hope is to develop young talent quickly.
Terry Gilliam will lead the Commanders at QB this year @DuvalSports @EdWhiteFootball pic.twitter.com/LDrMpW5axs
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) April 28, 2016
Devon Mondy and Caleb Steward will provide explosive plays for the Commanders offense @DuvalSports @EdWhiteFootball pic.twitter.com/WAAB9ZCXky
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) April 28, 2016
Coverage & Photos by Phil Myers
Story by Andre’ Ellis
