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Miami Wardogs 2023 Football Team Preview – Presented by Jim Rexwinkle – State Farm

MIAMI WARDOGS

Coach: ZACH GARDNER

6-5

OFFENSE

Miami, coming off its first playoff appearance in 14 years, will be led offensively by junior offensive lineman and VYPE Top 100 selection Hayden Miller (6-2, 245). Miller can play at either the guard or tackle spots in Gardner’s offense, which will primarily be a single back formation with multiple sets. “We will be aggressive in the running game,” Gardner said. The Wardogs must replace quarterback Karson Jinks. The candidates are sophomore Grant Lawless (6-1, 175) and junior Sam Lillard (6-1, 150). “We have had a great competition at that role and have been very pleased throughout spring camp,” Gardner said. In backup roles last year, Lawless and Lillard combined to throw for 74 yards and one TD. Miami has more experience on the offensive line to go along with Miller in Josiah Barley (6-3, 290). Receiver Garrett Walls (5-10, 155, Sr.) returns after leading the Wardogs with 27 receptions and 244 receiving yards last season. Walls also had four touchdowns. The Wardogs return five starters on the offensive side of the ball.

DEFENSE

The Wardogs have even more returning experience on defense with seven returning starters under defensive coordinator Brad Homer, who will utilize the 40 defense with multiple pressures. “We return a lot of experience on defense and look to be better at third-and-long situations,” Gardner said. Miami will be led by VYPE Top 100 selection Chris Kelley (6-0, 210, Jr.) at linebacker. Kelley, who has excelled in powerlifting and is expected to be highly recruited, recorded 103 total tackles, 12 tackles for losses and caused two fumbles as a sophomore. Kelley will also be used offensively as a running back. Junior Seth Davis (6-2, 205) returns at another linebacker spot. Hunter Nichols (6-0, 210, Sr.), Zander Clark (5-10, 205, Jr.) and Kim Chura (5-10, 330, Sr.) all return to the defensive line. Nichols had 11 tackles for losses and led the team with seven sacks in 2022, and Clark finished with 36 tackles. David Homer (5-8, 155, Jr.) is back in the secondary at free safety. Homer collected 85 tackles, had one INT and three pass breakups as a sophomore.

SCHEDULE

8-25 – at Dewey

9-1 – at Grove

9-8 – vs. Inola

9-22 – at Cushing

9-29 – vs. Tulsa McLain

10-6 – vs. Skiatook

10-13 – at Catoosa

10-20 – vs. Oologah

10-27 – vs. Cleveland

11-3 – at Wagoner

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