Tift County excels at organized team activity

Published 3:00 pm Friday, June 22, 2018

TIFTON, Ga. — Tift County has yet to don the pads this summer, but early views of the squad have been favorable for head coach Ashley Anders.

Tift, which reached the Class 7A state quarterfinals in 2017 with an 11-2 record, has hosted a seven-on-seven camp and has taken on Thomas County Central both at home and on the road in organized team activities.

Anders said though it was still very early in offseason practice, he is “very pleased” with the Blue Devils’ efforts.

Defense and offense have both had turns at impressing coaches, all the way from four freshmen quarterbacks to the varsity linebacking corps.

With Thomas County Central in Wednesday morning at Tift’s practice field, Gary Coleman and Ron Jackson each pulled down interceptions. Though tackling is banned, Tift had multiple quarterback pressures. Several times the play was whistled dead as the Devils more than likely would have had a sack if it was a regular game situation.

Linebackers and secondary have been among the strongest areas in these sessions, with Walter Jackson, Antonio Howard, Rod Redding and Deontae Overstreet all over the field. On offense, Tift seems to have plenty of options to replace Minnesota signee Rashod Bateman.

Jameson Turner and Caddy Curry have shone lately. Turner snagged a touchdown in 2017. Curry will be getting getting his big shot in the lineup in 2018.

“Caddy’s done well,” said Anders. “It’s his time now.”

Tift has more OTAs against Lee County next week. Tuesday’s will be at home with Thursday’s on the road.