BLUFFTON – Last season, former Bluffton football standout Jeff Richards came back home to take over the reins of the Bluffton football program.
Richards had his share of challenges in 2016, as the Pirates went 3-7, after starting the season 3-1 with two shutouts.
This season, Richards is hoping the offseason commitment from his athletes will make a difference.
“We were just physically inferior to a lot of our opponents that beat us,” Richards said. “We were so small up front. We challenged them. …They had to get bigger and stronger during the offseason, and they’ve done that. We’ve had a number of kids get a lot bigger, stronger and more explosive. Kaleb Jefferson, he’s gained about 15 pounds. He placed ninth at state in the high jump. So, it’s not weighing him down very much.”
Richards said it starts up front, with his offensive linemen.
“Our offensive line is bigger this year, and a lot stronger. That’s the one area where we are the least experienced. We graduated some seniors on our line last year. Also, we had a couple guys on the line last year, that we moved to different positions. Mason Ault (6-1, 171, Jr., WR/DL) was a great blocker last year. This year, he’s at wide receiver, which is his natural position. DeAndre Nassar (5-7, 212, Jr.) played some guard for us last year. Now, he’s a running back for us this
year. He’s very explosive. We’ve put some young guys in there (O-line), and they will have to mature. We’re really focusing on that.”
Leading the way for Bluffton on the offensive side of the football is all-Northwest Conference running back and defensive back Dakota Bricker (5-7, 158, Sr.). In 2016, Bricker led the Pirates with over 1,200 all-purpose years. On defense, Bricker led the team in interceptions. Joining Bricker in the backfield is all-NWC running back and linebacker Kaleb Jefferson (6-1, 215, Sr.). Jefferson led the team in tackles in 2016 with 99.
“Offensively, we run a lot of triple option,” Richards said. “We have some great backs returning. Dakota Bricker will be back. He had double-digit touchdowns last year, and over 1,200 all-purpose yards. And he led our team in interceptions. Kaleb (Jefferson) had 10 touchdowns last year. We have a lot of talent coming back in the backfield.”
However, at summer camp, there’s been an ongoing battle at the quarterback position
“At quarterback, there’s competition for it – Brice Rayle (6-2, 201, Sr.), Logan Rhodes (5-9, 150, Jr.) and Dakota Bricker,” Richards said. “It’s small-school football. If they’re not at that spot, they’ll be at a different spot, because they’re all pretty good athletes.”
In 2016, Bluffton scored 16.4 points per game, while giving up 28 points per outing.
“Defensively, last year we were a 4-3 (formation) team,” Richards said. “That was another thing we looked at. We have great skill-position players. We have fast players. We’re in a 4-2-5 defense, right now. That gives us a chance with our safeties. With multiple safeties, we can do a lot of things. I think it gives us a better fighting chance against the top-tier teams.”
Now, with one year under his belt, Richards feels confident of the direction his program is heading.
“The biggest thing is they know what my staff expects,” Richards said. “Last year, I was their third coach in four years. The seniors, I feel like they are invested a little bit more.”
