Eagles in the News
May 20, 2008 - Rivals.com article features the Niceville Eagles
FV Tour lands in the Panhandle
by Michael Langston (rivals.com)
As we head on I-10 west, the FV Spring tour stopped into Okaloosa County to take a closer look at two arch rivals in Fort Walton Beach and Niceville. Both squads have plenty of fire power on the offensive side of the ball, but it's the Vikings that hold a strong edge in the experience department. Meanwhile, over at Niceville the Eagles boast an electrifying transfer from out-of-state. But who will replace QB Josh McDorman? We answer all of those questions and more.
Big time playmakers for Niceville, but questions at QB linger
There is good news and bad news when you take a close look at this Niceville Eagles 2008 squad. We first focus on the good news. The Eagles returns arguably one of their best offensive squads, with play makers all over the field at skill positions."I can't remember having as many play makers at wide receiver and running back as we have this season," replied Niceville head coach John Hicks.
Hicks is referring to the fact that they return a host of highly regarded prospects and we start first with the wide receiver position in junior Kody Williams (6-2, 190). Kody is a guy that is a highlight reel waiting to happen and he can take it to the end zone at any moment."
The Eagles also have senior Rick Whiddon returning this year and while it's still up in the air where he will line up. Currently he's helping out at quarterback, despite his natural position being wide receiver.
"Rick's not a really big kid, but he's about a 4.5 guy and has very good quickness. As you mentioned, we are playing him some at quarterback and wide receiver so we will move him around a lot. We have some concerns at quarterback, so he's also working for a starting role there as well."
Niceville also had some very surprising, but exciting news when they learned a rising junior RB from out of state would be transferring to the program in 5-foot-10, 188 pound Roy Finch out of Oklahoma. As a sophomore, he rushed for over 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns. Not surprisingly, Finch has already caught the eyes of Coach Hicks.
"Roy has only been here eight days, but he's doing pretty well," said Hicks. "He's still learning the position because we are throwing him all over the place in different positions. Sometimes we line him up at running back and others the slot where I think he will play the most at. The thing with Roy is his amazing change of direction and speed. He has to be considered one of the more talented young running backs we've had come through here. We have no doubt he will pick up the offense. Even more so, he's a great kid with over a 3.2 GPA."
Now to the bad news, the quarterback position. Coach Hicks briefly addressed the concerns of finding someone replace Josh McDorman, an electrifying senior that did so many things for the Eagles offense.
"We run the spread so you can't hide the quarterback position in what we do. At this point, we are just trying to see who can fit into that role. I don't think we have a leading candidate yet, but that's why you have spring practice. I would have to say the two positions I'm concerned about the most would be offensive line and quarterback but were confident we will work out the problems. The concerns can be corrected because it's just experience and learning the reps because the skill is there."
On the defensive side of the ball, Coach Hicks doesn't have any concerns with nine starters returning including all-everything defensive lineman Luke Sager (6-foot-4, 240). Sager overall appears to be the top overall prospect on the team with over seven offers to his credit, but what makes him difficult to slow down is his versatility.
"Luke plays mainly defensive end. He's just a monster to handle because even if you are blocking him that only lasts a few seconds because of his quickness and power. In the trenches and on defense, we feel he should have another big year. We are probably going to use him at tight end on offense as well at times because of his versatility."
The Eagles also return a strong group of linebackers that include Michael White (6-foot, 210) and Kyle Small (6-foot-1, 185). We talked about experience and these two young stars more than can make a difference the difference containing the middle of the field.
"Kyle had great leadership qualities and isn't the biggest linebacker but he's always around the ball so that's what you're looking for out of the position he plays. Michael is our other inside linebacker and so far he's having a very good spring. Then in the secondary we have Tommy Whitfield who really calls most of the plays in there, and makes sure all the guys are lined up properly. Solid instincts, and hitter, not to mention good in coverage as well."
Overall, the Eagles are faster, less experienced and very talented on the defensive side of the ball, which Hicks feels will carry the load early on in the season.
"That's usually how we go with the offense coming around, and maturing. We know the defense is stout so if they can play well early, I think the young guys will come around."
