Spring, summer and fall: NGU football is putting in work all year long
Photo courtesy of Devonaire Willoughby
Kelsey Watson, Sports Editor
How hard are you willing to work? As a football player, the answer to that question can’t only be hard, but having the willingness to outwork everyone. That is exactly what North Greenville University’s football team has done in preparation for this season.
NGU football is looking hopeful going into this season. From spring and summer workouts to fall camp, the team has put in the work.
“The big thing that I’ve enjoyed watching this group do from the spring on in camp is they compete against each other,” said head coach Jeff Farrington. “It’s a man’s game, and somebody’s going to win that play and somebody’s going to lose that play, and we want to compete.”
This year, the Trailblazer football team has roughly 120 players with around 45 being either freshmen or transfer students. With the addition of so many new players, Farrington is looking forward to seeing how they contribute on the field.
“It takes a while to adjust, but we’ve got a lot of promising young men that’s out there working that we feel like are going to eventually help our program. Some might have a chance this year,” Farrington said.
Senior offensive lineman Jaxon Giles believes the team has been working well together this far into season.
Giles said, “I think we have a very balanced team this year. Versus the past, we’ve been heavy, kind of on either one side of the ball or the other. I think this year we’re very complimentary of each other.”
In preparation for this upcoming season, Farrington and his coaching staff have focused on staying organized and timely so they can produce the best athletes they can on the field. He says they have pushed the young men to become leaders.
After the season’s end, departing seniors can put dents into rosters where spots need to be filled. Farrington says this year, there is not much rebuilding that needs to be done.
He said, “We really don’t have a rebuild in any area. We’ve got some game experience back, guys that are moved into opportunities to compete for game experience.”
Other than special teams where some unfamiliar faces will be seen, the Trailblazer offense and defense are returning some experienced players. Farrington believes having this many talented young players back this year is huge going into the season.
Looking ahead to the first game of the season against Keiser, the team has been doing as much film review as they can. Giles said they have been studying and trying to schematically analyze the opposing team’s offense and defense to see how their past tendencies translate to the field.
“We’re gonna do what we do best, and I think we do that better than most people,” said Giles.
With this possibly being Giles last year putting on the number 51, he is hopeful he is leaving a legacy for the younger men to look up to.
“I’m just really trying to create a tight bond with the team. It’s hard to beat a group of guys who play for each other, who love each other, who have each other’s back through any situation or moment,” he said.
Giles is focused on tightening the bond of his team that lasts even after he graduates.
North Greenville’s football season starts off hosting Keiser University in the Ville on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.
